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Unbelievable moment couple tie the knot while skydiving

<p>An Italian model and her partner have tied the knot in a very unusual ceremony that took place thousands of feet in the air. </p> <p>Roberta Mancino and Manuel Basso took a leap of love and said "I do" while they were skydiving, with their air-borne nuptials quickly going viral online. </p> <p>The model, who is known for her aerial antics, donned a white dress and her new husband wore a suit as they read out their vows while jumping out of a plane. </p> <p>Incredible footage, shared by Roberta on her Instagram account, shows the pair falling head first from more than 10,000ft.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_0-Z_FoxLM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_0-Z_FoxLM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by roberta mancino (@mancinoroberta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple even share a kiss together as they hurtle towards the earth at more than 100mph as newlyweds.  </p> <p>The Italian model also shared a video of the jump to her Instagram, accompanied by the phrase: "We made the jump."</p> <p>The videos of the incredible nuptials quickly racked up thousands of likes and comments, with many wishing the couple congratulations. </p> <p>One person wrote, "Falling in love, literally speaking," while another added, "Love really is in the air!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Relationships

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Great-grandmother celebrated her 93rd birthday by skydiving

<p dir="ltr">A great-grandmother from the Gold Coast has proved that age is just a number, by celebrating her 93rd birthday by going skydiving. </p> <p dir="ltr">Betty Gregory first got a taste for the thrill of being in the sky when she was just 17 and working in England's Royal Air Force.</p> <p dir="ltr">She told <em><a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/queensland-great-grandmother-jumps-out-of-plane-to-celebrate-93rd-birthday/707b554c-f6e4-47a5-b63f-b05370bfaaad">Today</a></em>, "I was 17 and I was doing a photographic course where I had to go up in a plane to do some aerial photography training."</p> <p dir="ltr">"I had to crawl past the pilot's legs, where they'd taken a panel out of the nose and installed this camera on a framework and I could see all the little fields with animals and cars on little tiny roads and I thought it would be very nice to do a jump."</p> <p dir="ltr">After she landed safely on the ground, Betty tried to convince the pilot to take her back up and let her do a jump, but to no avail. </p> <p dir="ltr">She put the idea on the back burner, vowing to herself to do the skydive at some stage in the future. </p> <p dir="ltr">Fast forward a few decades, when Betty had settled on the Gold Coast and started a family, she began thinking of the skydive once more. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I saw them landing on Kirra Beach and I thought, 'Now there's an idea, I'll do that for my 80th birthday,'" she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">So she did, and she pledged to go again on her 85th birthday for her second skydive. </p> <p dir="ltr">"I was going to do another one at 90, but COVID-19 happened and everything was cancelled," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Then, for my 91st birthday, my son came up from Victoria and I asked if he also wanted to jump, he said 'well, I suppose if you can do it at 91, mum, I can do it at 68.'"</p> <p dir="ltr">As Betty’s love for jumping out of planes grew, she decided not to wait until her 95th birthday to do it again. </p> <p dir="ltr">"The numbers of my age are getting quite high, so I thought maybe I won't leave it for 95, I'll do it at 93 instead," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Betty admitted she's even gotten friendly with the tandem jumper who lets her manoeuvre the parachute handles so she can spend a little bit longer sailing through the skies.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's exhilarating, it really is - I really enjoy it," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Meet the grandmothers pushing boundaries with their New Year's resolutions

<p>Each year, millions of people around the world decide it is their year to try new things and push boundaries. </p> <p>For many, these New Year's resolutions include getting fit and eating healthy, travelling, or saving money for a big purchase. </p> <p>But for these Aussie seniors, they are pushing their resolutions even further, taking part in activities that will keep them young. </p> <p>For Gold Coast great-grandmother Hilda Wren, she knew she wanted to make a change after she had never been on a plane before. </p> <p>So, naturally, she decided to make her first trip in a plane one to remember, by jumping out of the aircraft and skydiving over the coast. </p> <p>"I've done sort of kickboxing, tennis, dancing, everything and I thought skydiving would be something different," Hilda told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/rise-of-granfluencers-and-why-more-aussies-over-60-are-living-their-best-life/741432b9-4e3d-4831-a1c0-1134d66ac949" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Today</em></a>.</p> <p>"The grandkids think I'm absolutely marvellous."</p> <p>The 90-year-old admitted her first skydive was a little nerve-wracking, but after going up in the plane and jumping out another two times, she admitted it gets easier each time. </p> <p>"If anybody wants to do something different, do it while you can," she said.</p> <p>"I mean, I'm 90 now, and I'm glad I've done it three times - if I could do it again, I would."</p> <p>Melbourne pensioners Carmen and Ginger took up interesting resolutions last year, and this year have decided to try out pole dancing. </p> <p>"Take the opportunity to embrace whatever you want to embrace, more of what you love," Carmen said. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Today </em></p>

