Wanted: inspirational older people

IS there someone of mature years who has inspired you?

The charity HelpAge International has put out the call for city people to nominate inspirational older people, as part of the new "60 over 60" campaign to celebrate the ageing population.

Nominees can be from any walk of life and could include older people in the community who make a difference to those around them by volunteering or acting as carers.

Alternatively, they could be world-famous figures such as Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey and Sir Alex Ferguson.

In the UK over 14 million people are 60 or over and across the world it is 810 million – approaching an eighth of the global population.

The 60 over 60 campaign aims to draw attention to and celebrate the fact that people are living longer.

Nominations will be open until November 23, at which point an expert panel of public figures will narrow the list down to 60.

HelpAge International director Chris Roles said: "One of the benefits 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."

People can nominate themselves or someone they admire by visiting www.7billionactions.com/60over60. For those not online, nominations can be sent to 60 over 60 Campaign HelpAge International, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9NA.