We Are Retired Not ExpireD!

Why WARNED

The city accentuates the feeling of isolation: meeting places are disappearing, neighborhood relations are weakening and ageism is insidiously taking hold in the organization of society. Older people are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation - especially in cities - and this can have serious consequences for their health. Studies suggest that loneliness could increase the risk of premature death by a quarter or more and be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It is the responsibility of all of us to encourage intergenerational connection and to lift the elderly out of loneliness.

A new phenomenon is here: more time is available to today's generation of seniors. Life has lengthened to such an extent that we face twenty, thirty, even forty years of life beyond retirement. What to do with this gift? What projects can we envisage that prove suitable, fruitful, realistic and inventive? How can a positive “aging culture” emerge that both provides seniors with better living conditions and also gives meaning to what they experience? We have to be intelligent and creative in order to tackle “sustainable aging” head-on. This is where WARNED comes in. WARNED - We Are Retired Not ExpireD - is a non-profit which dedicates itself to the creation of unique initiatives, events and activities that activate the senior community. We aim to revolutionize the world of seniors by actively fighting ageism and highlighting the positive role played by retirees within society. We help seniors - GOLDIES - to pursue more active and fulfilling social live, and have fun! We promote intergenerational relationships and social cohesion. We add value through the sharing and transfer of professional skills. We encourage seniors to celebrate their age with confidence and pride.

Our Pillars

These three philosophical pillars form the bedrock of all WARNED’s initiatives,

  • Social Connection

    Our Thé Dansant and Jardin activities emphasize social connection between GOLDIES and their community via friendship and personal relationships. By providing a supportive, safe and fun environment, we encourage intergenerational mixing, peer-to-peer relationships and active participation.

  • Emotional Wellbeing

    At the heart of our Third date initiative is the belief that all GOLDIES should have the space to develop self confidence, to boost self esteem, and to improve mood which all carry forward into their daily lives. We make it a priority to offer emotional support to grow.

  • Professional Power

    Our Third Act initiatives celebrates the deep professional experience that all our GOLDIES have to offer, no matter their field of expertise. We recognize the enduring vitality of a senior workforce by creating projects that aid professional connection and knowledge sharing.

Our Values

These three pillars - and their associated initiatives - forge and encourage the creation of the following values within our body of staff, volunteers, artists, and community of GOLDIES.

  • Inclusivity

    We are open-minded and respectful of difference. Everyone is welcome equally, regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, religion, politics, marital status or profession.

  • Participation

    Self expression and participation is key. There are no spectators! Everyone is encouraged to participate fully in all activities and freely express their individuality.

  • Autonomy

    We want everyone to feel autonomous - especially physically, socially and emotionally. We encourage all our participants to feel free to move and express themselves.

Our Benefits

Our pillars and values bring long-lasting benefits to our GOLDIE community. These benefits aim to positively transform their everyday lives.

  • Personal Relationships

    Finding and developing meaningful companionships, love, joy and friendship.

  • Spontaneity and Curiosity

    Seizing the day and having active curiosity in every new experience.

  • Intellectual Engagement

    Facing activities which challenges us to think, reflect and react with courage and confidence.

  • Intimacy

    Finding emotional intimacy between partners/friends and the (re-)awakening of one’s sensual, sexual and spiritual selves.

  • Generosity

    Making time for each other and sharing one’s skills, expertise, empathy and time freely with those around us.

  • Co-Creation

    Collaborating together in order to allow a sense of pride and civic responsibility in our community.

 

GOLDIES

GOLDIES - the community of seniors 65+ - are the beating heart of WARNED. Regardless of marital status, gender, sexuality, race, politics, religion, economic background or profession, all GOLDIES are welcome to participate in the unique events, activities and initiatives that WARNED creates.

At WARNED, we aim to release the FLAMINGOLD in all our GOLDIES. Perfectly embodying the spirit of the GOLDIE, the pink flamingo represents the mastery of emotions, cooperation, openness and love, while being charming, graceful and serene. It traditionally symbolizes one’s social nature and the desire to create community bonds in which we can all trust.

Most importantly, the flamingo represents the late blossoming of beauty and confidence. Born grey and pale, it takes on its distinctive colour with age - just as our GOLDIES are encouraged to flourish with pride during their senior years.

"Go ahead, your morale will be at its zenith" Laurence

‘Go ahead, your morale will be at its zenith’

Laurence

"It really is a cure for loneliness" Christine

‘It really is a cure for loneliness’

Christine

"Should be sponsored by social security" Lorette

‘Should be sponsored by social security’

Lorette

"It's fun, relaxed, unfussy and without any difference in social class: it's the Joie de Vivre" Christian

‘It's fun, relaxed, unfussy and without any difference in social class: it's the Joie de Vivre’

Christian

‘Thank you, thank you, thank you: simply MAGNIFICENT. I spent wonderful moments among you. I will never forget.

— Anne Marie

‘I’ve never been disappointed.’

— Alain

‘You will immerse yourself in a bath of benevolence, exchanges, listening and sympathy.’

— Marie-Catherine

 

What The Press Is Saying…

'You have shown us that some are old before their time, others are young after.’

— Magazine Wolvendael, Uccle (June 21)

‘Come and relax, have fun, meet new people, or just take a nap in a deckchair.’

— VLAN (Sep 21)

Meet Our Staff

Say hello to the people at the centre of the WARNED team.

  • Sophie Brouhon

    Founder and Director

  • Laurence Martinier

    HR / Project Manager

  • Ilana Sandelowsky

    Strategic and Business Lead

Interested in joining our staff? Check out our current openings:

Give to WARNED

As our community of GOLDIES grows, our operations require ever more support and funding. Help us to continue in our mission of revolutionizing the world of seniors, of fighting ageism and of highlighting the positive role played by retirees within society..

WARNED MEMBERSHIP

50 EUROS

Become a member of the WARNED Association for just 50 EUROS a year.

This modest donation enables us to continue our mission of activating further social, personal and professional development in our GOLDIE community - and effecting intergenerational change throughout the WARNED universe.

We Are FLAMINGOLD!