Putting your money where you mouth is for charity is one thing, but taking off your clothes?

Pensacola, Fla. - November 15, 2006 - That is just what 15 active, civic-minded senior community leaders in the Pensacola, Florida area did to help their less fortunate peers. By posing for the Council on Aging of West Florida’s 2007 Perfectly Aged calendar, they are promoting a positive image of aging while raising funds for local programs and services like Meals on Wheels and Alzheimer’s respite care.

Those grinning and baring it for the good cause include business owners, retired military officers, a church Elder, a family nurse practitioner, a trial court administrator, a community volunteer and even the President/CEO of the benefiting organization. Surfing, antique automobiles, cycling, golfing, tennis, gardening, enjoying a good cigar and toasting the New Year, are just a few of the ways these individuals expressed their spirit and vitality -- and used related items as strategically placed props.

“Cover Couple” Retired Navy Captain Flack and Kathleen Logan were photographed with a carefully unfolded map in their British Racing Green 1947 MGTC, a vehicle Flack, Commodore of the Pensacola Yacht Club, has owned since 1958 and personally restored from a road racing car to a more genteel, classic automobile.  “People over 60 have vibrant, fabulous, fun lives. We think our photo captures our personality and the vitality of senior living,” explained Kathleen.

The photographs in the 12-month, black and white, artistic calendar incorporate the spirit and interest of each model. Some take staying active to a whole new level like triathlon athlete Wayne Peacock, photographed with only his bike, helmet and a smile and Robin Martin, an avid surfer since age 13, sans shorts in the surf with his board angled just right. Others take a more relaxed attitude by squeezing in a smooch on the fairway or just kicking back like a true cigar aficionado. “We like to think of them as senior and sexy. They send a message about the beauty of aging. They are active, vivacious, beautiful – and very good sports,” said project director DeeDee Ritchie, former Florida State Representative and Florida Teacher of the Year.

The fundraising project may be playful, but its purpose is nothing less than serious. Council on Aging of West Florida, a local not-for-profit organization that strives to enable seniors to live safe, healthy, independent lives in their own homes, operates in Escambia County  where 23% of those over age 60 live alone, many in rural settings. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2003 American Community Survey, Escambia County, Florida was ranked the seventeenth poorest county in the country with 19% of its population living below the poverty level. In terms of those over the age of 60, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs 2006 Escambia County Profile shows 10% living below the poverty level and 29% of the senior population being described as having two or more disabilities and/or probable Alzheimer’s cases.

The 2007 Perfectly Aged calendar is available for $20 online at www.coawfla.org/estore.asp  or by phone at (850) 432-1475. For more information on Council on Aging of West Florida, visit www.coawfla.org.

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