Alliance for Holistic Aging (AHA) believes that changing the way our society views aging in America begins with changing perceptions of what it means to be elderly. Rather than primarily focusing on the costs associated with a maturing population we believe it is as significant, if not more so, to take stock in the enormous reservoir of talent, energy, and experience that our elders have to offer.

In focusing our attention on what a new model for aging might look like AHA is seeking to discover role models for the new millennium. In short, we are looking for people to acknowledge and honor who by their own actions, simple or profound, can encourage and inspire others to do the same.

Below is a list of criteria we have come up with that we believe is significant in setting standards for our own special list of the Top 50 People Over 60:

* Positive attitude-express it daily
* A purpose that drives their creative juices
* Exhibit a sense of belonging and family be it biological or of choice
* A belief in something greater than themselves
* A sense of connection to history, tradition or other generations
* Able to get through their fears.
* Being courageous.
* A warrior
* A sense of humor
* Reciprocity - give and take of life
* Teacher/mentor
* Fun-spreading joy everyday
* Inspire others
* Creative problem solvers
* Exhibit fairness and decency
* Make the world a better place

The following represent some of our choices:

1. Maya Angelou, poet, author, friend, mentor, role model. Her words come from the deepest recesses of her heart and bring inspiration and hope to all who hear or read them.

2. David B. Wolfe, pioneer of ageless marketing, author, consultant, mentor, teacher, friend. His profound understanding of consumer behavior changing according to the seasons of one's life has assisted companies around the world to better understand how to connect with the hearts and minds of all their stakeholders.

3. Gene D. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University, a professor of health care sciences and of psychiatry. He served as the first chief of the Center on Aging at the National Institute of Mental Health. An author, a mentor, a visionary who forged new paths of understanding about the second half of adult life--showing it as a time of creativity, growth, and emotional fulfillment.

We ask too, that you:

* Send us your thoughts on the subject. All relevant comments (subject to editing) will be posted.
* Nominate someone that you believe meets our criteria. (They can be individuals who are well known, unknown, friend, family member or other)

Please join us in discovering and honoring their wisdom.