I want to be a red hat lady Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 1 2009 05:02 AM When I grow up, I want to be a red hat lady.

I'm sure most of you have at least spotted the typically self-confident, boisterous older women who travel in groups.

I always get a big smile on my face when I see them. This week, the setting was Red Lobster.

There they were – 12 beautiful ladies, laughing, chatting, enjoying their meal – their purple garb, feather boas, other attention-getting accessories and scarlet hats of all sizes, shapes and styles catching the light and spicing up the atmosphere in the restaurant.

These ladies are members of The Red Hat Society, a social organization founded in 1998 for women approaching the age of 50 and beyond. It's the largest women's social group in the world.

I've never met one of these "Red Hatters" who isn't self assured, joyful and a social butterfly. In what our society labels the "twilight" years of their lives, these women seem like they've just begun truly enjoying life.

And that's what I want to be like in my 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s ... maybe even 90s if I am so blessed.

I'm not exaggerating.

Earlier this week I was visited by a gorgeous, impeccably dressed, highly expressive, intelligent and well-spoken 90-something-year-old. Again, I thought, I want to be like her when I grow up. I even told her so. She complimented my dress and I complimented her life.

You see, that's what I think of when I see healthy, happy senior citizens. The elders of our country inspire me. They motivate me to live life to the fullest, take care of myself, do all I can in the time I am given and work hard now so I can retire in peace one day and then enjoy all that life has to offer without the constraints of a 9 to 5 job.

The ladies at Red Lobster seemed to be doing just that. It was the middle of the day and while I had to rush back to work, they were still swapping stories and giggling when I walked out.

I don't know the true tales they told. I'm sure they have fascinating stories to share. But I do know that at that moment, those lovely women weren't regretting anything, feeling sorry for themselves and sighing because youth had escaped them.

What a ridiculous concept but one that plagues our country. It seems we're obsessed with youth. Why? They don't know what they're are doing.

I want to be wise, experienced, tested by the trials of life, having emerged from such tribulation with a broad, wrinkly smile on face. That's to be admired. That's to be sought after. That's certainly what I do. I've always hung around people older than me, my elders, whom I respect, and I heed their advice.

When people meet me they say I look young, but they always think I'm wise beyond my years. That's because I'm obsessed with age and wisdom, not youth and naïvety. I like learning from other people's experiences. I like growing up.

I know what you're thinking ... "She says that now but will be crying and getting plastic surgery when those crows feet start popping up."

Nope. I take care of myself with healthy eating, exercise, vitamins and lots of face cream. I want to age gracefully but I do want to age. I won't hide it.

I imaging myself traveling all over the world and ending each night on a porch, balcony or beach front with a book in hand and yes, many wrinkles mostly surrounding my mouth – smile lines from all the laughing I'd done in my long life. And I'll probably be returning from some loud gathering ... removing my red hat.

Managing Editor Olga Peña; lives in Copperas Cove with her two children, Daniel and Elizabeth. E-mail her at opena@kdhnews.com.