Former TODAY Show Doc invites seniors to "get high" with him

"Age is not a barrier to climbing mountains," Ulene proclaims. He should know. Five years ago, he and his wife celebrated his 75^th birthday at the summit of Kilimanjaro, and they'll be celebrating his 81^st birthday there in July. "If the trek is designed properly," he says, "almost anyone in good physical condition can make it to this summit."

What's different about Ulene's trek for seniors? Ten nights on the mountain instead of the usual five, so daily hikes are shorter. A local guide for every two guests, so trekkers can hike at their own pace. The most unusual feature: an Expedition Doctor who will watch over Ulene's guests every step of the way. On Kilimanjaro, that role will be filled by Dr. Aaron Waxman, a Harvard Medical School professor and pulmonary specialist.  "We underestimate the physical potential of older people," the 60-year-old Waxman says. "It's amazing how far and how high we can go safely if we move at a slower pace and leave more time for acclimatization to altitude."

Ulene's treks will be operated by World Wide Trekking, an international adventure company based in Salt Lake City. Dean Cardinale, founder and owner, will personally lead the group in July. It will be the 45^th time on this summit for Cardinale, whose other climbs have taken him to five of the "Seven Summits," including Mt. Everest.

Detailed itineraries for Ulene's treks are available at www.wwtrek.com/supertreks.  For more information: Dean Cardinale at 801-943-0264 or [email protected].  To contact Dr. Ulene or Dr. Waxman: Chelsea Adams at 801-943-0264 or [email protected].

SOURCE World Wide Trekking

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