Aging Boldly: Why I Still Travel the World at 75

A few weeks ago, I boarded a long, grueling flight to the South Pacific to visit five of my eight grandchildren who live on a small island in Vanuatu. It took almost 20 hours of flying, four airports, an overnight stay, and more than one sleepless night.

And honestly? I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

Because this is what I mean when I talk about aging boldly. Not skydiving or climbing Everest (though if that’s your thing, go for it). But staying curious. Saying yes to adventure. Doing what brings you alive, even when it stretches you.

And believe me, I said yes to a lot on this trip.

Headstands on the Beach

We did our traditional headstands, something we’ve been doing together since they were tiny and needed to be held up by a parent or the nearest wall. This time, we lined up on the beach, the girls flipping upside down beside me. Little Louise watched with wide eyes, then insisted on trying her own wobbly version, me holding her upside down. Seeing all of us upside down together, balancing, laughing, and learning,felt like the most authentic expression of strength I know. Not just physical strength, but joy, courage, and the willingness to see the world from a different angle.

Saying Yes to the RipStik

One afternoon, I took a chance and climbed onto a RipStik — a skateboard-like board with only two wheels that requires twisting your whole body to move forward. I held onto a table while I learned, trying to find my balance, and my grans circled around me like little coaches.

“Gran! You’re doing great!”
“Keep going, Gran!”

We laughed, we stumbled, and yes, I stayed upright. Mostly.

A Tennis Lesson at 75

Another day, I picked up a racket on the tennis court. I could see the kids watching from a distance, trying not to burst into giggles. So the next week, I signed myself up for a real lesson with their coach, Madame Jacoby. She’s 73, powerful, full of fire, and she worked me hard.

I learned a lot and proved to myself that you’re never too old to begin again.

Jumping, Swimming, and Listening to My Body

I always join them on the trampoline. It’s fun, it’s silly, and it keeps me young. This time, after bouncing and doing a few questionable tricks, my back reminded me to slow down. So the next day, I gently said no to the butt-bouncing routine and yes to cheering them on.

One afternoon, I jumped off the dock into the sea and swam alongside them. Salt water, sunshine, and belly laughs are the best medicine for the spirit.

What I Hope My Grans Remember

I hope my grans remember that growing older doesn’t mean growing old. It doesn’t mean giving up joy. I want them to remember seeing me try new things, fly across the world, laugh with my whole heart, and choose curiosity over comfort.

But I also told them the truth: you have to care for yourself if you want to live this way.

I lift weights.
I ride my bike.
I run.
I stay fit because I want to get on planes, fly long distances, lift my carry-on to the upper compartment, and hit the ground running.
I stay fit because I want to keep up with them, and because my body is worth caring for.

Some of my favorite moments were slow and peaceful: walking along the beach, drinking fresh coconuts, sharing snacks with a turquoise lagoon behind us. Evenings were magical, with family meals outside at sunset, everyone helping with plates, chatting, keeping the baby from crawling under the table.

As their Gran, I loved the reflective moments too. We journaled together about gratitude, pride, and fears. I painted with Louise, the energetic two-year-old, and held little Tristan, the ten-month-old who fell in love with my hat.

The night before I left, I received two of the highest compliments of my life.

Ella, almost twelve, said, “Gran, I’m really sad you’re leaving. Is there anything I could do to make you stay?” Whew, what a heart stopper. 

Later, while washing dishes, Katie said, “Gran, when I have a baby, I’m going to pay for your airline ticket to come help me raise her.”

I will carry those words with me forever.

Aging Boldly Means Staying True to Yourself

Leaving was hard. But I came home more determined than ever to stay fit, stay healthy, and keep saying yes to the things that matter.

People often say, “You travel so much! You must have amazing energy.” And I do, but not because I’m lucky or special.

I’m strong because I care for the body that carries me.
I’m joyful because I choose joy.
I’m active because I trust myself.

That quiet, steady trust is the real secret. Trusting your body. Trusting your choices. Trusting that you can still grow, still have adventures, still live fully, no matter your age.

We’ve been told aging means shrinking or fading. But what if aging is actually the moment we become most ourselves?

What if it’s the time when we stop asking for permission and start living by our own truth?

Aging isn’t the end of our adventure. It’s the reward for all the wisdom we’ve earned.

Over to You:

Where have you been holding back because of your age, your fears, or someone else’s story about what’s appropriate?

What if this is the year you say yes to something that excites you, even just a little?