A nationwide effort to select the 2011 “Most Beautiful Minds” resulted in the selection of 11 individuals that include eight seniors and three Baby Boomers.
The life'sDHA and the National Center for Creative Aging sponsored the effort by inviting adults 55 and older to submit an essay or video describing what they are doing to keep their minds beautiful.
Americans were then invited to view the semifinalists' entries and vote for their favorites.
From the 11, there was a “People’s Choice” award that went to Sue Kelly, 72, of Olmsted Township, Ohio.
Said Kelly in her profile: “I believe you do not grow old; you become old by not growing. That's why I volunteer for several charitable causes; eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly; maintain strong friendships with young and old alike; engage in intellectual activities; and recognize the importance of nurturing my spiritual self.”
The Baby Boomers in the group of 11 included:
John Guider, 62, of Nashville, Tenn., described as a “professional photographer, adventurer, boater and author …”
Delores Porch, 61, of Gresham, Oregon, who said in her profile: “After surviving an accident, I now have a healthy body and partake in lifelong learning, volunteering and spiritual growth.”
Melody McDuffee, 59, of Mobile, Ala., who, according to her profile, is using her past professional skills to run a non-profit agency offering training and employment at a living wage to the disadvantaged youth in Ghana.
See all the stories of the 2011 Beautiful Minds here.
The effort by life'sDHA and the National Center for Creative Aging sought to identify indivduals in the country who are enhancing their brain health and achieving amazing things well into the second half of their lives.
Today’s announcement of the Beautiful Mind winners included a state-by-state ranking of brain health.
The results were based on assessments of diet, physical health, mental health and social well-being.
Maryland ranked No. 1 followed by: District of Columbia, Washington, Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Maine and New Jersey for the Top 10.
“As the country experiences an unprecedented increase in life expectancy to 78 years — an increase of 30 years over the past century — the knowledge that we can influence brain health and cognition throughout adult life is more important than ever,” said Dr. Majid Fotuhi, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Neurology Institute for Brain Health and Fitness, and assistant professor of neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
“The largest aging population in history will experience the most longevity of any generation, which means taking action to improve our brain health should be a high priority on the health checklist for all of us.”
Comments