Columbus Congresswoman included in HelpAge USA list of '60 Over 60' Americans

Monroe Trombly, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who represents Columbus, was the sole Ohioan included when the nonprofit HelpAge USA on Friday unveiled its inaugural 60 Over 60 list.
Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who represents Columbus, was the sole Ohioan included when the nonprofit HelpAge USA on Friday unveiled its inaugural 60 Over 60 list.

Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who represents Columbus, was the sole Ohioan included when the nonprofit HelpAge USA on Friday unveiled its inaugural 60 Over 60 list of older Americans who are "making significant contributions to society at the local, national and international levels."

Beatty, 71, is chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and serves on the House Committee on Financial Services.

According to HelpAge USA, a nonprofit organization that champions the dignity and potential of older people, Beatty has "launched a revitalization of Columbus' Near East Side, enabled funding for low-income students and spearheaded a campaign to transform Columbus' transportation service."

The 60 Over 60 list includes a variety of people who are successfully pursuing what matters to them well into their older years. Others who made the list include philanthropists, environmentalists and civil rights activists. Among the well-known names to appear — for reasons that go beyond their presence as pop culture icons — are Jane Fonda, Tom Hanks and Dolly Parton.

“People over 60 have a wonderful breadth and depth of knowledge due to their years of experience,” Cindy Cox-Roman, chief executive officer of HelpAge USA, said in a statement. “It is time that we recognize and celebrate their wisdom, tenacity and generosity, and show the world that people over 60 have a never-ending desire to make the world a better place.”

HelpAge says it works in the United States and partners in more than 80 low- and middle-income countries to advance the well-being and inclusion of older people.

“We salute this diverse group of adults in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s who are making a difference and inspiring others,” Cox-Roman said in the statement. “They are sharing their gifts with the world, and we are privileged to honor them.”

Monroe Trombly covers breaking and trending news.

mtrombly@dispatch.com

@monroetrombly

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty sole Ohioan on HelpAge's '60 Over 60' list