For many, the concept of climbing a mountain serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges of daily life. For Dr. Art Ulene, a retired OB-GYN, that metaphor became a literal reality this month when he achieved a historic milestone. On July 13, his 90th birthday, Ulene reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, becoming the oldest person to ever climb the world's tallest free-standing mountain, which stands at approximately 19,000 feet above sea level.
Ulene undertook the 15-day expedition in partnership with CareScout, an organization that assists older adults and their families with aging-related navigation. His motivation for the trek was twofold: a personal desire to challenge himself and a broader goal to demonstrate that significant achievements remain possible even in the later stages of life. Describing mountains as a representation of life's peaks and valleys, he noted that avoiding such challenges means missing out on one's true potential.
This was not Ulene's first experience with the African peak; he previously climbed it with his wife when he was 75 and she was 72. During this recent journey, which consisted of 11-and-a-half days of ascent and four days of descent, he took extra precautions to accommodate his age. He admitted that the physical toll was significant, noting that his legs could not maintain a fast pace. To manage the strain, the team carried a chair that was deployed every hour, allowing him five to 10 minutes of recovery time.
When faced with the arduous nature of the climb, particularly navigating rough, rocky terrain and lifting himself over large boulders, Ulene relied on a simple philosophy: focusing on one step at a time. He estimated that the journey required repeating the process of putting one foot in front of the other approximately 50,000 times. The descent proved equally difficult, requiring careful control to avoid falling.
Upon reaching the summit, the physical exertion culminated in a memorable birthday celebration complete with cake, singing, and dancing. Looking forward, Ulene has already set his sights on his next challenge: skiing. He has purchased a season pass for Deer Valley in Utah and intends to train with an 80-year-old instructor.
Ulene emphasizes that his intention is not to suggest that every senior should attempt a Kilimanjaro climb, but rather that everyone should identify their own metaphorical mountain. Whether it is a long-held bucket list item or a personal obstacle, he encourages others to seek out their potential. Ultimately, he maintains a positive outlook on his own longevity, stating his desire to remain in perfect health for as long as possible, aiming to live with such vitality that people are surprised by the end of his life.
No matter how arduous the climb got, Ulene says, he kept reminding himself that all he had to do was keep putting one foot in front of the other. It's how he's surmounted many of life's obstacles, too.
"I just collapsed with the summit," he says. "I had a birthday party at the summit. A cake with icing. Song. Dancing."
