“Life begins at 50,” or so I’ve heard from people who have recently reached the half-century mark. On the other hand, I have been told, “Well, it’s all downhill from here,” by less optimistic folks who are planted firmly in that decade or beyond.

Not being 50 yet myself, I am choosing to put my faith in the former group. And after thinking about it for a while I realized, in most things, downhill is easier. I would rather walk down a hill than up. Think biking, skiing and mountain climbing. Not being the least bit athletic, I can only assume that ascending a hill during these activities is far more difficult than the reverse.

So, if it is downhill at 50, then I say bring it on. And there is a very large group of women across the world that embraces the same philosophy.

Meet the Red Hat Society.

Inspired by the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph, whose verses reveal the author’s intention to wear red hats and purple clothing when she becomes an old woman, Californian Sue Ellen Cooper donned the appropriate attire and, with a few friends, formed the Red Hat Society. The idea caught on among other women who, at 50-plus, decided to “greet middle age with verve, humor, and elan,” according to the society’s statement of purpose.

There are now chapters far and wide – each with their own individual name – which is registered with the national Red Hat Society. Our state has chapters in Bangor, Augusta, Bar Harbor, Lincoln, Waterville and Portland.

“It’s just a fun thing to do,” said Faye Robinson, founder of the local chapter, Bangor Babes in Bonnets. “I think that’s what’s so attractive to people. And it is really fun to see people in their outfits.”

The group meets monthly for the sole purpose of having a good time.

“In July we held a tea, in August we went to the Folk Festival together, in September we had a shop-til-you-drop day in Portland, and in October we had a scrapbooking day. Every month is something different,” Robinson said.

Even though groups were “a little nervous” the first time they appeared in public in full regalia, the jitters soon gave way to laughter.

“We get a lot of attention when we go out, and everybody gets a kick out of it,” Robinson said. “Usually people say, ‘Oh, you’re those red hat people.’ It seems everyone who hears about it wants to be in a group. I get a lot of e-mail asking about it.”

The only requirement to belong to the Red Hat Society is a desire to have fun. There are no regular dues, no set rules other than wearing a red hat and purple clothing when attending a chapter function, and no obligations.

When choosing an ensemble the mantra is personal style. Red hats can be elaborate, a la Queen Elizabeth, or as simple as a baseball cap. The same goes for the outfit.

One new member re-examined bags of old clothes slated for a garage sale and retrieved everything purple.

“I just love having fun, and it’s a bonding type of sisterhood,” Robinson said. “We would love to have more members. If you have a red hat and a purple outfit and like to have fun, join us.”

Not quite 50 but want to take part in the fun? You don’t have to wait until the big birthday. “Our younger members are called Ladies in Waiting,” Robinson added. “They wear pink hats and lavender attire until they turn 50, and then there is a RED-uation ceremony where they will receive a red hat.”

For more information on the Red Hat Society, call Ann Gravelle at 974-2028 after 5 p.m., or e-mail Faye at fayeatbeach@att.net.

Due to an editing error in last week’s column, Oaksman Smiley was referred to as late. He is in fact very much alive, and I sincerely apologize for any distress caused to the family.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA programs and services, call the resource and referral department at 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.