UofL Trager Institute honors older adults who flourish in later life
September 22, 2025
The University of Louisville Trager Institute/Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic honored 41 men and women aged 85 years and older who demonstrate what is means to age optimally.
The 14th annual Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Award Ceremony was held on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Olmsted to celebrate honorees nominated by friends, family and colleagues for continuing to be engaged in service, community, personal interests and hobbies.
Among the honorees were many dedicated volunteers, including a couple who have served together at Ronald McDonald Charities for decades; a founding member of the Kentucky Watercolor Society; a former conductor of the Louisville Symphony Band; a retired mechanical engineer who worked on the Saturn 5 rocket at NASA and GE Aerospace; a member of a local dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors; a Buddhist Dharma teacher; several former UofL faculty members; and more.
“I was so surprised to find out that I was selected as a recipient of the 2025 Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Award!” said Sue Brummal, 86. “This was truly a memorable celebration. Many thanks to all those involved for making this event possible for deserving seniors in our great commonwealth of Kentucky.”
Nominations for the 2026 ceremony will open in the spring. For more information and to read about this year’s honorees, visit the Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Award Ceremony website. To see more photos from the event, visit the Flickr album.