At age 96, Seymour “Sy” Slavin is still active speaking to groups in the community. A professor emeritus of the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work, Slavin recently was recognized as one of 15 awardees of the 2018 Gold Standard Awards for Optimal Aging.

Now in its seventh year, UofL’s Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging hosted the awards this month, honoring Slavin in the educator category.

After teaching more than 30 years, Slavin went on to create and serve as the first director of the Kentucky Labor Institute. He lectures on topics ranging from Einstein’s views on the relationship of science and religion to the role of the administrative state in a democracy.

The Gold Standard awards honor individuals age 85 and older who lead flourishing lives, said Anna Faul, Ph.D., executive director of the institute.

“We do not have to be free of aging-related challenges to age optimally. It is our ability to flourish and live our best lives every day in the face of these challenges. This year’s outstanding cohort of awardees and nominees are true inspirations,” she said.

Fifteen awardees along with 58 other nominees were recognized at a luncheon on Sept. 7 sponsored by Hosparus Health. The event corresponds with Optimal Aging Month – an effort dedicated to promoting the positive view that aging is an opportunity, not a disease.

“The award winners demonstrate that while aging optimally looks different for every person, we can all strive to continue living our best lives at every stage,” said Christian Furman, M.D., medical director of the institute.

“Hosparus Health applauds the institute for recognizing that aging is a part of life. As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life, we are honored to be a part of this event,” said Phil Marshall, president and CEO of Hosparus Health.

The complete list of 2018 category award winners include:

• Elmer Lucille Allen, Category: Outstanding Individual, Age: 86
• Mary Atherton, Category: Years of Wisdom, Age: 100
• Elizabeth Bealmear, Category: Years of Wisdom, Age: 91
• Les Brooks, Category: Never too Late, Age: 86
• Thomas Cork, Sr., Category: Outstanding Individual, Age: 92
• Don & Patsy Hall, Category: Outstanding Couple, Age: 87 & 87
• Father Simon Herbers, Category: Compassion, Age: 97
• Beatrice Huff, Category: Kentucky, Age: 89
• Margot Kling, Category: Social Justice, Age: 92
• Margaret Martel, Category: Years of Wisdom, Age: 106
• Emma Patria Pedroso Iglesias, Category: New Beginnings, Age: 85
• Dorothy Roehrig, Category: Years of Wisdom, Age: 100
• William T. Shumake, Category: Leadership, Age: 92
• Dr. Seymour Slavin, Category: Educator, Age: 96