We might have heard it a thousand times, and a thousand times more, but age is really just a number if you think of it. And as long as people strive to prove other people wrong, we will keep hearing this expression.
A group of senior Saudi explorers gave us the perfect example when they reached Nepal's most notorious mountain, Mount Everest. They didn't reach the peak (which stands at 8,848 meters) as most media reported, but instead settled for Everest's base camp (5,364 meters).
The team was comprised of 16 members, all senior citizens and retirees, who went on a 15-day journey organized by local tourist agency Akam Al-Jazerah.
The triumphant bunch reached the mountain's base camp despite harsh weather conditions and some health issues. After arriving at the base's 5,364 meter mark, the team hoisted the Saudi flag in full force.
According to Arab News, several of those on the team suffered health issues during the trek and some even lost consciousness. However, there was no stopping the adamant adventurers who persisted as soon as they received first aid treatment from medics.
After days of climbing, the entire team managed to get to Everest's base, making quite an impressive achievement.
They later celebrated the feat at the kingdom's embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, where they were given certificates to mark their achievement.
"Age is just a number"
Not the first Saudis to climb the mountain
In 2008, 30-year-old Farouk Saad Hamad Al-Zuman became the first Saudi to conquer Mount Everest's peak.
The >second Saudi national to ever climb the mountain was none other than the kingdom's Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Fahd, who is also the first Saudi to complete the Seven Summits challenge – conquering the highest peaks on all seven continents.
In 2013, Raha Moharrak >made history after becoming the first Saudi woman to ever climb Mount Everest. She reached the summit after committing to intense training throughout her quest.