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Which older person inspires you?
People in the [region here] are being urged to nominate inspirational older people, as part of the new 60 over 60 campaign to celebrate the growing numbers of older people in the UK and around the world.
The call comes from charity Age International, the UK partner of charity HelpAge International that is working with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) who today jointly released the report Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and A Challenge.
Nominees can be from any walk of life and could include older people in the community who make a difference to those around by them by volunteering or acting as carers, or world renowned figures such as Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey or Sir Alex Ferguson.
In the UK over 14 million people are 60+ and across the world 810 million, nearly an eighth of the global population, are over 60. 60 over 60 aims to draw attention and celebrate the fact that people are living longer by featuring inspiring older people.
Nominations will be open until 23 November at which point an expert panel of respected public figures will narrow the list down to 60 people.
Chris Roles, Director of Age International said: “One of the joys of being older is having a lifetime’s experience, wisdom and ideas to share with others. Across the world, older people are making a difference to their communities whether that is their village, city or on a global stage.
“60 over 60 aims to capture the unique contribution of older people to society in many different ways. This could be in business, politics, the arts, sport or by helping others in our communities. So if you know anyone 60+ who inspires you, we’d love to hear about them.”
People can nominate themselves or an older person they admire by visiting www.7billionactions/60over60, tweeting using the hashtag #60over60 or by posting on HelpAge International or UNFPA’s Facebook walls.
HelpAge International and UNFPA today launched the report Ageing in the Twenty-First Century: A Celebration and A Challenge, which calls for urgent action by governments around the world to address the needs of older people.
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Notes to editors
Age International
Age International is a subsidiary charity of Age UK and UK member of the HelpAge International Network .
HelpAge International
HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives.
Age UK
For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729. www.ageuk.org.uk
Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.
We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to well over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity HelpAge International.
Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group (“we”). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).