Rita Mathur, a 66-year-old adventurer, beams with excitement as she recounts her trek to Everest Base Camp in October 2021. What sets her experience apart is the increasing trend of senior citizens like her taking on challenging treks in breathtaking destinations around the world. This surge in older trekkers is fueled by a passion for photography, nature, and bird watching, as well as the influence of social media and aspirational travel shows. Let’s explore how these adventurous seniors are breaking stereotypes and redefining what it means to age gracefully.
The Growing Trend of Senior Trekkers:
According to Rahul Ogra, the founder of Mystic Himalayan Trails, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of senior citizens embarking on trekking adventures in recent years. He recently accompanied a group of seniors to Ladakh in freezing temperatures, highlighting the growing interest among older individuals to explore the great outdoors.
Colonel Romil Barthwal (retired), from Boots and Crampons, an adventure and mountaineering company, supports this observation, noting a 20% rise in senior trekkers. He mentions that destinations like Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Africa, and Kilimanjaro are popular choices due to their well-established emergency handling abilities and resources, as well as gradual elevation gains that are suitable for older individuals.
Training for the Journey:
To prepare for the demanding trek to Everest Base Camp, Rita Mathur joined The Himalayan Club on Facebook, a community with a large number of senior members. She dedicated six months to training, including flyover walks for resistance training and an eight-kilometer walk, four days a week. Rita also adjusted her diet, focusing on more protein and green vegetables while limiting desserts. Breaking into her trekking shoes became a humorous part of her preparation, as she laughingly recalls wearing them constantly for two months.
For 70-year-old Raman Sood, trekking seamlessly integrates into his active lifestyle. His daily routine of walking, jogging, weight training, and calisthenics is ideal preparation for his adventurous pursuits. In fact, Raman completed a 21-day Three Passes-Kala Pathhar-Everest Base Camp trek, earning the title of possibly the oldest Indian to undertake such a challenging expedition.
The Benefits of Trekking:
Senior citizens, like Dr. Sunil Srinivasan, find trekking to be an opportunity to connect with nature, enhance survival instincts, foster team spirit, and embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Trekking also offers a mental tonic, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and the chance to rejuvenate amidst scenic beauty. As Dr. Srinivasan emphasizes, trekking is not just a hobby for him, but a necessity.
Addressing the Challenges:
While trekking presents challenges for people of all ages, they can be more pronounced for older individuals. Rahul Ogra emphasizes the importance of a thorough check-up by a physician to identify any factors that could be detrimental at high altitudes. Additionally, investing time in a cardiovascular exercise regimen for about a month and a half before the trek is crucial. Ogra advises senior trekkers to avoid knee-jerk reactions and opt for tailor-made treks with porter services for a more comfortable experience.
The Joys of Trekking in Small Groups:
For many senior trekkers, the idea of trekking in small groups holds immense appeal. The camaraderie and shared experiences contribute to a sense of youthfulness and adventure. J Ramanan, along with his wife Vrinda, organizes treks to introduce trekking to younger individuals and believes that the real beauty of the Himalayas can be experienced through shorter, easy treks in the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges.
Conclusion:
As a burgeoning trend, senior citizens embracing trekking adventures across awe-inspiring landscapes are dispelling age-related stereotypes and inspiring others to challenge their own boundaries. These trailblazers understand that a love for the outdoors knows no age limits and are testament to the fact that life’s most rewarding experiences often lie just outside one’s comfort zone. So, whether it’s reaching Everest Base Camp or exploring other breathtaking destinations, senior citizens are proving that age is no obstacle to pursuing their dreams of adventure.