Retirement Life

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World’s oldest skydiver dies after record-breaking jump

<p dir="ltr">Just weeks after becoming the oldest person to complete a tandem skydive, 104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner has passed away. </p> <p dir="ltr">On October 1st, the Chicago native <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/104-year-old-woman-becomes-world-s-oldest-skydiver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broke a world record</a> by jumping out of a plane with a professional skydiver. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her incredible display of bravery captured global attention, with her amazing feat being recognised by the Guinness World Records association. </p> <p dir="ltr">Less than two weeks after her historic freefall, Dorothy passed away peacefully.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement to <em><a href="https://people.com/inspiring-104-year-old-woman-dies-1-week-after-becoming-world-oldest-skydiver-8349727" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em> magazine, Skydive Chicago and the United States Parachute Association confirmed the news of her death. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened by Dorothy’s passing and feel honoured to have been a part of making her world-record skydive a reality,” the statement read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Skydiving is an activity that many of us safely tuck away in our bucket lists. But Dorothy reminds us that it’s never too late to take the thrill of a lifetime.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are forever grateful that skydiving was a part of her exciting, well-lived life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her legacy is even more remarkable because of the attention the world gave to her inspiring story.”</p> <p dir="ltr">According to a close friend of Hoffner’s, Joe Conant, the Chicago record-breaker passed away peacefully in her sleep. </p> <p dir="ltr">He also told the <em><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-dorothy-hoffner-skydive-chicago-obituary-20231010-bebci7alezdvnmrc4advc7lnm4-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Tribune</a></em> that despite her 104 years, her death was unexpected.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It came as quite a shock,” Conant said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She gave an incredible amount of her spirit and life to all of us, and it inspired all of us.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: ABC 7 Chicago / Skydive Chicago</em></p>

Caring

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104-year-old woman becomes world's oldest skydiver

<p>A 104-year-old Chicago woman is believed to be the oldest person in the world to tandem skydive, after jumping off a plane from 13,500 feet (4,100 meters) in northern Illinois. </p> <p>On Sunday the 1st of October, Dorothy Hoffner left her walker behind without hesitation and hopped on a Skyvan to set a world record.</p> <p>The 104-year-old could not contain her excitement as she sat on the plane.</p> <p>“Let’s go, let’s go, Geronimo!” she said. </p> <p>Hoffner first started skydiving when she was 100, and initially had to be pushed out of the aircraft, but this time around, things were different. </p> <p>The centenarian insisted on leading the jump while tethered to a U.S. Parachute Association-certified instructor. She was cool and confident as the plane doors opened to reveal the golden crop fields below. </p> <p>Hoffner fearlessly tumbled out of the plane head first and successfully did a forward roll before freefalling from 13,500 feet in the air. </p> <p>The dive lasted seven minutes, including the parachutes slow descent on to the ground. </p> <p>As soon as she landed at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, just 140 km southwest of Chicago, friends rushed in to share their congratulations. </p> <p>When asked how it felt to be back on land she simply replied with: “Wonderful." </p> <p>“But it was wonderful up there. The whole thing was delightful, wonderful, couldn’t have been better."</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQQyc9kRfio?si=3uj4x5hTPyyU6HrJ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Moments after her touchdown, the centenarian told the cheering crowd: “Age is just a number." </p> <p>The previous Guinness World Record for oldest skydiver was set in May 2022 by 103-year-old Swedish woman Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson. </p> <p>Skydive Chicago is currently working with Guinness World Records to certify Hoffner's jump as a record according to <em>WLS-TV</em>. </p> <p>Hoffner's final message for those who haven't tried it: “Skydiving is a wonderful experience, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. Just do it." </p> <p><em>Images: ABC 7 Chicago / Skydive Chicago</em></p> <p> </p>

Retirement Life

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90-year-old-with chronic leukaemia skydives for charity

