'60 over 60': A Call for Nominations of Outstanding Older People

To celebrate the release of their latest report, Ageing in the 21^st Century: A Celebration and a Challenge, UNFPA and HelpAge International are launching, 60 over 60, a list of 60 inspiring and influential older people over 60, and need your help. You can nominate yourself, or an older person you admire - they are looking for a diverse group representing many nationalities and ages.

There are 3 ways you can nominate your inspiring older person for the 60 over 60 list:

• Visit www.7billionactions/60over60 to submit a photo and short story, telling us in 150 words or less about the nominee’s accomplishments and qualities.
• Post an image to the UNFPA or HelpAge’s Facebook wall with a short text.
• Share a tweet of 140 characters or less, using the #60over60 hashtag

Perceptions of the world’s ‘age burden’ are outdated. Older people can be athletes, statesmen, innovators, entrepreneurs, caregivers, activists. They can teach, inspire, influence, lead, innovate and create. As longevity increases and health improves, older people can contribute more to society than ever before. And their contributions will become increasingly important as the world grows older – a phenomenon that is happening in nearly every country and every region.

Here are just a few examples:

• 106-year-old Saburo Schohi from Japan is the oldest person to travel around the world using public transport.

• 78-year-old Mama Rhoda from Kenya is an Age Demands Action campaigner and award-winning community worker. She represents her fellow older Kenyans at Government level.

• And of course, 94-year-old Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa, Nobel Peace Laureate, and founder of the Elders – a group of global leaders working together for peace and human rights.

Nominations close on 23 November 2012

All qualifying nominees will be posted on the 60 over 60 webpage of the 7 Billion Actions platform.

An expert panel of respected public figures working with older people, or older people themselves, will narrow the list down to 60 people. The panel’s selections will be announced in December 2012 and the 60 over 60 list will be featured online and in the media.

Additional links:

• 60 over 60
• 7 billion Action website
• United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA
• HelpAge International