6 Women Over 50 Who Inspired Us In 2014

Our very own editor-in-chief is someone we can all draw inspiration from. The media mogul has a number of reasons to celebrate 2014 and look forward to 2015. In May, The Huffington Post will celebrate its 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, The Huffington Post has won a Pulitzer Prize and has become one of the most popular news sites on the web. This year, Huffington's book "Thrive" also was published and focused on the importance of well-being. The book was on The New York Times bestseller list. And another accomplishment we're all very proud of, The Huffington Post welcomed several international editions this past year, including one in Huffington's native Greece.

If you want to talk about being fearless, talk about Diana Nyad. The athlete first tried to swim from Florida to Cuba at age 28, but wasn't able to complete the swim. In 2011, in her 60s, Nyad decided to pursue the dream once again. After five failed attempts, she finally became the first person to make the swim, without the protection of a shark cage, in 2013.

But that wasn't the last we'd see of Nyad. The 65-year-old proved that she's as talented on land as she is in sea, when her next challenge was a stint on Dancing With The Stars. Though her appearance was short lived, we have a feeling Nyad will someone we'll be hearing about for years to come.

Isn't life about determining your own finish line? This journey has always been about reaching your own other shore no matter what it is, and that dream continues,"

Just shy of 70, the British actress has already made a name for herself with films like "Calendar Girls" and a turn as Her Majesty in "The Queen," which even landed her an Oscar.

We've always admired her natural beauty and her attitude towards aging (did we mention, that amazing gray hair?). And just earlier this year, cosmetics giant L'Oreal Paris took note too. Mirren was named the company's spokesperson, joining the ranks of much younger actresses like Eva Longoria and Blake Lively.

So thank you, Dame Helen, for showing us what true beauty really looks like.

The weird thing is, you get more comfortable in yourself, even as time is giving you less reason for it. When you’re young and beautiful, you’re paranoid and miserable. And then you’re older and it’s ironic.

A mother-of-five isn't who you'd imagine as law enforcement in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, Bayaz became the first woman to be put in charge of security in one of Kabul's districts. The role is symbolic, as formerly under Taliban rule, there were strict restrictions on women working.

Bayaz is a beacon of hope for other women, who are slowly entering the workforce in the country. She believes that more women in the police force will mean increased security for women and also encourage education.

This is a chance not just for me, but for the women of Afghanistan. I will not waste it. I will prove that we can handle this burden. I am ready to serve, I am not scared nor am I afraid.

FLOTUS, who just turned 50 earlier this year, has been a particularly active First Lady, pioneering the "Let's Move!" campaign, encouraging healthier eating and increased fitness, among children, to prevent obesity. And she practices what she preaches.

At 50, Obama has said she practices yoga and also reportedly does weight training, setting an example for us all.

Earlier this year, she launched a program called "Reach Higher" challenging all high school students to not only graduate, but to go on to community or four-year colleges. We couldn't think of a better role model.

Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health, because if we're scurrying to and from appointments and errands, we don't have a lot of time to take care of ourselves. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.

We're both in awe of and inspired by Ms. Brinkley. The supermodel who graced magazine covers of Sports Illustrated and the like decades ago turned 60 this year, celebrating age and everything good that comes with it. Brinkley appeared in a swimsuit on the cover of People Magazine in February, proving for once and for all, that age is just a number.

Brinkley credits yoga, a healthy diet and at least 10 minutes of strength training daily for her fit figure.

No matter what your age is, you only have now. So it's always about living in the moment and being in the moment...I refuse to let those numbers define me and I just try to face each day positively.