<p>A thrill-seeking 90-year-old has celebrated her birthday - in what some would call an unconventional manner for her age - by skydiving, and raising £5,000 for a homeless charity in the process.</p> <p>Shirley Robinson, from Long Clawson in Leicestershire, jumped out of a plane at 14,000ft for the fundraiser at Skydive Langar in Nottinghamshire.</p> <p>Shirley, who was diagnosed with chronic leukaemia in 2022, raised funds for Crisis, a charity that provides help and support for homeless people.</p> <p>She told <em>BBC News</em>, “It's just wonderful how generous people have been. It's lovely.”</p> <p>Footage of her dive saw Shirley styled in a bright blue jumpsuit as she was cheered on by family and friends before getting on the plane.</p> <p>She smiled and waved at the camera as she was strapped to her skydiving instructor.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsZGxykN0PN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsZGxykN0PN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Skydive Langar (@skydivelangar)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>After Shirley’s adrenaline packed skydive, she landed safely in a field and can be heard in the video exclaiming, “That was wonderful.”</p> <p>When asked about her favourite part of the experience, she responded, “That was lovely, going through the clouds.”</p> <p>She confessed afterwards that the free fall was a “bit breathtaking” but she “loved it” before thanking her instructor for looking after her.</p> <p>Shirley returned to a hero’s welcome with her beaming friends and family congratulating her.</p> <p>A spokesperson for the charity said, “We want to say an enormous thank you to Shirley for the incredible amount of money she has raised.</p> <p>“Shirley's donation will provide vital support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We're so grateful.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Retirement Life

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"10 seconds left to live": Skydive survivor recalls horror moment

<p>Young Aussie Emma Carey has recalled the gut-wrenching moment she realised she only had “10 seconds left to live” during a freak skydiving accident that happened nine years ago.</p> <p>Emma Carey, now almost 29, is lucky to be alive after her parachute became tangled and then strangled her instructor during a tandem skydive. The pair fell 14,000ft out of the sky.</p> <p>The accident unfortunately went down on the fifth day of her three-month long overseas trip when she decided to skydive in Switzerland alongside her best friend. Emma realised something was seriously wrong when she spotted the parachute flapping out in front of her rather than in the air above. When the parachute was finally deployed it became tangled with the strings of the safety chute and choked her instructor, causing him to pass out almost instantly.</p> <p>“I remember thinking, oh my god Jemma will have to find me on the ground, I remember thinking about my family and the main thing I remember feeling is regret for not embracing myself fully up until that point” she shared.</p> <p>The then-20-year-old copped the brunt of the fall, landing facedown with the instructor on top of her. Quickly trying to roll him off, she became distraught realising she couldn’t feel anything from the waist down. Ms Carey was rushed to hospital where surgeons operated on her back and pelvis. Her spine was broken in two places, rendering her a paraplegic.</p> <p>After recovering from surgery, she was reunited with her family and friends in Australia where she started rehabilitation. By some miracle, she slowly but surely began to get the feeling back in her legs and eventually learned to walk, albeit with a small limp.</p> <p>However, Ms Carey has remained positive throughout the ordeal and now looks at the terrifying moment she felt sure she was going to die as a “rebirth”.</p> <p>“I know how it feels. To think I only have 10 seconds left to live and now I get the rest of my life, whatever that is, so I think it's actually really nice for me to have that memory because it helps to keep me grateful,” she said.</p> <p>Carey has written a book “the girl who fell from the sky” detailing the day her life was changed forever.<br />It has been nine years since the shocking incident and little did she know, nine years later she would be where she is today.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"Miracle I'm alive": Tragic way grandfather survived skydiving fall

