Have you ever met a 102-year-old granny who also happens to be, of all things, an adrenaline junkie? Well, neither have we! In Adelaide, Irene O’Shea has become the world’s oldest skydiver – for the second time!
What Age?
Back in 2016, Irene marked her 100th birthday by jumping out of a plane a.k.a. skydiving – for the very first time in her life, and setting the record for the world’s oldest skydiver at that time. Since then, she has returned to skydive once in a while. On Sunday, she reclaimed the record once again, taking the title from Kenneth Meyer, New Jersey. Clearly, age is just a number, and she doesn’t let it stop her from what she wants to do. Her son-in-law, Mike FitzHenry, seconds this. “You don’t try and talk her out of anything.” Wise words, Mr. FitzHenry.
Diving for a Good Cause
If you thought that skydiving at a three-digit age was a feat great enough, that’s not even the full story yet. Irene lost her daughter Shalagh to Motor Neurone Disease, and Irene’s skydives are to create awareness and raise funds for MND South Australia. Previously, an amount of AUD 12,000 was successfully raised, and this time, Irene hopes to raise another AUD 10,000. Can a person be any more inspirational?
Any Secret to Longevity?
It does sound like the ultimate dream, doesn’t it? To live a long (and hopefully healthy) life? “Good living, clean living, honest living,” is somewhat the answer, but Irene believes that it’s ultimately up to God to decide. We can’t agree more, and the best we can do is to live our lives the way we want with integrity before time runs out! Oh, and did we mention? Besides the skies, Irene is doing really well on land as well. She’s still reading and driving without glasses; what a blessing!
Well, Irene, we applaud your spunk! You put a lot of us youngsters to shame. May you live a healthy, happy life, continue to skydive, and constantly explore new things! To everyone else who’s been on the fence of trying something new, you’re never too old, just do it!
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