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The Ethel Logo
The Ethel Logo

Celebrating the Women Who Make The Ethel Possible

WATCH: In honor of AARP's Volunteer Appreciation Month, meet the women who bring The Ethel community to life through connection, support, and shared experiences.

Ethel's Closet is a community-driven initative inspired by AARP Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus's advocacy and benevolence. It aims to support women and girls through donations and social connections.

Connection Comes in Many Forms

The Ethel began as a newsletter — but it has grown into something much bigger. Today, women across the country are creating friendships, hosting gatherings, supporting one another, and forming meaningful bonds in their local communities. This video highlights the volunteers and members who help make those connections possible.

Illustration of three women sitting on a pink block talking, one holding a phone, one holding a coffee, and one raising her hand

People

Meet like-minded mature women who share your interests and life experiences -- and hopefully make new friends.

Illustration of a woman sitting on a tree branch with birds, and silhouettes of people hanging from the tree

Purpose

Hear stories, get advice, and have real conversations about aging your way.

Ethel Travel Theme Illustration Featuring Four Women

Play

Join online conversations, events, and gatherings, and attend in-person gatherings in your local community.

Find Friendship & Community

The Ethel Community supports and celebrates women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond through our Social Groups. Find the one that suits you best or join them all!

Three older adult women sitting together at a table, enjoying coffee in red cups. The background features pink and green geometric shapes with playful decorative elements like sparkles, exclamation marks, and the word “Enjoy!” in handwritten style.

Local Gathering Groups

Meet new friends in your area or virtually. Or start a new Ethel Gathering Group near you!

Illustration of four older adults using smartphones and a laptop, arranged around a green semicircle with a pink background. A stylized drawing of a laptop with glasses on the screen and speech bubbles above suggests digital communication and online interaction.

The Ethel Circle

Join other women in the convo on navigating aging. Uplift each other and break stereotypes.

Four women standing together outdoors, dressed in casual travel attire with hats and handbags. The background features illustrated mountains, a city skyline, an airplane, and a sun, symbolizing travel and adventure.

Ethel On-the-Go

Join a like-minded community of travelers who prove you're never too old for adventure.