Celebrating individuals aged 50+

What do Cher, Steven Spielberg and William J. Clinton have in common? They are among the first baby boomers to turn 70 during 2017.

Unlike previous generations who saw milestones such as retirement or turning 70 as indicators they were approaching the end of their life, today’s boomers are vibrant, engaged and continue to make positive contributions in their professions and to society.

According to a Globe and Mail article — “The boomer shift,” Jan. 5, 2017 — “As of this year, for the first time, Canada has more people over the age of 65 than under 15. The age group that now encompasses the boomer generation — 50 to 69 — makes up 27 per cent of the population, compared with 18 per cent in that age group two decades ago.”

This aging population is changing the fabric of society; so why is it that society is still obsessed with youth — just think about all those top 30 under 30 and top 40 over 40 lists. Traditionally, innovation and “change-making” has primarily been recognized to be within the sphere of the young.

However, individuals who are midlife aged and beyond represent an incredible source of talent, experience and wisdom that provides them the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and to the world. They have a desire to follow their passions, fulfil lifelong dreams and improve the future for generations to come. Moreover, they are among the largest group of individuals to keep philanthropic efforts and volunteerism, which are critical to societal progress alive and well.

That’s why Ageworks has chosen to publicly acknowledge successful accomplishments of people aged 50+; to raise awareness for this inequity and to demonstrate that older people offer a variety of innovative solutions to an array of important societal issues.

The Aageworks Top 50 Over 50 Awards celebrate Canadians who know who to dream, create, contribute and achieve in many different areas. The recipients, and their stories, will serve as inspiration to others with a message that you’re never too old to make significant changes in your career or your life via reinvention, pursue a long-held dream or redefine what it means to be successful. These amazing stories will be publicly leveraged to help combat some of the ageism myths, like over 50 means over the hill, that still exist and reflect the new realities of what it means to age in today’s world.

Success will be measured on a variety of criteria, including finding purpose, social change, volunteerism, great athletic achievements, innovation and inspiring others, by a panel of independent judges who have significant expertise and involvement within the 50+ category. The judging panel includes representatives from the International Federation on Ageing, National Institute on Ageing and Sheridan Centre for Elder Research.

If you know someone over the age of 50 who inspires others through their accomplishments, nominate them at www.ageworks.co. Nominations close Nov. 15. For more information or to nominate someone. email info@ageworks.co.