![U.S. Air Force. (2024, August 28). Airman Troy May carries Ursula Bannister, 79, to safety after she broke her leg while hiking in Ashford, Washington [Photograph]. U.S. Air Force.](https://boomercentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/U.S.-Air-Force.-2024-August-28.-Airman-Troy-May-carries-Ursula-Bannister-79-to-safety-after-she-broke-her-leg-while-hiking-in-Ashford-Washington-Photograph.-U.S.-Air-Force-768x960.jpg)
Think it’s too late to embark on an adventure of a lifetime? Think again! Meet Joy Ryan, a 94-year-old grandmother from Ohio whose journey proves that age is no barrier to exploring the world. With her grandson Brad Ryan by her side, Joy has become an icon of senior travel inspiration, showing retirees everywhere that the best adventures can happen after retirement.
Joy’s incredible story began at the age of 85 when she climbed her first mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fast forward to 2023, and she has shattered records as the oldest person to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks. Her travels took her from the breathtaking vistas of Yosemite to the rugged wilderness of Denali, proving that National Parks are for retirees too.
But Joy didn’t stop there. At 91, she got her first passport and set her sights on international adventures. From exploring American Samoa to marveling at Antarctica’s glaciers, mountains, and playful penguins, Joy has visited four continents and counting. “I slept in a tent, I climbed a mountain—all for the first time at age 85,” Joy shared. “It’s truly amazing. Show up for your life. Lean into the possibilities for your life at every age.”
Brad and Joy’s next goal? To visit all seven continents and inspire seniors to chase their travel dreams, whether it’s visiting National Parks or ticking off bucket-list destinations for seniors.
How to Start Your Own Adventure
Joy Ryan’s story is more than just an inspiring senior travel tale—it’s a call to action for retirees and Baby Boomers to embrace new possibilities. Whether it’s exploring senior-friendly travel ideas or planning your first big trip, the time to start is now!
Visit Boomer Central to find travel tips for retirees and get inspired by Joy Ryan’s incredible journey to embrace adventure at any age!
Sources
Freedman, H. (2024, December 20). 94-year-old on a mission to visit every continent with her grandson didn’t get first passport until she was 91. People. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://people.com/94-year-old-on-mission-visit-every-continent-with-grandson-reaches-antarctica-8761810
Hardingham-Gill, T. (2024, April 7). Grandma Joy isn’t slowing down: Now aged 94, she’s taken on a huge new travel challenge. CNN. Retrieved December 31, 2024, from https://edition.cnn.com/travel/grandma-joy-ryan-grandson-seven-continents/index.html
@grandmajoysroadtrip. (2024). [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Yk5GGOD69/
