Climb

Mount Aconcagua is the perfect mountain to spend your time when you have vacation or after retiring from work. Physicians advise seniors with knee pain to go for a hike as it can reduce it. Mount Aconcagua is safe to climb if you have proper cold-weather equipment, as on the mountain, you have to deal with only high altitude and cold winds.

You have to be physically and mentally fit to reach the summit at 22,834 feet. The Normal Route is suitable for seniors as it offers non-technical paths to the summit and is easier to climb. 

The oldest person to reach the peak of the Aconcagua.

Yuichiro Miura, a Japanese adventurer, climbed the peak of Aconcagua at the age of 86. He has climbed this mountain once before in his 50s. He also climbed Mt Everest at the age of 80, making him the oldest person to reach the top of Mount Everest. 

Oldest Woman to reach the top of the Mount Aconcagua

Sona Armenian is the oldest woman to climb the Aconcagua in her 70s. She reached the summit on January 18, 2019. She also became the oldest woman to reach the summit of Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico, in 2016. The Aconcagua Ascents begin in the Horcones Valley of Argentina. 

Why Should You Climb Mount Aconcagua?

Hiking a mountain or hill has many health benefits but climbing a summit is a great achievement for everyone. It is the tallest mountain in the western and southern hemispheres, which is tough to climb solo. Guided climbing offers a greater success rate in reaching the top. 

The benefits of climbing tall mountains like Aconcagua for seniors are:

  • It strengthens the muscles and bones due to the constant carrying of luggage. It reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
  • It also helps reduce knee pain. A 10 minutes warm-up is necessary before climbing as it helps lower the chance of joint soreness.
  • It improves blood circulation and cardiovascular health. After your Aconcagua trip, you can feel more energized.
  • The beautiful mountain views and pure air can help reduce depression and include calmness in seniors.
  • It also increases the ability of perception sensors in seniors, improving their memory.  

How Should Older Adults Prepare for Aconcagua? 

Seniors should be in great shape with no serious medical condition to climb this mountain since the climbing requires 22 days to reach the summit. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, stay hydrated and bring an emergency kit that includes an extra dose of your medication.

Conclusion:

There is no age to adventure; if something matters most to you, you should never give up on it. You can climb the summit of Mount Aconcagua with a little help from a guide. Climbing a mountain also has many health benefits for older adults. 

If you plan to climb Summit Aconcagua, you have to get in shape and buy mountaineering equipment such as trekking poles, fleece jackets, and mountain boots. Seniors need to stay hydrated on the mountain and take higher doses of medication to maintain their health.

By Manali