The Ohio Department of Aging is seeking the public’s help to identify outstanding older neighbors who have made, and continue to make, a lasting difference in their professions, their vocations and their communities, and who serve as role models for other generations to continue to grow, thrive and contribute.

Individuals and organizations interested in nominating someone for the 2017 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame may visit www.aging

.ohio.gov/news/halloffame/ for more information and to access the nomination form.

“Inductees to the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame very often are ordinary people who do extraordinary things in their communities or careers,” said Stephanie M. Loucka, director of the department.

“Their accomplishments represent a lifetime of hard work, dedication, ingenuity, kindness and compassion. They not only deserve to be recognized for their contributions, but they also should be lifted up as examples for the rest of us to strive to emulate.”

Past inductees have included business and industry leaders, advocates, community planners, educators, scientists, health care professionals, volunteers, artists and athletes.

Nominees are evaluated on the scope and impact of their contributions begun or continued after age 60.

In addition to being age 60 and older, nominees must be native-born Ohioans or residents of the state for at least 10 years. Posthumous nominations are accepted.

Induction is held each May as the state and nation celebrate Older Americans Month.

Those selected for the Hall of Fame will join more than 450 older Ohioans inducted into the hall since its inception in 1978.

While nominations are accepted year-round, nominations must be received by Jan. 31 to be considered for induction in 2017.

The Ohio Department of Aging works to ensure that elders are respected as vital members of society who continue to grow, thrive and contribute.

The department collaborates with state agencies and community partners, including area agencies on aging, to help integrate aging needs into local plans and ensure that aging Ohioans have access to a wide array of high-quality services and supports that are person-centered in policy and practice.

Its programs include the PASSPORT Medicaid waiver, caregiver support, the long-term care ombudsman program and the Golden Buckeye Card.