Full Breakdown
90-Year-Old Retired OB-GYN Reaches Kilimanjaro Summit on Birthday
7/22/2026, 10:12:49 PM
Summit on 90th Birthday
On July 13, Dr. Art Ulene, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist, became the oldest person to stand atop Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest free-standing peak at roughly 19,000 feet. The achievement marked the culmination of a 15-day expedition organized with CareScout, a service that assists older adults and families in navigating aging-related decisions.
Trek Logistics and Physical Challenges
Ulene’s ascent required 11½ days of climbing and four days of descent. To accommodate his advanced age, the team employed a portable chair that was pulled every hour, allowing him brief periods of rest. He described the terrain as “rough and rocky,” noting that the most demanding moments involved lifting himself over large rocks and carefully controlling his downhill progress to avoid a tumble.
Motivation and Outlook
Ulene said the climb served two purposes: a personal milestone and a public demonstration that age need not limit ambition. He likened mountains to life’s “peaks and valleys,” urging others to “find your own mountain” and pursue it step by step. After reaching the summit, he celebrated with a birthday cake, song, and dancing, then announced plans to shift from climbing to skiing, having already purchased a season pass at Deer Valley, Utah, and arranging lessons with an 80-year-old instructor.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had to slow it down, because, quite frankly, my legs just would not go any faster,” — Mt. Kilimanjaro Ulene — Mt. Kilimanjaro Ulene