<p>After surviving a fall of 12,000 feet in a terrifying skydiving accident, a Victorian grandfather has praised the man who saved his life.</p> <p>Christopher Rantall was doing a tandem jump with his instructor Arron Toepfer when the pair got into difficultly when their parachutes didn't open. </p> <p>As they plummeted towards a paddock in Torquay, Arron turned in the last seconds of the fall to cushion the blow for Christopher and did not survive the impact. </p> <p>In an emotional interview, Christopher spoke to 7News about the traumatic ordeal. </p> <p><span>“It still gets to me. Arron basically sacrificed his life (so) that I can live, or have a chance at living,” the grandfather said.</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“I personally believe it is a miracle that I’m alive and another miracle that I’m as able-bodied as I am.”</p> <p>He shared the skydiving experience with his daughter Raya, as part of her birthday present and a bucket list wish for Christopher. </p> <p>The grandfather said he was having the time of his life until he realised something was wrong. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Arron has gone to release the first chute - It didn’t work,” the 54-year-old said.</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“I didn’t know and I’m just loving this free-fall and we’re just going down and down and down.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">Christopher said he realised the severity of the situation once they were in a vertical position and he noticed the secondary chute was not filling with air. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>“At the same time I could see Raya above us, so I was like: ‘Oh, we’re in trouble here’,” he said.</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>Raya had jumped first but her father overtook them as he fell at up to 200km/h. </span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">After not remembering the impact of the crash, Christopher spent two weeks in hospital with a dislocated hip, bleeding into his spleen and some broken bones. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">The 54-year-old praises his instructor for saving his life, and insists he won't skydive again. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>“For someone to put their life in danger to save a stranger - how brave do you have to be to do that,” he said.</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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What’s it like to go indoor skydiving?

<p><span>Indoor skydiving is a fun way to experience what it is like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Q. What is Indoor skydiving exactly?</strong><br /></span></p> <p><span>Indoor skydiving</span><span> </span>is where you simply lean forward inside a giant glass tunnel into a column of air and float effortlessly into flight guided by qualified instructors. There's no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet earth! It's just you, 'flying' in the air and getting an incredible adrenaline rush.<br /> <br /><strong>Q. Is indoor skydiving safe?</strong></p> <p>Yes. Every aspect of the wind tunnel design has been carefully considered to create a fully controlled environment that provides total safety. Certified and highly-trained instructors are with you at all times during your flight, to give guidance and reassurance.<br /><br /><strong>Q. Is it hard to breathe during the flight?</strong></p> <p>Not at all. It’s a similar sensation to sticking your head out of a car window when it’s moving. You’ll feel the wind rush over your whole body as it lifts you effortlessly upwards. Just breathe normally and enjoy the ride.</p> <p><strong>Q. How long is a flight?</strong></p> <p>Each flight within the wind tunnel lasts for almost 1 minute. That’s actually more freefall time than a skydive from 14,000 feet. Standard flight packages includes 2 flights, with an instructor helping you make the most of your time.</p> <p>You can also choose to add additional flights to your packages. The whole experience normally takes approximately 1.5 hours, however this will be dependent on your group size and how many flights you are doing. </p> <p><strong>Q. Is indoor skydiving scary?</strong></p> <p>It’s really exciting and challenging, but indoor skydiving isn't what we call scary. You don’t have to leap off anything and there’s no sensation of falling or anything that could make you feel motion sickness. Anyone can try it.<br /><br /><strong>Q. Do I jump in from the top?</strong></p> <p>No, you just step into the flight chamber at ground level with your flight instructor. First time flyers generally only fly a couple of metres above the net with your instructor beside you all the way.<span> </span><br /><br /><strong>Q. Who can fly?</strong></p> <p>There’s no experience required, so beginners, intermediates and experts can all fly. Of course, you need to be in good health and physical condition. If you’ve had a prior shoulder dislocation or back or neck problems, you need to contact the company before booking to discuss your suitability.</p> <p>Anyone with a hard plaster cast, who is pregnant or under the influence of alcohol or non-prescriptive drugs is also unable to fly. Facilities are wheelchair accessible and can fly people with certain physical disabilities, including amputation and paraplegia.</p> <p><strong>Q. How old do you have to be?</strong></p> <p><span>Flyers can be as young as 3 years old, with no upper age limit. Children under 18 years of age need to have a parent or guardian’s signature on their waiver. </span></p> <p>As indoor skydiving has taken off, there's bound to be a venue near you!</p> <p>Have you gone indoor skydiving before? What was it like? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><em>Written by Editor. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/wyza-life/whats-it-like-to-go-indoor-skydiving.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Technology

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Great-grandma skydives for 92nd birthday

