110. Living life to the fullest: He's 80 and cycling from Alaska to Panama
10/28/22 • 26 min
Imagine riding a bike from Alaska to Panama. Now imagine performing this grueling feat as an 80-year-old! Such a trek is not for the faint of heart, but adventure cyclist Bob Fletcher proves that it can be done with the right mindset, regardless of age. His goal is to break the existing world record for the longest journey on a motorized bicycle – and break existing stereotypes about seniors.
With his motorized bike or “eBike,” Bob rides with chargeable batteries that can provide a 50% boost in power when needed. This makes it easier to bike mountains and other types of rugged terrain on his journey. He often begins biking at 8:30 or 9 a.m. and continue until sometime between 5 and 7 p.m. Typically, he bikes during the week and enjoys rest days at Airbnbs, while meeting people and enjoying local communities along the way.
Bob also bikes for a cause: He’s raising money for Christmas presents for children in Panama, just in time for his December arrival at his final destination. That is, until he starts back up again to bike down South America!
Bob Fletcher is living proof that anyone can get out of their comfort zone and try new things. If you believe you can do something, you can, whether you’re 30 years old or 80 years old.
Topics discussed:- Bike riding- Electric bikes- Staying active as we age- Active seniors- Inspirational seniors- Mindset- Finding purpose as we age- Cycling over 80
Takeaways from this episode:- You can do whatever you set your mind to. If you believe you can’t do anything in your older age, you’ll prove yourself right.- Seniors can do anything: They can get involved, they can learn something new, and they can get out of their comfort zone and perform incredible feats.- The current record for the longest journey made on a motorbike is 8,400 kilometers – and Bob, at age 80 is on kilometer 9,000 right now, with only 2,000 more to go.- Electric bikes are popular in Europe, but it’s a great way to travel with a boost. You can activate a battery to get assistance on hills, then charge up the batteries at nighttime.
Resources mentioned:Follow and support Bob’s journey at https://octoodyssey.com/
https://www.instagram.com/octoodyssey/
Inspiring women over 50 to skydive from airplanes: 032. Living Life to the Fullest: Meet the Founder of Aging but Dangerous!
060. 96 Years Young, World War II Vet, the MOST Inspirational Senior
To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
Imagine riding a bike from Alaska to Panama. Now imagine performing this grueling feat as an 80-year-old! Such a trek is not for the faint of heart, but adventure cyclist Bob Fletcher proves that it can be done with the right mindset, regardless of age. His goal is to break the existing world record for the longest journey on a motorized bicycle – and break existing stereotypes about seniors.
With his motorized bike or “eBike,” Bob rides with chargeable batteries that can provide a 50% boost in power when needed. This makes it easier to bike mountains and other types of rugged terrain on his journey. He often begins biking at 8:30 or 9 a.m. and continue until sometime between 5 and 7 p.m. Typically, he bikes during the week and enjoys rest days at Airbnbs, while meeting people and enjoying local communities along the way.
Bob also bikes for a cause: He’s raising money for Christmas presents for children in Panama, just in time for his December arrival at his final destination. That is, until he starts back up again to bike down South America!
Bob Fletcher is living proof that anyone can get out of their comfort zone and try new things. If you believe you can do something, you can, whether you’re 30 years old or 80 years old.
Topics discussed:- Bike riding- Electric bikes- Staying active as we age- Active seniors- Inspirational seniors- Mindset- Finding purpose as we age- Cycling over 80
Takeaways from this episode:- You can do whatever you set your mind to. If you believe you can’t do anything in your older age, you’ll prove yourself right.- Seniors can do anything: They can get involved, they can learn something new, and they can get out of their comfort zone and perform incredible feats.- The current record for the longest journey made on a motorbike is 8,400 kilometers – and Bob, at age 80 is on kilometer 9,000 right now, with only 2,000 more to go.- Electric bikes are popular in Europe, but it’s a great way to travel with a boost. You can activate a battery to get assistance on hills, then charge up the batteries at nighttime.
Resources mentioned:Follow and support Bob’s journey at https://octoodyssey.com/
https://www.instagram.com/octoodyssey/
Inspiring women over 50 to skydive from airplanes: 032. Living Life to the Fullest: Meet the Founder of Aging but Dangerous!
060. 96 Years Young, World War II Vet, the MOST Inspirational Senior
To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
Previous Episode
109. True or false: Pets are not allowed in senior living communities
You may believe that you can’t bring pets to senior living – and you wouldn’t be alone in that assumption – but fortunately that’s not always the case! Cats as well as small dogs between 20-25 pounds are often allowed in senior living. If you’re unsure whether the community will allow you to bring your pet, it’s important to first understand the different types of senior living. There’s independent living for those age 55 and over, assisted living for those who need more assistance, memory care communities, residential care homes, and nursing homes. Pets typically aren’t allowed in nursing homes, care homes or memory cares. However, senior apartments, independent living, and assisted living usually allow animals, although with certain breed and size restrictions. It’s important to learn the rules for your specific community. Pets are an important page of life for many older adults. They provide companionship, love, and even purpose for the seniors that care for them. These are just a few of the reasons why many senior living communities are in support of dogs and cats coming to senior living. Don’t let concern about pets prevent you from making a good decision for yourself, and be sure to do your research so you can find a great living situation for you and your furry friend to stay together.
Topics discussed:
Senior living communities Bringing pets to senior living Dogs and cats Nursing homes and memory care Assisted living Senior apartments and pets Senior living fact vs mythTakeaways from this episode:
- Pets are often allowed in senior living, but there may be size / breed restrictions. - Dogs are allowed, but on average they need to be smaller – around 20-25 pounds. - Communities may “interview” the pet to make sure it’s a good fit. For instance, larger dogs may be allowed if they have a calm temperament and don’t jump. - Senior apartments, independent living, and assisted living are often the communities that allow pets. - Some senior living communities may have a little yard attached if you’re in a first-floor apartment.Resources mentioned in this episode:
040. Benefits of pets for seniors: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78ef7c3e/040-pets-and-seniors 057. Top 5 Misconceptions about Senior Living https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/e595443b/057-top-5-misconceptions-about-senior-living To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/ https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/ https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/Next Episode
111. REPLAY: The Importance of Beauty Salons in Senior Living Communities
What’s it like working as a hairdresser at a senior living community? Margo Brooks would tell you it’s been the best 9 years of her life, full of nonstop laughs, fun and fulfillment. Not only does she cut and style hair for senior men and women, but she uses her beauty school training for grooming and applying makeup to help seniors feel their best.
Margo tells Seniors Living Expert Lori Williams how she started working at the onsite senior living salon and the joys of the job. She’ll also discuss the seniors that inspire her and how (in the words of one of her clients) feeling good is “better than medicine.”
Topics discussed:- Life at senior living and memory care communities- Cutting hair for memory care patients- Caring for loved ones with dementia- Beauty and grooming for seniors- Hairstyling and makeup for funerals
Takeaways from this episode:- Hair appointments give seniors something to look forward to if they’re lonely or in need of self-care. They often share information with hairdressers they wouldn’t tell anyone else.- Seniors feel better if they look better. It’s been said, “When I come in here, it's better than medicine.”- Seniors with memory issues often love getting their hair done just as much as anybody else, but one important tip is to take a slower approach, be patient with them, and explain what you’re doing each step of the way.- One service some hairdressers perform is styling hair or applying makeup for the funeral of the deceased. This is a gift to family and to honor their loved one by ensuring they look like they did in life.
To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email [email protected] For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/
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