BY REBECCA SHEEHAN

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

The Golden Years. Life after retirement. A time when traveling the world with your significant other while spending time with your grandchildren may be your main priority. However, perhaps think outside the box and become a contestant in the 2013 Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant.

Life after 60 is definitely not the end of the road and getting involved with the pageant just might help you spread your wings and see all the new possibilities that are out there just for you. According to an article by Shorenewstoday.com, the senior pageant’s purpose since its beginning in 1971 is very simple - to show what life has to hold for the woman who has reached the age of elegance (60+).  Sponsored by Senior America, Inc., which is a Non-Profit corporation designed not only to enrich the lives of seniors but also to tap their energy to enrich the lives of others, the pageants are held throughout the United States.

The mission statement from the website is as follows:

The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the "Age of Elegance." It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.

The contest, which will be held at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City on June 6th in the Concert Venue Theater, is open to all women 60 years and older from across the state of New Jersey. According to contest rules, the women will judged on three areas including a talent portion (singing, dancing, and playing an instrument), evening wear and speaking. The pageant winner will be chosen to be the symbol of New Jersey in the Ms. Senior America Pageant to be held in the same location in October.

If you know someone who would be perfect for this, please refer to the pageants website at the following links: www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.org or www.msnewjerseysenioramerica.blogspot.com.