Ms. Senior America pageant celebrates women over 60

Video: Golden girl! Ms. ‘Senior’ America

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2. Transcript of: Golden girl! Ms. ‘Senior’ America

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   MATT LAUER, co-host: We're back at 8:46. This morning on TODAY'S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH , we're celebrating women of a certain age. TODAY national correspondent Amy Robach hit the boardwalk in Atlantic City -- which doesn't sound right -- and found a great group of women participating in a unique competition. Amy , good morning to you.

   AMY ROBACH reporting: That's right . Good morning, Matt. We've all heard of Miss America and Miss Universe , but did you know there's another pageant that honors women who've reached the age of elegance? Atlantic City was home to the Miss America Pageant for more than 80 years. The coveted crown, a symbol of youth, beauty and talent. But what you may not know is that just down the boardwalk for the past 30 years another pageant has

   been quietly emerging: Ms. Senior America , where the age requirement is 60 plus and the contestants are ready to be heard.

   Ms. LINDA HUNTLEY (Ms. Virginia 2010): I feel like a queen when I'm walking around doing the poses in our crowns. And I just feel very proud. I'm loving every minute of it. I'm living every day to its fullest.

   ROBACH: That's right . Instead of Bingo and bridge, these golden girls are singing, dancing, miming and jamming on the tambourine. They represent 33 states and the US Virgin Islands . Their goal: the founder says to showcase seniors' confidence and inner beauty.

   Dr. AL MOTT (Founder, Ms. Senior America): When you know who you are and you feel fulfilled, then you can share it with others.

   ROBACH: Even at the age of 86.

   Ms. TULA SERVES (Ms. Ohio 2010): This is the second time I've been on stage. I've enjoyed it, it's been thrilling, exciting. And my life has changed.

   ROBACH: Ms. Senior America is very much like its younger counterpart. Each

   state winner competes in four areas: talent, interview...

   Unidentified Woman #1: Never, ever give up.

   ROBACH: ...evening gown and, oh, I bet you're thinking about it. So you say there's always one question everyone asks you. What is it?

   Ms. MICHELLE RAHN (Pageant Director): I know that I am going to answer that question that 99 percent of you out there have, and that is no, there is not a swimsuit competition .

   ROBACH: Replaced with philosophy of life competition.

   Unidentified Woman #2: I proclaim senior ladies rock.

   ROBACH: After even gown competition...

   Unidentified Woman #3: Ladies and gentlemen , our top 10.

   ROBACH: ...the finalists are announced.

   Unidentified Woman #4: I was shaking, bleeding....

   ROBACH: And following a heated talent competition with everything from a Tina Turner impression to a sailor tap dance routine, the winner is finally announced. Ms. Senior America doesn't walk away with a scholarship or any large cash prize. Instead, she spends a year representing what an older woman can achieve and still offer to her community.

   Dr. KIMBERLY MOORE (Winner, Ms. Senior America 2010): I am so excited. I just want to get the word out to other senior women that they can do anything. And you know the amazing part, some of these women were doing things they never would have attempted in their younger days. Matt , some of these women, this was the first time they were ever even on stage. They learned to sing for the first time , so it's nice to see that, hey, they're ready to get out there and try new things.

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