<p>Meet Phyllis Guthrie, the great-grandma who just celebrated her 92nd birthday by skydiving.</p> <p>Anybody who knows Phyllis wouldn’t be surprised by her daring choice of birthday celebration. At age 78, Phyllis earned a doctorate degree in education. At 82, she climbed a mountain in the Alps. And at age 87, she acted in The Vagina Monologues. So it only seems fitting that the great-grandmother decided to jump out of a plane at age 92.</p> <p>Two days after her birthday, Phyllis wore her most sensible orthopedic shoes, had a coffee with her daughter, and then drove to an open field.</p> <p>"I feel kind of numb," the Texas woman said. "I don't feel nervous at all. I'm not afraid. I just feel sort of level."</p> <p>The retired professor – who has four children, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren – said sky-diving has always been on her bucket list.</p> <p>"I want to leave a legacy," she said. "Someday, people can say, 'Do you remember that lady who jumped out of an airplane?'”</p> <p><img width="508" height="286" src="http://www.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/c/x/6/g/c/image.related.StuffLandscapeSixteenByNine.620x349.1cx6ee.png/1468619112179.jpg" alt="A pleased Phyllis Guthrie after her descent." class="photoborder" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>And they certainly will, as Phyllis’ skydive went off without a hitch. As she landed, she exclaimed, "That sure was something.”</p> <p>As the instructors helped her untangle herself from the parachute, Ian Houchin, a fellow jumper, offered an arm. "You are my hero," he said. "Do you think you'd do this again?"</p> <p>"Well, yes," she replied. "But not now."</p> <p>Resting on a picnic bench after the adrenaline-filled adventure, Phyllis said, "I can't believe I did it. I'll tell you the strangest part. Getting pushed out of the plane. You don't have time to think. It feels like you're falling forever."</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/how-to-build-your-legacy/">How to build your legacy</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/the-simple-yet-powerful-tool-to-plan-your-retirement/">The simple yet powerful tool to plan your retirement</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/06/retirement-doesnt-have-to-sap-your-self-esteem/">Retirement doesn’t have to sap your self-esteem</a></em></strong></span></p>

Mind

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100-year-old skydiver breaks record

<p>Irene O’Shea, a 100-year-old grandmother, has made history has the oldest person ever to skydive in South Australia. The brave centenarian took the plunge for a cause close to her heart – to raise much-needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease research. Sadly, O’Shea’s daughter Shelagh passed away from the illness in 2008.</p> <p>“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I thought this a good opportunity to do it,” she told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/31818142/skydiving-granny-makes-history/#page1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>7 News</strong></span></a>. “I'm feeling great, I’m a bit excited.”</p> <p>Take a look at her adrenaline-filled feat in the video above.</p> <p>Have you ever jumped out of a plane before? Share your story with us in the comment section below.</p> <p><em>Video: 7 News</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/82-year-old-abseils-melbourne-skyscraper-for-charity/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>82-year-old abseils Melbourne skyscraper for charity</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/89-year-old-abseils-21-storey-building/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>89-year-old abseils 21-storey building</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/91-year-old-celebrates-birthday-skydiving/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Daring 91-year-old celebrates birthday by skydiving</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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100-year-old skydiver breaks a record

<p>Irene O’Shea, a 100-year-old grandmother, has made history has the oldest person ever to skydive in South Australia. The brave centenarian took the plunge for a cause close to her heart – to raise much-needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease research. Sadly, O’Shea’s daughter Shelagh passed away from the illness in 2008.</p> <p>“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I thought this a good opportunity to do it,” she told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/31818142/skydiving-granny-makes-history/#page1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>7 News</strong></span></a>. “I'm feeling great, I’m a bit excited.”</p> <p>Take a look at her adrenaline-filled feat in the video above.</p> <p>Have you ever jumped out of a plane before? Share your story with us in the comment section below.</p> <p><em>Video: 7 News</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/82-year-old-abseils-melbourne-skyscraper-for-charity/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>82-year-old abseils Melbourne skyscraper for charity</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/05/89-year-old-abseils-21-storey-building/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>89-year-old abseils 21-storey building</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/91-year-old-celebrates-birthday-skydiving/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Daring 91-year-old celebrates birthday by skydiving</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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Daring 91-year-old celebrates birthday by skydiving

