Blog #52. The Revolution has Wrinkles

"Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age." — Gloria Steinem

What is it about time that sharpens our sense of justice? Why do older women, instead of fading into invisibility, step into their power and demand justice?

History tells us this: When the world needs progressive revolution, look for the women who have seen too much, who have outlived patience, and who no longer care whether they ruffle feathers, or “worse”.

Dorothy Day embodied the idea that faith without action is meaningless. She co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement and spent decades fighting segregation and inequality, challenging systems of oppression well into her 80s.

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina refused to let silence erase the children stolen during the junta-led Dirty War (1976-1983). Even in their 80s and 90s, they marched, demanded answers, and forced a nation to reckon with its crimes.

The Raging Grannies of Canada prove that activism doesn’t have an age limit—or a dress code. Dressed in their signature hats, these grandmothers have spent decades disrupting meetings, singing satirical protest songs, and calling out corporate and political hypocrisy.

Modern climate warriors like Dr. Vandana Shiva and indigenous grandmothers worldwide remind us that protecting the planet is a lifelong fight. Many of the fiercest environmental defenders are older women who see the long arc of history—and refuse to let destruction define the future.

These are just a very few examples of women-led justice. These women are not relics. They are not limited to one part of the globe. They are revolutionaries.

We know that ageist, sexist message from society tells us to age into oblivion. But we have other plans (and action!). Look around right now, and you’ll see women of all ages fighting for reproductive rights, climate justice, racial equality, economic equity, and democracy.

Yes, it does feel like the tide turned in the wrong direction right now. Everywhere. I find myself bouncing between rage, determination, and overwhelm most days. But these toxic emotions will not help me or help the communities and cultures I believe in. In fact, it is that stunned silence and overwhelmed immobility that the bastards are trying to create. Shock and awe means we won’t or can’t act.

So, let’s do something. Anything. To piss them off and prove them wrong! And by taking up action, we can connect with our younger sisters, daughters, or cousins and learn from each other. Feels better already, doesn’t it?

What revolution is calling your name? Pick one, just one! It’s no good spreading yourself too thin. There are many ways to get involved. Call your elected representatives. Take part in townhalls. Support non-profit groups that do great work (and likely just had their federal funding eviscerated).

We older women are revolutionaries; and we are worldwide. Come join us at WonderCrone.com or at Mighty Networks’ Where Wisdom Meets Wonder membership community. Solidarity and action will see us through these difficult days.