Many retirees are redefining their golden years by becoming active participants in social and environmental causes. For individuals like Marie Martin, 78, retirement has become a platform for advocacy rather than a time for leisure. "Our generation is responsible for this mess, so we need to step up," says Lee Coaldrake, a 72-year-old climate activist.

Marie, a former pharmacist from Melbourne, joined Grandmothers Against the Detention of Refugee Children after being disturbed by the government's policy of detaining asylum seeker children. "It was just morally wrong. And wicked," she states. After retiring 15 years ago, she began attending protests and rallies, inspired by a group of women dressed in purple, reminiscent of the suffragette movement.

Marie recalls a significant event where she joined 500 women in Canberra, all dressed in purple, to advocate for change. "They announced us and then said [to the sitting parliamentarians] 'You better behave because the Grandmothers are here,'" she says. Her efforts contributed to the eventual removal of asylum seeker children from Nauru in 2019, leading to a rebranding of her group to "Grandmothers for Refugees."

Another retiree, Lee Coaldrake, has focused her activism on climate issues since retiring eight years ago. She has worked with various organizations, including Extinction Rebellion, and has participated in protests against coal projects. "Protesting is exhausting, stressful and nerve-wracking," she admits, but feels compelled to act due to the urgency of climate change. In 2022, she was charged for unfurling an anti-coal banner in Queensland's parliament. "While I am committed to protesting until our government recognizes the urgency, it is not a comfortable space," she explains.

Jaimie Jeffrey, 62, has also embraced activism full-time since retiring from public service three years ago. Initially focused on anti-AUKUS campaigns, she has shifted her attention to issues surrounding Palestine and local weapons manufacturing. "Injustice absolutely enrages me, and I see injustice all around," she says. Jaimie was recently charged with trespassing during a protest and is currently on bail.

All three women emphasize the importance of their generation taking responsibility for the state of the world. Jaimie believes that older activists have a duty to engage in riskier forms of activism, stating, "We are the ones who should be putting in the work and taking the risks that are involved in taking action against injustice."

Despite the challenges, these retirees find fulfillment in their activism. They encourage younger generations to join their efforts, highlighting the need for succession planning in social movements. "There's a lot to learn, a lot of skills to learn, and a lot of experience to be gained," Jaimie notes.

As they continue to advocate for change, these retirees demonstrate that retirement can be a time for impactful action rather than withdrawal from societal issues. Their stories reflect a growing trend among seniors who are using their time and experience to fight for a better future.