<p>Margaret Walton, who lives at an over-50s community on NSW's Tweed Heads, has been wanting to cross skydiving off her bucket list for years, and this week she finally took the plunge to celebrate her 91st birthday.<br /> <br /> The former hotel receptionist parachuted 360 metres above Kirra beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast in Australia. The incredible image of Margaret perched at the edge of plane, preparing for the initial free fall, shows her looking anything but scared.</p> <p>She says of the experience “It was a magical feeling. One minute you’re waiting on the edge, the next you can see everything. I’m so thankful I did it”.</p> <p>Margaret has been wanting to take the plunge for several years, but she said it was only recently that she plucked up the courage to carry through with it.</p> <p>'I've been wanting to do it for a long time but I had to work up the guts. When I was 85 I signed up to do it but there were some snags with getting the green light from my regular doctor, who was away on leave.'</p> <p>Gold Coast Skydiving instructor Wayne Bishop said he was impressed with the fearlessness of his eldest female client. “She surprised me. She was really switched on and embraced the whole experience”.  Mr Bishop said. </p> <p>“Even in the 45 seconds of free fall she was relaxed enough to enjoy it and not freaked out”.  </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see all the images of Margaret’s daredevil birthday celebration.</p> <p><em>Images: Gold Coast Skydive</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/85-year-old-navy-veteran-learns-to-tap-dance/">85-year-old Navy veteran learns to tap-dance</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/5-new-hobbies-to-try-now/">5 new hobbies to try now</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/04/why-you-should-still-set-an-alarm-when-you-retire/">Why you should still set an alarm when you retire</a></em></strong></span></p>

Retirement Life

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Skydiver saves his teammate’s life when his parachute failed to open

<p>When a skydiver’s parachute failed to open properly, his teammate’s quick thinking saved his life. In a display dive put on by the Red Devils, the British Army’s Parachute Regiment, Corporal Mike French’s parachute didn’t open correctly. Luckily, Corporal Wayne Shorthouse kept his cool, successfully grabbing his mate amid the tangled canopy, and bringing them both to a safe water landing.</p> <p>Thousands of spectators were watching as the mid-air rescue unfolded during an intricate formation at the Whitehaven Air Show in Cumbria. Speaking after they were safely on firm ground, Cpl Shorthouse said he was, “just doing his job”. “When something like this happens, the training just kicks in. The time spent practising the drills pays off in situations like this. You instinctively know what to do.”</p> <p>The British Army confirmed that it is the first time a parachute has failed in 25 years, and have launched a formal investigation.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/06/helen-mirren-on-ageism/">Here's what Helen Mirren has to say about ageism in Hollywood</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/06/aussie-cat-found-in-ireland/">How did this Aussie cat end up in Ireland?</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/news/news/2015/06/france-says-to-stop-eating-nutella/">Why France wants people to stop eating Nutella</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Meet the 91-year-old woman who jumped out of a plane for charity

<p>Ninety-one-year-old Joy Jeffes says “90 is the new 70”. And we should probably listen to her, because she just jumped out of a plane from 14,000 feet.</p><p>Ms Jeffes took part in a group skydive with nine others as part of the RSPCA’s Parachute for Paws campaign this past weekend. Together, the group has raised more than $12,000 for the charity.</p><p>WA’s RSPCA chief, David van Ooran said, “Joy Jeffes is an inspiration… At 91 years old, she’s willing to jump out of a plane to help animals… it’s people like her who are really making a difference.”</p><p>This isn’t the first time Ms Jeffes has been a great supporter of charitable efforts. In 2003, she was awarded a Centenary Medal, and in 2004, an Order of Australia medal for her service to seniors and the environment. She also serves as a director of Peel Health Foundation, and was a Murray Shire Councillor from 1979 to 1987.</p><p><em>Image credit: Skydive The Beach and Beyond</em></p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/03/emmett-and-erling/" target="_blank">Meet the 90-year-old war veteran whose best friend is 4-years-old</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/news/news/2015/03/100-year-old-dancer/" target="_blank">This 100-year-old Australian is the world’s longest-living working choreographer and dancer</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/03/tech-designer-barbara-beskind/" target="_blank">This Silicon Valley tech designer is 91 years young</a></strong></em></p>

News

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Why you should (and how to) attempt a skydive when you’re 60-plus

