The Importance of Finding Purpose

Finding a passion in life is a critical part of staying young and healthy.  "It has about an 8-year effect,” say Michael Rozien and Mehmet Oz, America’s most trusted television doctor team. 

Ten exceptional individuals who are pursuing their passions have just won the 2009 Purpose Prize.  Among them are 69-year old Ann Higdon (above) of Dayton, OH, who "grew up homeless, was inspired by a teacher and helps dropouts earn diplomas while training for jobs in various sectors"; and 73-year old Henry Liu of Columbia, MO, "an engineer who creates 'green' bricks out of fly ash, the residue of coal-fired power plants."

  
An initiative of Civic Ventures, a national think tank on boomers, the Purpose Prize provides five $100,000 awards and five $50,000 awards each year to innovators over 60 who are dedicating their creativity and talent to addressing critical social problems.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2010 prize.