Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 90 (yes, 90): you’re too old for that

“You’re Too Old For That” is a regular series that explores inspiring activities being pursued by those over 50 years old who feel you’re never too old to do what lights you up.

Turning 90 and being in good health is a feat in and of itself. While some celebrate the milestone with parties and family reunions, Dr. Art Ulene, the former TODAY Show medical correspondent, health advocate, and author, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro. For the third time.

Ulene traveled from Los Angeles to Tanzania on June 18 and starts the 13-day climb today, aiming to reach the top on his July 13 birthday.  If he succeeds, he would be the oldest person to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world, standing 19,341 feet above sea level.

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Ulene’s advice for fellow seniors is simple: “I’m trying to be a role model; I’m trying to share my secrets for success; and I’m trying to provide some information that will get them to take the first step. Once you take that first step, momentum is on your side,” he told Nifty 50+.

On his next climb, Ulene will be accompanied by the person he calls his “guide for life,” Dean Cardinale, who owns World Wide Trekking, the company operating the ascent, as well as around 10 to 15 local porters, “whose super-human work makes it all possible.”

He wants to demonstrate that anything is possible, no matter your age, as long as you stay engaged with life.

“I spent much of my working life trying to improve the health and lives of others. Now that I’m older, I realize how many of us fail to realize our potential in both areas. I have discovered that for myself, and I’m hoping that my upcoming climb will inspire others to do the same,” he said.

The common stereotype of aging portrays our later years as a period of inevitable decline, passivity, and powerlessness, he said.

But that doesn’t have to be true if we are willing to take responsibility for our fate and invest the time, energy, and effort to realize our full potential in every possible area, Ulene added.

“It’s work, but well worth it,” he told us.

To prepare for his upcoming one, he said he’s doing “lots of walking,” averaging 4-6 miles per day, three to four times per week, as well as stair-climbing.

“I’m up to 50 flights, at least three times a week,” he said.

Ulene is no stranger to challenges. His first serious climb was at 74. He climbed Kilimanjaro in 2011 and 2013, with his wife, Priscilla, and a group of friends. He attempted another one in 2022 with his grandson Ben, but turned back at about 17,000 feet because he wasn’t feeling well.

“And I decided that it was worth risking my health just so I could say I reached the summit,” he said.

This time around, he said he is prepared to turn back “at the slightest sign of trouble.”

“We do pulse oximetry many times on the mountain (to measure oxygen levels in my red blood cells).  If the O2 saturation level drops at all, I’m coming back down.  They carry oxygen up the mountain, but if I need oxygen, that’s a sign for me to go back down,” he explained.

He said he’s in better physical health than he was decades ago, and attributes it to exercise, good nutrition, great sleep, stress management, and an active, independent, intelligent, and loving wife.

“I’m grateful for every day, for every one of my seven grandchildren, and for my 65-year marriage to the same wonderful woman,” he said.

Starting small is key, he said, as one step out the front door can start you on a walk around the block.

“One carrot can introduce you to the pleasure of eating healthy foods. One “No” can show you how easy it is to reduce the stress in your life. One good book can reopen the door to learning again,” Ulene said.

The person he is most inspired by is a fellow nonagenarian, his 98-year-old friend, Jim, a New Orleans resident who still works full-time.

“Who is one of the most charitable people I’ve ever known, and who remains gentle and empathetic with everyone he meets,” he said.

Looking back, the advice he would give his 20-year-old self is to “collect memories, not money.”

And the thing that does not matter anymore that he used to worry about when he was younger? Making money. So, is there a method for older people to remain engaged with life and stay mentally and physically healthy?

According to Ulene, there is: Remain curious and adventurous. Stay engaged with others. Be physically active, eat well, sleep well, and keep learning new things.

“I spent much of my working life trying to improve the health and lives of others. Now that I’m older, I realize how many of us fail to realize our potential in both areas. I have discovered that for myself, and I’m hoping that my upcoming climb will inspire others to do the same.”

Dr. Art Ulene

“Put all of those things together, and you have the formula for a rich life,” he said.

Asked what his next adventure is, Ulene, an avid skier, said skiing next winter.

“I have already purchased my season pass at Deer Valley Resort in Utah,” he said.

“You’re Too Old For That” is a regular series that explores inspiring activities being pursued by those over 50 years old who feel you’re never too old to do what lights you up. Are you doing something inspiring? Do you know someone who is pursuing a passion in their older years? If you or someone you know is 50 years old or older and should have their inspiring story told, please email the editors at Nifty 50+