<p>iFLY skydiving instructor, Matt Boag, shares his advice on why and how to attempt a skydive when you’re 60-plus.</p><p>“Don’t let age be a barrier. The sense of achievement and thrill you’ll get from trying indoor skydiving will feel great. It is not difficult, and the endorphins created from challenging yourself and having fun is so good for your health.”&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. RELAX</strong></p><p>The most important tip of all is that you must be relaxed. Slow, smooth deep breaths are what makes this such an easy activity.</p><p><strong>2. STRETCH</strong> &nbsp;</p><p>Mild stretching before and after flying will make a great difference to your overall stamina after each session.</p><p><strong>3. EAT RIGHT</strong></p><p>We burn as much calories as if we were running/jogging, so keeping our energy levels up is a must.</p><p><strong>4. KEEP HYDRATED</strong></p><p>As part of&nbsp;doing this sport&nbsp;regularly we must stay hydrated, drinking water before, after and during sessions is ideal.</p><p><strong>5. STAY CURRENT</strong></p><p>You will see much more positive results as a regular flyer, as opposed to flying once every few months.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img width="499" height="665" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/3792/skyguys_499x665.jpg" alt="Skyguys" style="float: left;"></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;<strong>6. STAY ACTIVE</strong></p><p>Flying with a healthy and active lifestyle is ideal.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7. KEEP AN OPEN MIND</strong></p><p>This is an easy and fun activity for people of all ages. We have flown people up to 93 years old, so&nbsp;don't&nbsp;think you can’t fly&nbsp;because&nbsp;of your age.</p><p><strong>8. SET YOURSELF GOALS</strong></p><p>This sport has such a rapid learning curve where we sometimes forget how much we have actually learnt. Document your flying</p><p><strong>9. TAKE IT TO THE SKY</strong></p><p>Don’t be afraid to take it to the next level, skydiving from 14000ft is an experience of a lifetime.</p><p><strong>10. HAVE FUN</strong></p><p>This is an awesome experience, participated by people all around the world. ENJOY IT!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/02/adventurous-seniors/" target="_blank">These over-60s prove you’re never too old to take on extreme adventures</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2014/12/outdoor-summer-activities/" target="_blank">Fun outdoors activities to enjoy now</a></span></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/finance/insurance/2014/12/exercise-and-alzheimers/" target="_blank">Can exercise reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s?</a></span></strong></em></p>

Insurance

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These over-60s prove you’re never too old to take on extreme adventures

<p>Who says life stops at 60? Certainly not for these over-60s who are living proof that you’re never too “old” to start a new hobby – even ones that are considered too adventurous or extreme for over-60s. These amazing Over60 community members defy popular opinion that getting “old” means you should slow down. Instead, they prove these so called “twilight years” are the perfect time to discover new hobbies, passions and pleasures.</p><p>Just take Maggie Cameron who proves that age is no barrier for those seeking adventure. “Well, I might only be in my 70s but I have done a sky dive, three laps of Eastern Creek in a V8 super car, a helicopter ride, paddock bashed in a golf buggy and I am still planning more. All this after having three stents put into the main artery to my heart,” she says.</p><p><em>Many over-60s were keen to tell of their adventurous streaks that took hold later in life.</em></p><p>Jo Herring is just one of many over-60s who has discovered a love of dragon boat racing – a team paddling sport. She says there are “many over-60 paddlers and there are plenty of paddlers in that age group that are competing at race meetings all over our country and the world. It’s a great way to keep fit and you meet some lively and lovely people.”</p><p>“I went abseiling with my granddaughter in Vanuatu in the beginning of December and just loved it,” says 65-year-old Petra Van de Kamp.</p><p>Julie Wheeler completed her first skydive 12 years ago in her early 60s and “really wants to do It again.” Julie isn’t the only one with Sharon Bishop skydiving at 61 and Elaine Lorimer at 60.</p><p>Three generations climbed up the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Marie Hellmund’s 75<sup>th</sup> birthday. She reached the top with her two daughters and granddaughter by her side – an experience that we’re sure she won’t forget.</p><p>Lois McKinnon had her first motorbike ride at 72 and is looking to do it again. Graham Buddle took up snow skiing at the age 54 and scuba diving at 58. At 69, he’s still doing both with no plans to stop.</p><p>Margaret Owers and her husband, both 64, recently bought a kayak each and they just love paddling around in the nearby lake and rivers.</p><p>Golf grabbed Terry Aston in his mid-60s and as he says, fortunately won’t let go. He has some sage advice for anyone thinking it’s too late for new hobbies: “Never too old to ignite a passion and experience new challenges.”</p><p>It’s the same for Lynn Cooper who at 67 is playing golf and enjoying aqua aerobics. She says: “To me age is just a number, if you feel well and the joints are ok then do whatever makes you happy. My neighbour said to me, ‘Oh, I’m 62 and feel too old to join in a pool party.’</p><p>For Lynn, a number isn’t going to stop her enjoying a pool party – or trying new things. Just like it shouldn’t for any over-60s!&nbsp;</p><p><a href="/finance/insurance/2015/01/benefits-of-being-a-volunteer/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">If you're looking for something new, read about the benefits of being a volunteer.</span></strong></a></p>

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