One's a president. Another is a morning TV show host. Another is an economist. The people on our list of those over 50 who inspire us are very different. But what they all have in common is a level of achievement that caught our eye this past year. We asked our HuffPost50 Facebook followers who influenced them most in 2015 -- and here's what they had to say. If we missed anyone, let us know in the comments.
1. Jimmy Carter, 91
This ex-president has been anything but an empty suit. After leaving office in 1981, Carter easily could have wiled away the years on a golf course. Instead, he's traveled around the world, supervising elections and seeking to eradicate various diseases. "He really wasn't the best president ... probably needed better advisers!!! But what a great 'giver' of his time and money," said Tammey Shimon on Facebook.
2. Helen Mirren, 70
Thanks to her drop-dead sexy style and refreshing honesty -- Helen Mirren has no problem dropping the F-bomb when calling out Hollywood's ageism -- Mirren has become a role model for countless older women. She continued to stun in a bikini well into her 60s while, more recently, defied her years as the star of L'Oreal's new ad campaign. "She is a strong women who still is successful despite being in an industry that is ageist and male dominant. She is elegant, dignified but not afraid to unleash some serious attitude, too," wrote Ali Davies.
3. Alice Walker, 71
Earlier this month, Alice Walker's classic 1982 novel, "The Color Purple," once again make its way to the Broadway stage, this time starring Jennifer Hudson. Walker told The Huffington Post that she wants the legacy of “The Color Purple” to stand as an expression of “freedom” in the black community. A longtime feminist and political activist, Walker has written candidly about issues such as abortion and domestic violence. "She's not afraid to speak her mind or fight for what she believes in," said Candace Simon.
4. Pope Francis, 79
Whether you're Catholic or not, it's hard not to admire a man who's made the poor and vulnerable the key focus of his papacy. In a new Gallup survey, Pope Francis tied with Donald Trump -- oddly enough -- as the second most-admired man in the world. "I continue to marvel at the subjects he addresses. He's called on the world's leaders and their people to be more compassionate. He is moving against a very old and rigid machine, facilitating change in the Catholic Church," said Lisa Condie.
5. Robert Reich, 69
In his new book, "Saving Capitalism," Robert Reich, secretary of labor under Bill Clinton, warns that the country's lurching toward a capitalism so top-heavy it cannot be sustained. Now a professor at the University of California at Berkeley, Reich's film, Inequality for All, was an unexpected hit at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. Now available on DVD, Blu-ray and Netflix, the film drives home the point that income inequality must be addressed. "Robert Reich has spoken out against America's economic divide for many years and doesn't give up," said Andy Thiel.
6. Gayle King, 61
For more than three decades, Gayle King has been making major strides in news and entertainment. Currently the co-anchor of "CBS This Morning," King is also an editor-at-large for O, The Oprah Magazine. "Great journalist, editor, anchor and does not get enough credit for her outstanding interviews. Too often overshadowed as just Oprah's best pal, Gayle is smart, savvy and quick on her feet. Gayle King inspires as a successful journalist and professional woman over 50," said Devon Wickens.
7. President Barack Obama, 54
Since the time he walked onto the world stage nearly 10 years ago, President Barack Obama has inspired both blacks and whites with his leadership skills, easygoing manner and focus on the middle class. Many readers named Obama as the person they continue to admire most, citing a litany of accomplishments, everything from a lowered unemployment rate to landmark health care legislation.
8. Bill Gates, 60
Fifteen years ago, the world's richest man, Bill Gates, and his wife, Melinda, launched their charitable foundation with an eye towards reducing inequity. Since then, they've channeled more than $30 billion into the effort. Earlier this year, the couple announced their support of a disease surveillance network in Africa and South Asia that would watch out for new infectious diseases as well as a $776 million investment to fight childhood hunger around the world. "He continues to use his wealth for the benefit of millions, including supporting many causes that few others pursue," said Steven Schragis.
9. Gloria Steinem, 81
Feminist, writer and activist, Gloria Steinem's latest book, "My Life on the Road," recounts her experiences while traveling through India. When asked how she wanted to celebrate her 80th birthday last year, the face of feminism replied "First, get out of Dodge. Second, ride elephants." And, yes, she wound up doing just that by marking the milestone in Botswana. "She's indestructible," said Donna Lorenz.
Also on HuffPost:
