91-year-old man attempts to reclaim record as oldest person to hike the Appalachian Trail; internet says, 'age is just a number'
ETimes | July 15, 2026 8:39 PM CST
While most individuals at this stage of life prefer slowing down, 91-year-old Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders has opted for the challenging experience of walking through one of the most daunting hiking trails in the world. The seasoned hiker is attempting to recover his previous record as the oldest individual to traverse the Appalachian Trail – a 2,190-mile trail that covers 14 different states in the East Coast of the United States.
In a video, shared on Instagram by The New York Times, it can be seen how this incredible old man perseveres against the elements of nature. In order to qualify as a thru-hike, he needs to do it within 12 months. The report says that Sanders has covered more than 75% of the distance so far.
Recalling the first time he completed the Appalachian Trail at the age of 82, Sanders shared how deeply the experience impacted him. “The first time I hiked the Appalachian Trail at 82 years old, well, it certainly changed my life,” he said.
How his retirement gave him more freedom
He also reflected on how retirement gave him the freedom to pursue dreams he had long put aside. “I’ve been really fortunate in my 37 years with the Lady Parks and Recreation. But when I retired, I never looked back. I started doing things that I’ve been thinking about my whole life,” Sanders said, explaining how retirement became the beginning of a new adventure rather than the end of one.
The touching video became popular on the Internet very fast, with many people praising Sanders for his perseverance and positive attitude towards life. They also believed that his story contradicted many stereotypes about aging and was an example of the fact that people of any age can show strong desire and perseverance.
Reactions on social media
One comment read, “Age is nothing but a number. Such a wonderful man!” Someone else wrote, “This is the way to live life to its fullest!” The third one said, “He has more energy and perseverance than young men ofhis age.” Another comment read, “Retirement is not the end; it is the beginning of something new.” Finally, one person wrote, “He inspires whole generations to keep moving regardless of age.”
As Sanders proceeds on his amazing adventure, the whole world is watching and supporting him in his efforts. And if he manages to finish off the rest of his miles in the next 12 months, he will be making history again and become the oldest man to have completed the Appalachian Trail as a thru-hiker.
In a video, shared on Instagram by The New York Times, it can be seen how this incredible old man perseveres against the elements of nature. In order to qualify as a thru-hike, he needs to do it within 12 months. The report says that Sanders has covered more than 75% of the distance so far.
Recalling the first time he completed the Appalachian Trail at the age of 82, Sanders shared how deeply the experience impacted him. “The first time I hiked the Appalachian Trail at 82 years old, well, it certainly changed my life,” he said.
How his retirement gave him more freedom
He also reflected on how retirement gave him the freedom to pursue dreams he had long put aside. “I’ve been really fortunate in my 37 years with the Lady Parks and Recreation. But when I retired, I never looked back. I started doing things that I’ve been thinking about my whole life,” Sanders said, explaining how retirement became the beginning of a new adventure rather than the end of one.
The touching video became popular on the Internet very fast, with many people praising Sanders for his perseverance and positive attitude towards life. They also believed that his story contradicted many stereotypes about aging and was an example of the fact that people of any age can show strong desire and perseverance.
Reactions on social media
One comment read, “Age is nothing but a number. Such a wonderful man!” Someone else wrote, “This is the way to live life to its fullest!” The third one said, “He has more energy and perseverance than young men ofhis age.” Another comment read, “Retirement is not the end; it is the beginning of something new.” Finally, one person wrote, “He inspires whole generations to keep moving regardless of age.”
As Sanders proceeds on his amazing adventure, the whole world is watching and supporting him in his efforts. And if he manages to finish off the rest of his miles in the next 12 months, he will be making history again and become the oldest man to have completed the Appalachian Trail as a thru-hiker.
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