When most people envision zipline enthusiasts, they typically picture adventurous youth or middle-aged thrill-seekers. However, a remarkable group of seniors has shattered the age old stereotypes by soaring through the skies well into their golden years. These extraordinary individuals prove that adventure has no age limit, combining courage, spirit, and determination to achieve feats many younger people might hesitate to attempt.
| Name | Age | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Aris | 94 | 2023 | Zip World Velocity, Wales, UK |
| Marklyn Lynn | 100 | 2023 | Montana Whitewater and Yellowstone Zipline, Gardiner, Montana, USA |
| Glenn Quillin | 102 | January 2018 | La Jolla Zip Zoom, Pauma Valley, San Diego County, California, USA |
| Jack Reynolds | 106 | April 6, 2018 | Go Ape, Grizedale Forest, Lake District, UK |
4. David Aris
Age: 94
Date: 2023
Location: Zip World Velocity, Wales, UK
At 94, David Aris chose a profoundly meaningful way to honor the memory of his late wife, June. He took to the skies on the world’s fastest zipline at Zip World’s Velocity in Wales, where riders can reach breathtaking speeds exceeding 100 mph.
David’s heartfelt tribute captured global attention when videos of his flight across the Welsh mountains went viral on social media platforms, accumulating over 4 million views. But his zipline experience served a dual purpose beyond the thrill—it was a fundraiser benefiting St. John’s Hospice, where June had received care before her passing.
Through his aerial adventure, David raised nearly £10,000 (approximately $13,000) for the hospice, demonstrating that love transcends all boundaries, including those of age and gravity. Social media users responded with overwhelming admiration, leaving comments of pure love and appreciation.
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3. Marklyn Lynn
Age: 100
Date: 2023
Location: Montana Whitewater and Yellowstone Zipline, Gardiner, Montana, USA
When Marklyn Lynn expressed to staff at her assisted living facility that ziplining was on her bucket list, they wanted to fulfill her wish. Soon after, she found herself gliding above the forest canopy at Montana Whitewater and Yellowstone Zipline in Gardiner, wearing a smile that radiated pure joy.
Marklyn’s son, Chris Lynn, only discovered his mother’s aerial adventure when his brother sent him video footage of her flight—a surprising belated celebration after her 100th birthday in April. What truly captured Marklyn’s spirited nature was her reaction upon completing the zipline: “That’s it? Can we go again? Backwards?”
Adventure was deeply ingrained in Marklyn’s life. She and her late husband spent decades backpacking throughout the Rocky Mountains, conquering peaks in Colorado, and raising a family immersed in outdoor exploration. Even in her centenarian years, she continued to enjoy short walks around her facility grounds with her walker.
Adding a touch of sweetness to her adventure, Marklyn seemed quite charmed by her tandem guide, Cody, giving him a kiss on the cheek and later commenting, “I really liked that guy,” demonstrating that romance and playfulness know no age limits either.
2. Glenn Quillin
Age: 102
Date: January 2018
Location: La Jolla Zip Zoom, Pauma Valley, San Diego County, California, USA
Coming in a close second is Glenn Quillin, who celebrated his 102nd birthday by setting the record for the oldest zipline rider in the United States. His record-setting adventure occurred at La Jolla Zip Zoom in Pauma Valley, California, a course known for its challenging vertical drops and speeds reaching up to 50 mph.
Glenn’s attraction to adventure was a lifelong affair. His first brush with aerial excitement came in 1931 when he was forced to bail out of a crashing airplane. His professional life proved equally impressive—he contributed to the Manhattan Project during World War II, managed engineering teams, and built a successful career at Hughes Aircraft in the post-war era.
After losing his wife in 2010, Glenn chose to embrace life rather than retreat from it. He marked his 100th birthday with a tandem skydive before tackling the zipline challenge two years later, surrounded by cheering staff, friends, and family members. His grandson, Mike Welch, aptly described him: “He’s braver than most people. He just charges through it all.”
Even after his zipline adventure, Glenn maintained his independence at a retirement community in Carlsbad, where he regularly exercised at the gym and continued planning future adventures. With characteristic enthusiasm, he told reporters, “I have my eye on that airplane,” suggesting another skydive might be in store for his 103rd birthday.
1. Jack Reynolds
Age: 106
Date: April 6, 2018
Location: Go Ape, Grizedale Forest, Lake District, UK
At the impressive age of 106, Jack Reynolds of Hollingwood, Derbyshire, UK, secured his place in history as the oldest person ever to ride a zipline. This remarkable achievement, officially recognized by Guinness World Records, took place on his 106th birthday in 2018 at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest, situated in the UK’s picturesque Lake District.
What makes Jack’s story even more impressive is that ziplining was just one chapter in his book of late-life adventures. Reynolds developed a tradition of taking on daring challenges each birthday while simultaneously raising funds for charitable causes. His adventurous resume included getting his first tattoo at 104, braving a rollercoaster ride at 105, and even appearing on television as the oldest supporting actor at 107.
Jack’s philosophy for longevity combined practicality with a dash of humor. He advised others to “Work hard, always smile, get plenty of fresh air, and have a tot of Grouse whisky in your tea in the morning and before bed.” This spirited centenarian passed away peacefully in April 2020 at the age of 108, leaving behind an inspiring legacy that continues to motivate people of all ages.
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Conclusion
These four amazing individuals have challenged society’s perceptions of aging. Their stories showcase that chronological age need not dictate one’s capacity for adventure, courage, or meaningful experiences. Whether breaking world records, fulfilling lifelong dreams, commemorating loved ones, or simply embracing joy mid-flight, they exemplify the principle that life at any age can be an exhilarating journey.
Their adventures serve as powerful reminders that it’s never too late to pursue dreams, overcome fears, and live with purpose and passion. These zipline enthusiasts have not merely participated in an extreme sport—they’ve soared past limitations, leaving inspiration in their wake.
The next time someone suggests you might be “too old” for an adventure, just remember their stories and take your own leap into this exciting adventure sport. After all, the sky truly is the limit, regardless of age.
