Honor celebrates maintaining active engagement with life at age 85 and above

UofL Geriatrics in the Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine at the University of Louisville, is calling for nominations for the second annual Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging.

The deadline to submit nominations is 5 p.m., July 16. The award will be presented Sept. 25 at the Annual UofL Geriatrics Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging Luncheon at The Olmsted.

The Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging is presented to someone 85 years old or older as of Oct. 1 who is an outstanding model for optimal aging in all areas of life.

“We are seeking people 85-plus who are making the most of whatever their later years bring and who continue to demonstrate great zest for life,” said Christian Davis Furman, M.D., vice chair for geriatric medicine. “The award is presented for optimal aging across the full spectrum of physical health, mental health, social health and spiritual health.”

The nomination process includes submitting a short paragraph on the nomination form that describes why the nominee qualifies for the award.

In 2011, the Gold Standard Award for Optimal Aging winner was chosen from a field of 22 nominees. Rachele “Rae” Guernsey of Louisville, a widow with two children and three grandchildren, enjoys both daytime and overnight hiking, practices yoga and is in an exercise program at her YMCA. She has been a member of the same book club for the past 35 years and is active in her church, Springdale Presbyterian, where she serves on the membership committee.

Guernsey also is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity-Metro Louisville and has served on its Family Selection Committee for 15 years. In the past five years, she traveled to Guatemala with Habitat and to Belize and Nicaragua with Hand in Hand Missions.