On Thursday, March 24, Lifespan, a Rochester-based organization that supports and provides resources to elders, hosted its 20th annual “Celebration of Aging” luncheon at the Riverside Convention Center.

In front of more than 1,600 people, the Fonz himself, Henry Winkler, spoke as the keynote speaker. Winkler, who recently turned 70 years old, touched on topics like overcoming his dyslexia and being compassionate towards people, as well as succeeding and finding happiness in old age.

13 WHAM reported on the event, “In meeting people with physical and mental learning challenges, I have seen their inner spirit, their power,” Winkler said.

In the Democrat and Chronicle, Mary Rose McBride, vice president and spokeswoman for Lifespan, said, “The goal of this event is to highlight people who have made a successful transition to the second half of their lives and Mr. Winkler is a perfect example.”

A recent survey of MONEY readers shows about 48% of retirees said they were happier than they had expected to be. It’s Lifespan’s goal to achieve this at a larger level. “This event is all about upending the stereotypical notion about people turning 60, 70, 80, or even 90, and our honorees are doing that every day,” McBride stated. “The definition of longer life has really changed over the last 30 to 40 years, so we really have to work on changing the way people look at aging.”

Five local residents who are over 60 also received the “Eli Rudin Second Half Hero Award.” They are Bruce Rychwalski of Rochester; Svetlana Shales of Rochester; Winnie Wong of Avon; Geri Dolan of Pittsford; and Justin Vigdor of Pittsford. Lifespan looks to shine a light on these inspirational residents. Shales is 90 years old and travels the world on her own. Wong goes to Guatemala and Bolivia on mission trips once a year, and Vigdor is a local attorney who oversaw Rochester’s Fringe Festival.

Founded in 1971, Lifespan-Roch.org has a list of all its services and programs on their website.