The 11^th annual celebration was held Sept. 30 at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, recognizing 35 older adults for 2022. The ceremony is an Optimal Aging Month signature event organized each year by the  Trager Institute/Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic to create an age-friendly culture in our community.

“The whole day was so special, making me and the honorees feel like a celebrity with all the attention,” said honoree Abbie Creed, 91. “From the minute I stepped onto the property, receiving a nametag and the beautiful corsage, being escorted to my table, receiving the certificate and especially the beautiful Gold Medal and the kindness shown throughout the whole program, made me feel so special and pampered beyond measure.”

Read about the exceptional older adults listed below at the . To see more photos from the event, visit the .

Virginia Bell | Age: 100

Ann Carter | Age: 89

Julia Coulter | Age: 86

Abbie Creed | Age: 91

Denny Crum | Age: 85

Sister Julia Davis | Age: 85

Rita Durbin | Age: 91

Reverend Jerry Eifler | Age: 86

Marge Fore | Age: 93

Betty French | Age: 85

Sarah Gabler  | Age: 96

Mary Grayson | Age: 95

Jess and Rilda Hendrix | Age: 89 & 86

Patricia Holtzapple | Age: 90

Roma Houchin | Age: 86

Delbert Keith | Age: 89

Charles Kenneth Kinberger | Age: 94

Marjorie “Margie” Manning | Age: 93

Maria Marquez | Age: 86

Bertha Mason | Age: 97

Connie Miceli | Age: 93

John Moore | Age: 89

Elaine Morgan | Age: 85

Arla Nesbit | Age: 87

Norma Niehaus | Age: 91

Eleanor Price | Age: 102

Sheldon Rifkin | Age: 87

William Schmitt | Age: 90

David Stewart | Age: 86

Betty Stotz | Age: 88

Robin Whitehouse | Age: 87

Willa Fae Williams | Age: 86

Jocille Wright | Age: 92

Bette Zeller | Age: 95

“This distinction celebrates not only lifetime achievements but also the continuing contribution of older adults,” said Christian Furman, MD, medical director of the institute. “This award is one of the cornerstone events of Optimal Aging Month in September, a time dedicated to promoting the view that aging is an opportunity, not a disease.”

Now in its seventh year, the award recognizes adults 85 years or older who are outstanding models of optimal aging in the physical, social, spiritual and creative aspects of life.

“Optimal aging is the ability to flourish throughout one’s lifespan. It is not a specific level of achievement but rather a state in which a person is able to continue living life to its fullest,” said Anna Faul, PhD, executive director of the institute.

The public may an older adult for the Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging through April 15. Multiple award winners will be announced during a luncheon September 7 at the Crowne Plaza, 830 Phillips Lane. Former radio personality Wayne Perkey will serve as master of ceremonies. Tickets are $35 per person. The event benefits the Institute for Sustainable Health & Optimal Aging and its efforts to empower older adults to flourish.

Along with the nomination form, sponsorship and registration information also is .��

This award program celebrates older adults who embody the institute’s vision for a world where older adults flourish. This award recognizes adults 85 years or older who are outstanding models of optimal aging in the following four categories: physical, social, spiritual and creative. Multiple award winners will be named at a luncheon on Sept. 8.

“The Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging is a special event that demonstrates the importance of appreciating the contribution of persons of all ages in our community,” said Christian Furman, MD, medical director of the institute. “The Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging celebrates not only the lifetime achievements but also the continuing contribution of older adults. Furthermore, this award is one of the cornerstone events of Optimal Aging Month – a month dedicated to promoting the view that aging is an opportunity, not a disease.”

Nominees and awardees demonstrate that while aging optimally looks different for every person, the spirit of optimal aging is something everyone can strive for, said Anna Faul, PhD, executive director of the institute.

“Optimal aging is the ability to flourish throughout one’s lifespan. It is not a specific level of achievement but rather a state in which a person is able to continue living life to its fullest,” she said.

Nominations are now being .��