Do you ever feel that you’re getting old and it’s time to slow down?
94 year old New Zealander Joe Ashmore is having none of that. He’s just skydived from 3,658 metres, just over three weeks after he became the oldest known man in the world to bungy jump. Uncle Joe, as he’s known to most, took the plunge with a tandem skydive instructor.
He previously skydived when he was just 88, but said this dive was a bit higher and a bigger thrill. Stepson-in-law Ross Cross confirmed Uncle Joe had always had a reputation as a bit of an action man, especially at family get-togethers. Apparently he always wants to get up on the table and dance. He just needs a hand up these days.
I’d have to admit that you’ll never get me to bungee jump or skydive – my fear of heights comes into play there – but I do hope that when I reach 94 I’ll still be as active as Joe. Or perhaps when I reach 84 or 74 or 64 or 54 or even 44.
I have a distant dream of cycling around Australia when I eventually retire. Maybe I should call Joe and find out what he’s doing right.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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I love inspiring stories like this of older people doing amazing things. I hope I can be this active when I am 94! I am the same as you though, wouldn’t be bungy jumping or sky diving (why jump out of a perfectly functional airplane?)and also have the long term goal to ride around Australia. If you want some company in about 20 years time, then I would love to join you!
Hey Bruce – you’re on. Sounds like a great idea. I wonder what kind of bikes we’ll be using at that stage. Maybe some new ultra-light material with a 20 speed rear cluster.