Honored Elders
Cecelia Hurwich
Returning to graduate school at 59, Dr. Cecelia Hurwich received her Ph.D. at age 70 in life-span developmental psychology specializing in the later years. Dr. Hurwich’s deep involvement in the field of women and healthy aging marks her as one of the outspoken figures on Vital Older Women. In 1995, Dr. Hurwich was selected as Delegate from California to the White House Conference on Aging. In her late 70s, Dr. Cecelia Hurwich traveled to the Hunza in the Himalayas to interview Muslim women in remote villages to study their health & longevity.
Currently Dr. Hurwich lectures and gives nationwide seminars on “Creative Aging,” “Vitality and Aging: A Personal and Global Approach” and “The Vital Need to Care for our Planet.” As a researcher, author, and environmental activist she appears on TV, conducts programs for professional organizations, health facilities, and universities around the world. Wisdom from 80 years well lived has resulted in Dr. Hurwich’s current work on Vitality in Aging which focuses on a new vision of aging as a creative process and the unique opportunities that are offered by our global society and the sustainability of all life on planet earth.
In her late 40s, Dr. Hurwich became an ardent backpacker, hiker and outdoors woman and continues to hike and enjoy the wilderness into her 80s. Her passion for wilderness protection and environmental health urged her to network with conservationists and ecologists on treks and travel in Australia, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and India. Indicative of her diverse environmental interests and passions is her dedication to the following organizations: Board of Great Old Broads for the Wilderness; Board of ARKAY Foundation (funds health and environmental programs); Advisory Council Sierra Club Foundation; Advisory Board Yosemite Restoration Trust; Numerous Yosemite Advocacy Groups; Active in Society of Women Geographers, Earthjustice and League of Conservation Voters.
An organization such as Earth Elders which honors and celebrates our aging and our connection to the earth has my top vote and devotion. To leave the earth a better place is our ultimate goal.