Fraternities and Sororities for Retirees

Social clubs for seniors 50 and older are taking off

By Emily Brandon

Posted: September 2, 2008

Red Hat Society esteemed vice mother Linda Murphy (L) and founder Sue Ellen Cooper pose after participating in a Guinness World Record attempt for most people in a chorus line January 26, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Red Hat Society is more like a sorority than a dinner club.

Remaining inclusive. Much like fraternities and sororities, both groups are single sex only. "I'm married, and I know when I am with couples it is a different experience," says Granich. "When you are with girlfriends, you can let your hair down and just be yourself."

Many of the men's groups, however, sometimes invite their spouses and significant others. "We give the ladies a chance three times a year," says Pierman. "But when you have the women there, you talk about different things." And at least one Romeo group said it wouldn't be opposed to a Juliet member. "I suppose if a woman wanted to join the group, we wouldn't object to it," says Gliick. "But why would a woman want to hang out with a bunch of old goats like us?"

Fraternities and Sororities

The ROMEO clubs are a wonderful way for both newcomers or visitors to come into a strange community and feel welcome with a "no strings attached" stigma.

The clubs are loosely organized with little if any structure, by laws, rules or protocol, and everyone is accepted on face value.

What is really nice is the flexibility for everyone to be able to make their own selection of menu, and pay accordingly as the restaurants are delighted to have 20-30 for lunch, even if it means having to issue seperate checks.

Bruce D. Friedman, Tucson, Romeo Group of AZ @ Sep 05, 2008 17:13:41 PM

Find a ROMEO Club

How to find a ROMEO Club near you

There are many ROMEO Clubs that are associated with Church groups, National Organizations & Clubs, City Senior Centers, Homeowners Associations, Labor & worker Groups, etc. These establishments usually have their own website and the ROMEO group that is associated with them share a webpage on the establishments main website. Therefore you will not find a page for them on our website, http://www.romeoclub.org/ although we try to find them and put links to their webpage or listing. That being the case, you can search the internet as follows:

In the Google or other search engine’s search box type in the words: romeo club “retired old men” (your city state, this will bring up a short list of possible clubs or some information to search further. Another approach is to check notices in the local newspaper. Look at the coming events and meetings section or the clubs and organizations section. If you can't find one, Go for it, and start your own club

Harvey Pierman of AZ @ Sep 04, 2008 19:40:10 PM

Thank goodness people old enough to have retirement clubs also have enough sense and compassion to NOT run them like sororities and fraternities (except Country Clubs, of course, those golf things that are still as exclusive and haughty as ever.)

The most popular retirement "club" is church. Always has been. Will remain so.

of @ Sep 03, 2008 11:58:16 AM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

advertisement

Slide Shows

10 Hard-Hit Housing Markets Ready to Rebound

Even with home prices still falling at the national level, a number of markets are gearing up for a rebound.

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!