At 90 years old, Dr. Art Ulene, beloved for his long career on NBC’s Today show, is undertaking his fourth climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro in a bold attempt to set a world record. His journey combines a lifetime commitment to health with a spirited push to inspire others to challenge their limits at any age.
- Dr. Ulene attempts Kilimanjaro summit on his 90th birthday
- A longtime advocate of healthy living and fitness
- Fourth Kilimanjaro climb, including one with his grandson
What happened
Dr. Art Ulene, known for his 23 years as a medical correspondent on NBC’s Today show, is attempting to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro on his 90th birthday. This will be his fourth time climbing Africa’s highest mountain. Having first reached the summit in 2011 alongside his wife, Priscilla, and again in 2017, he returned in 2022 with his grandson but had to turn back before reaching the peak due to altitude symptoms.
For this milestone birthday, Ulene has prepared intensively with stair climbing, strength training, and walking to increase his endurance. His goal is not only to reach the summit but also to set a world record as the oldest person to do so, demonstrating that age should never limit adventurous pursuits.
Why it feels good
Ulene’s story resonates because it offers a powerful message about aging and health. Despite beginning an active lifestyle relatively late, in his 30s and 40s, he has embraced fitness consistently, proving that it’s possible to maintain and improve wellness well into older adulthood. His climb reflects a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and a refusal to let age define what he can accomplish.
He hopes his journey inspires people of all ages to prioritize their health and push personal boundaries. His motto, 'It's never too early to start. It's also never too late,' underscores the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to enjoy better health in later years.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow Dr. Ulene’s progress and upcoming milestones as he attempts this impressive feat at 19,341 feet. His climb is supported by CareScout, reflecting his commitment to wellness and community. Viewers and followers can take inspiration from his training approach, which combines realistic exercises like stair climbing with strength workouts and steady walking.
Ulene’s story invites everyone to explore their own bucket lists and consider new goals regardless of age. Whether it’s a physical challenge, travel adventure, or a personal dream, his climb up Kilimanjaro motivates us to believe we can keep striving and thriving throughout life.