Are you getting close to 40 or 40 up and still want to climb Mt.Everest? Many guiding services will say that age doesn’t matter. It’s about your climbing frequency and mileage. But, age does matter when you are trying to climb the highest peak of the world. At least, according to statistics, age factor is imperative.
After the pioneers Hillary and Norgay, at least a 1000 people have tried climbing to the rooftop of the world. Many have died trying to climb it. Back in 1953, when the two climbers stood on top of the world, they were probably the fittest, strongest and well acclimatized climbers. Also, they had to figure everything out on their own. So, age did matter then.
Now, you pay about a total of 60,000 USD(Climbing permit), and clip in on the fixed ropes fixed by a sherpa team. I think age is not that much important when it comes to climbing Mt.Everest. But, a 60 year old can have some serious problems up there when the weather closes in and things start to freeze bigtime.
Even though your body systems slowly start to shut down around the age of 40, it is still not a bad age for the job. But, once you reach 60, you are better off giving up your Everest climbing dream. People above 60 have tried to climb and failed. You need to feel at home on a rock and ice as well as carrying heavy loads to the top. Otherwise, it can be your last climb ever.
Image Credit: ABC
