HONOURING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS

Lifetime achievement awards are a staple in many awards shows and ceremonies. Recipients of such awards are usually in their 70s and above who are recognized for their remarkable achievements and contributions to society. (Pic: Julie Andrews, 76, with her Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2011.)

While many of these awards carry prestige and honour, the same can't be said of many one-off awards given by companies or organizations at their annual dinners. Former PM Tun Dr Mahathir recently received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the Kuala Lumpur Mayor's Tourism Awards 2011. Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam was the recipient of the inaugural CHT Lifetime Achievement Award 2011. Frankly, I've never heard of these awards till they were reported in the local papers.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam with his award. (Pic: The Star)

National British Charity WRVS just released their Gold Age Power List 2011 to honour older men and women who are inspiring leaders in their respective fields. The categories cover arts, sports and adventure, public service, and business. These extraordinary older people have spent a lifetime driven by a passion to contribute to society in their respective fields of expertise. They are also shining role models of successful ageing. The list includes local unsung heroes.

It's high time we changed negative stereotyping of older adults. More and more 60plusers are defying the long-held public perception of older adults as frail, senile, unproductive and a drain on the country's resources. It's time too for the government or NACSCOM to come up with some appreciation for older Malaysians (60and above) who have contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of our society.

Which two individuals would you nominate for each of these categories in the inaugural Golden Malaysians Awards List - if we had one?

~ Public Service
~ Science and Medicine
~ Arts and Culture
~ Sports and Adventure
~ Business and Entrepreneurship