14 March 2024 , 17:04
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Enthusiasm must be high - sky high in fact - to complete a skydive at any age.
But at 70, one may anticipate quietly winding down - though this pensioner may have taken the phrase somewhat at face value.
She, in fact, wound - and flew - down to the ground from 4,000 metres. The daredevil grandmother completed her lifelong wish - to jump out of a helicopter and skydive.
Her remarkable mission was caught on camera on Saturday March 9 in Wanning, China, where the woman, who requested not to be named, excitedly boarded a helicopter and took to the skies.
The clip shows the woman, dressed in orange clothing, smile as she waves to the camera and prepares herself for the 4,000-metre plunge. Then, she jumps out of the chopper with instructor Mr Li.
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During the descent, the elderly woman waves two thumbs at the camera as if to show she is enjoying herself. Later, as they reach the ground, she's seen hugging her instructor to express her thanks and salutes the camera.
Mr Li said that when the woman was younger, she dreamt of becoming an astronaut, longing for the blue skies above. Unwilling to leave any regrets behind, she bravely decided to go skydiving.
The 70-year-old woman enjoyed a skydive in Wanning, China (AsiaWire)
The woman descended the 4,000 metres amid warm and sunny weather on Saturday (AsiaWire)The instructor added the elderly woman displayed great courage, and her physical condition was also excellent. He added: "She once dreamed of becoming an astronaut, and I am very honoured to accompany this grandma in fulfilling her dream."
A daredevil job-seeker landed his dream role after jumping out of a plane – with a cardboard sign asking for work last year. Chris Serrano, a creative director living in Florida, filmed himself skydiving whilst holding a piece of cardboard reading "Open4Work".
He posted the clip on LinkedIn with the caption: "I got laid off last week. So I will be freefalling until I find a new gig – literally. If you’re looking for an award-winning creative that works hard, takes risks, and knows how to pack a parachute, reach out."
The post went viral, with more than 47,000 likes on the professional social media platform. Chris said: “I was hoping for the best, but I had no idea this little stunt would go on to be seen by so many people.”