CALGARY – When Top 7 Over 70 founder Jim Gray noticed older people were starting new ventures even after retirement, he set in motion his dream of having an award for accomplishments in this age group.
“It is more important than ever we celebrate the amazing accomplishments of one of our most important resources--older citizens,” said Gray. “Despite difficult times, these folks are achieving remarkable results in business, the arts, science, philanthropy and more.”
Gray says unlike with a lifetime achievement award, these individuals are nominated for ‘starting something different or new, or implementing a new venture or idea, after the age of 70’. The biennial awards recognizing Calgary and area individuals demonstrate age is not a barrier when it comes to what can be accomplished in one's 70s, and beyond.
Top 7 over 70 honouree Louis B. Hobson says he was surprised to get the call and remembers being at a complete loss for words about the win. The entertainment writer/critic, playwright and director, who has dedicated his life to sharing expertise in the arts, has taken on new projects in his 70s, most recently writing and directing a children's play called A Dinosaur Tale. There's even talk the play could land in New York theatres down the road.
“I am in such stellar company. It’s humbling to be in with the others [recipients],” said Hobson, who looks forward to directing another play this fall, possibly even writing another murder mystery. It’s clear there’s still more for Hobson to do.
“Every year I say this is the end, that I think I’ll retire this year. Then I get to the end of the year, and I say maybe I’ll do it just one more year. It’s been so rewarding and it’s made my life full," said Hobson, who was also named an outstanding young Calgarian of the Year when he was 24, teaching high school and directing plays for the Calgary Theatre Singers. "It has come so full circle."
Bonnie J. Kaplan, PhD, professor emerita at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, co-wrote The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition (with co-author Julia J. Rucklidge, PhD). The book is the result of extensive research that supports the impact nutrition has on mental health.
“I was aware I’d been nominated, but I didn’t think I’d get it. It’s an enormous honour.” said 75-year-old Kaplan, adding she's "not sitting in a rocking chair", but has kept busy with interviews about the new book and overseeing two charities she's established to support research in nutrition and brain health. "Over one million dollars has been distributed to scientists so far."
Kaplan shares about still feeling young inside, even when the calendar shows we're getting older each year. “I didn’t think I’d live this long," she said, noting her parents both died in their early 50s. "Every day is a gift. Life is so short".
Tickets to the May 26, 2022 gala honouring the Top 7 Over 70 recipients are available through showpass.com/top7over70gala2021/
2021 Top 7 over 70 winners:
Margaret Southern: A 90-year-old powerhouse businesswoman who has changed the face of professional sport in Calgary
Sherali Saju: An 83-year-old entrepreneur who privately supports mortgages and business loans for new Canadians when banks say no
Miiksika’am (Elder Clarence Wolfleg): A 73-year-old residential school survivor and Spiritual Elder who is now sharing teachings with thousands
Don Taylor: An 86-year-old self-made man now donating tens of millions of dollars to local educational, cultural and environmental initiatives
Louis B. Hobson: A 77-year-old creative force who has launched a myriad of theatrical initiatives, including a new rock musical
Bonnie Kaplan: A 74-year-old scientist who has written a bestselling book and researched new pathways for treating mental health
Murray McCann: An 82-year-old businessman and philanthropist who has forever changed the way we honour war veterans in Calgary