A remarkable group of Indian seniors, all aged over 70, is boldly challenging the conventional script of retirement. Hailing from Vadodara and Ahmedabad, this spirited band of more than 70 individuals is trading quiet evenings for the adrenaline rush of skydiving, the depths of scuba diving, the plunge of bungee jumping, and the formidable trek across Antarctica's frozen wilderness.
Defying Age and Ailments for Adventure
Take the inspiring example of Gautam Kothari, 74, and his wife Beena, 72. Despite Gautam having lost vision in one eye and Beena facing challenges with walking long distances, the couple has embraced a life of high-octane exploration. Together, they have leapt from aircraft, plunged into oceans, and dangled over canyons. Their adventures have taken them to the edge of the world in polar cold, where they cruised icy waters and met a solitary lighthouse family in one of the planet's most remote outposts.
In just four years, the Kotharis have traveled to 14 countries, ticking off experiences that many half their age keep postponing for a distant "someday." Recalling their 2022 skydiving experience in Russia, Gautam said, "Icy wind hit us. The earth below looked fascinating. Neither of us was nervous even for a moment." Their spirit remains unbroken by common age-related health concerns, from heart ailments to knee replacements, proving that for them, the will to explore is stronger.
A Rhythm of Self-Planned Global Exploration
The Kotharis' journey didn't stop in Russia. They pursued bungee jumping in New Zealand in 2024 and explored the underwater world of Egypt's Red Sea through scuba diving, despite family warnings about heart pressure. Their meticulously hand-planned itineraries have included chasing auroras in Iceland, drifting over Egypt in a hot-air balloon, staying in Indonesia's rainforests, watching gorillas in Uganda, and gliding over a frozen Siberian lake. "We do everything ourselves," Beena emphasized, referring to planning destinations, flights, accommodations, and routes.
They are not alone. Another couple from Ahmedabad, Deval Thakor, 77, and his wife Daksha, 76, have embraced a similar rhythm. After being labeled "senior citizens," they took on Antarctica and even skydived in California. "Age is just a number," declared Thakor. "Journeys matter more than possible hardships."
Adding to this league are Nautam Vakil, 78, and his wife Neeta, 82. A knee replacement surgery did not deter Neeta from undertaking the Alpine Tour in Japan this year. "We believe in living with high spirits," Vakil stated, embodying the group's philosophy.
An Unfinished Bucket List and Unwavering Curiosity
Back in Vadodara, Gautam Kothari continues to run his industrial electrical products business. For him and his wife, travel is the fuel for their insatiable curiosity. "We want to live every moment," Gautam explained. "Meet new people. Explore different cuisines."
The adventure is far from over. The Kotharis have set their sights on Namibia's desert next. The Thakors, after completing an extensive road trip across India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Kutch to Arunachal Pradesh, now plan to visit Egypt and Jordan. As time moves forward, these extraordinary seniors from Gujarat are determined to move faster, proving that the spirit of adventure knows no age.
