The Most Elderly Person to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The Most Elderly Person to Climb mount Kilimanjaro: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no longer only a pursuit for young men or women. The remarkable achievements of numerous senior climbers who have successfully ascended the Roof of Africa throughout the years have now been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. This article will examine the oldest individuals who hold records for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue reading to discover some of the most inspiring stories of the oldest climbers in the history of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Who are the oldest individuals to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? We will examine all those who have attained the designation of the oldest climber of Kilimanjaro, from the present record holder to the inaugural record breaker in this category.
Anne Lorimor, aged 89, on July 12, 2019.
Angela Vorobeva, aged 86, passed away on October 29, 2015.
Robert J. Wheeler, aged 85, passed away on 2 October 2014.
ANNE LORIMOR (89 YEARS OLD) – JULY 12, 2019
At 89 years old, Arizona great-grandmother Anne Lorimor established a record as the oldest individual to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341 feet). At 85 years old, Lorimor ascended Kilimanjaro in July 2015, becoming the oldest woman to achieve this feat. However, her record was short-lived, as another passionate hiker, Angela Vorobeva, ascended Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2015 at the age of 86 years and 267 days.
In 2017, Dr. Fred Distelhorst, at the age of 87, became the oldest individual to ascend Kilimanjaro, thereby surpassing this record. These record-setting octogenarians did not deter Lorimor, who aimed for another summit ascent in 2019. She commenced her expedition earlier that month from Paradise Valley, Arizona, and on the morning of July 18, 2019, she successfully reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Most Elderly Person to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Lorimor’s endeavor to attain the summit commenced with difficulties as she fell prior to the ascent and from lateral pain throughout the journey. She utilized the Rongai Route, the only northern ascent of Kilimanjaro. Even the most adventurous tourists may find this arduous path problematic due to its steep final ascent. The retired university professor persisted despite adversity, delving deeply to discover the fortitude to ascend Africa’s highest summit.
To assist the underserved, Lorimor founded the group Creating Exciting Futures in 2004. Despite not being a professional mountaineer, her website indicates that her objective is to “merge my passion for mountaineering with my commitment to aiding youth.” We take great pride in Anne’s achievements and genuinely hope she maintains this record for an extended period.
ANGELA VOROBEVA, AGE 86, OCTOBER 29, 2015
At 86 years and 267 days, Angela Vorobeva has become the oldest individual to ascend Kilimanjaro. Vorobeva was born on February 4, 1929, in Russia. The adventure commenced at Londorossi Gate (2,360 m) via the Lemosho route on October 23, 2015, and reached Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) on Kilimanjaro at midday on October 29, 2015.
The team remained at the summit for an hour to commemorate their remarkable achievement and appreciate the stunning vistas from the Roof of Africa. The ascent to the peak allegedly required 13 hours, as stated in an interview she conducted with Altezza, the group overseeing the excursion. Notwithstanding her assertions of fatigue, Vorobeva managed to summon the stamina and motivation to reach the summit. Her vital signs remained optimal throughout, reaching a high at the summit with an oxygen saturation of 89% and a heart rate of 70.
Vorobeva lamented that retreating was never a possibility. She asserted that she danced the tango with her guide at an altitude of 4,000 meters, and at 5,000 meters, she witnessed a breathtaking sunrise. Vorobeva stated, “The date for ascending Kilimanjaro was selected for a specific reason.” I assured my sister Lydia 80 years ago that I would journey on behalf of both of us. My sister was born in 1923, six years my senior. She was only 12 days and 4 hours old when she succumbed to pneumonia. I held her in high regard. On the day I reached the summit, it was her birthday. I pay tribute to her through this ascent.
We presume there was significant elation at Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where the troops descended following their ascent to the summit. In reference to her preparation, Vorobeva remarked, “I engage in extensive walking and infrequently experience blood pressure complications.” In the morning, I first engage in exercise and take a cold shower. I believe that was all I had intended. The Guinness World Records has officially acknowledged Angela’s remarkable accomplishment, designating her as one of the oldest individuals to ascend Kilimanjaro.
ROBERT J. WHEELER, AGE 85, 2 OCTOBER 2014
On October 2, 2014, Dr. Robert J. Wheeler, aged 85 years and 201 days, set the record as the oldest individual to summit Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain, reaching an elevation of 19,341 feet. Wheeler certainly like to inflate his age, in contrast to the majority of individuals. “I aimed to demonstrate that elderly individuals can remain active despite health challenges,” Wheeler asserted. He unequivocally achieved it, setting the record for the oldest climber of Kilimanjaro in the process. Guinness World Records has now validated his accomplishment.
Wheeler was accompanied by his son, Jack, who bears the name William as well. The trip commenced with a three-day, 20-mile ascent via Kilimanjaro’s Marangu trail, the most renowned route, to establish a base camp at around 15,500 feet above sea level. Prior to the nine-hour journey to the summit, which Wheeler characterized as “the most arduous segment,” two days were dedicated to acclimatization.
Wheeler has ascended Mount Fuji in Japan (12,388 feet) and Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (22,837 feet), the highest peak outside of Asia. Wheeler, a resident of Webster Groves, Missouri, encountered his most arduous journey to date due to his elderly age. He formerly held the position of psychology professor at Saint Louis University and served in the military, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel, The Oldest Person to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
The expedition was organized by Adventures Within Reach, located in Boulder, Colorado, whose proprietor referred to Wheeler as “an inspiration… to all of us” for being the oldest individual to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
He commended Wheeler for illustrating that individuals, irrespective of age, can “put one foot in front of the other.” Wheeler recognized the commendation, stating, “Our guides executed an excellent job, facilitating our ascent.” Dick Byerly, the former oldest individual to summit Kilimanjaro, received assistance from Experiences within Reach, a firm that specializes in customized and affordable expeditions.
In his book, *Mountains and Minds*, Wheeler recounts his experiences as the oldest climber of Kilimanjaro, interspersed with insights from studies on the motivations for doing such arduous pursuits. His experience of Mount Kilimanjaro will provide an intriguing new chapter in the second edition.
Conclusion: Most Elderly Person to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Dr. Wheeler’s record has been exceeded multiple times. Dr. Fred Distelhorst in 2017 at the age of 87, Angela Vorobeva at 86 years and 267 days, and Anne Lorimor at 89 years in 2019, who is currently the oldest climber of Kilimanjaro. The report regarding the oldest individual to ascend Kilimanjaro is now finalized, and these narratives underscore that age is merely a numerical value, allowing for remarkable achievements at any stage of life.
