I suspect that the reason society discourages women from being adventurous - at any age - is a remnant of the days when women's and men's roles in society were more clearly defined. Rightly or wrongly women were traditionally better suited to remaining at home, having and caring for children. Only women can produce children. Historically, men killed in battles or when hunting for food could be replaced. Fewer men do not necessarily mean fewer children to ensure the survival of the species, fewer women most certainly do.
Thankfully, this discouragement seems to be waning. On my Camino de Santiago adventure in 2019, I encountered more women older than my (then) 69 than older men. Many were in their 70s and one amazing Australian woman of 84 had just completed the final 100km (60miles) with her daughter.
Ann Lorimor climbed Kilimanjaro twice. Once at 89 and became the oldest person to summit the mountain. Then a man a few months older than her took the award away. So she simply climbed it again!
I’m taking off in March on a semi-solo adventure. The UAE with a guide for 3 days and on my own for 2. Then joining Smithsonian Journeys for 2 weeks on the Silk Road. I’ll stop in Korea for a few days and then return home. I decided that before I hit my 8th decade, it’s time to do some of the distant things I have on my list.
It was an adventure for a while. I had a great time in the UAE, but I broke my foot the first day of the Silk Road journey. Treatment and the trip home were an unexpected form of adventure. I’m healing and writing. What’s gone is gone
I'm so sorry! I once broke my coccyx in Africa. Not fun. I remember looking at the 20 k of evacuation insurance included in my flight and thinking that I was potentially in serious trouble. That amount wouldn't cover much of anything! I stayed; held my breath as the safari vehicle bounced down dirt roads; managed a few good pictures. Would I go back? Absolutely! Next time I'll just be more careful! I do hope you heal well. Are you writing on substack?
I suspect that the reason society discourages women from being adventurous - at any age - is a remnant of the days when women's and men's roles in society were more clearly defined. Rightly or wrongly women were traditionally better suited to remaining at home, having and caring for children. Only women can produce children. Historically, men killed in battles or when hunting for food could be replaced. Fewer men do not necessarily mean fewer children to ensure the survival of the species, fewer women most certainly do.
Thankfully, this discouragement seems to be waning. On my Camino de Santiago adventure in 2019, I encountered more women older than my (then) 69 than older men. Many were in their 70s and one amazing Australian woman of 84 had just completed the final 100km (60miles) with her daughter.
Ann Lorimor climbed Kilimanjaro twice. Once at 89 and became the oldest person to summit the mountain. Then a man a few months older than her took the award away. So she simply climbed it again!
I’m taking off in March on a semi-solo adventure. The UAE with a guide for 3 days and on my own for 2. Then joining Smithsonian Journeys for 2 weeks on the Silk Road. I’ll stop in Korea for a few days and then return home. I decided that before I hit my 8th decade, it’s time to do some of the distant things I have on my list.
That sounds amazing! I'd love to hear your stories afterwards. Have a grand adventure!
It was an adventure for a while. I had a great time in the UAE, but I broke my foot the first day of the Silk Road journey. Treatment and the trip home were an unexpected form of adventure. I’m healing and writing. What’s gone is gone
I'm so sorry! I once broke my coccyx in Africa. Not fun. I remember looking at the 20 k of evacuation insurance included in my flight and thinking that I was potentially in serious trouble. That amount wouldn't cover much of anything! I stayed; held my breath as the safari vehicle bounced down dirt roads; managed a few good pictures. Would I go back? Absolutely! Next time I'll just be more careful! I do hope you heal well. Are you writing on substack?
Thanks for the good wishes. No, I’m not yet writing on Substack. I’m working on another book instead.