He Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at 90. Here’s the Lesson He Wants Older Adults to Remember
- Elder Love USA
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is a challenge that demands patience, preparation, and determination.
The journey takes climbers across rough, rocky terrain, and even after reaching the summit, they must carefully navigate the difficult descent back down the mountain.
For Dr. Art Ulene, the challenge was the perfect way to celebrate turning 90.
The retired OB/GYN spent months preparing for the climb, building his strength and endurance through a training routine that included climbing at least 50 flights of stairs three times a week.
His dedication paid off.
After a 15-day expedition, Ulene stood on the summit on his 90th birthday, where his guides and support team surprised him with a birthday cake to mark the unforgettable milestone.
But for Dr. Ulene, the climb was never just about reaching the top of a mountain. It was about proving that there is still room for growth, adventure, and new goals at any stage of life.
Finding Your Own Mountain ⛰️
Ulene hopes his story encourages others not to let age define what’s possible.
"I want to be clear, I'm not suggesting that every older person should climb Mount Kilimanjaro," he said. "What I tell them is, find your own mountain. Maybe it's an issue in life that's holding you back. Maybe it's something on your bucket list, something you've always needed to do. Give it a try."
His message is simple: your “mountain” doesn't have to be a physical challenge.
It could be learning a new skill, reconnecting with old friends, starting a creative project, volunteering, traveling somewhere new, or finally pursuing something you have always wanted to do.
Trying something unfamiliar can give life a renewed sense of purpose.
And research suggests that having goals and a sense of meaning may also support healthy aging.
A 2017 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that older adults who reported having goals and a stronger sense of purpose were less likely to experience declines in physical function, including weaker grip strength and slower walking speeds.
These changes can be early signs of losing independence and increased risk of disability.
Researchers believe that having something meaningful to work toward may encourage people to stay active, maintain social connections, and continue engaging with the world around them.
This article was made by Elder Love USA.
As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care.
All caregivers undergo thorough background checks and training with certification.
Our rates are lower than other providers thanks to partnerships, donations, grants, and revenue from our cleaning program.
Our caregivers can assist with personal care, shopping, cooking, transportation, housekeeping, and case management.
We proudly serve Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
If you’d like to learn more about how our services can benefit you or your loved one, contact us today.
Comments