Ageless Adventure: Uncle Thomas Defies Aging with Every Step!
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In a world where the concept of adventure often seems reserved for the younger generation, there's one man who's not only challenging the status quo but rewriting the rulebook on ageing with his winsome smile.
Meet Uncle Thomas Tan, the 72-year-old Singaporean who is proving that you're never too old and it’s never too late to start a journey of adventure. For Thomas, who used to train for marathons until knee injuries stopped his passion prematurely, his adventure travel journey began in 2010 when he decided to join his friends on photography trips. But instead of being content behind the lens, he found himself irresistibly drawn to the excitement of exploration. As he puts it, "I started with photography, but I quickly realised that I wanted to be a part of the landscapes, not just capture them." |
Thomas's leap into the wild side catapulted when his swimming buddy, Dao Fen, casually asked him, "How about hiking up Annapurna Base Camp?" Even though he had no prior trekking experience at that point, something in him made him agree readily, "Sure, why not?"
This led to his first overseas hike and an enduring partnership with Adventures Unlimited. In his own words, "Dao Fen changed my life, and Adventures Unlimited made it happen."
His commitment to this decision is nothing short of impressive. He dedicated a solid 3.5 months to exclusive training with Adventures Unlimited. From long walks on the weekdays to hikes at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve every weekend – he embraced every challenge with the grace of a true adventure enthusiast.
As he advises, "Training is the secret sauce. You have to train! There's no such thing as too busy. The more you train, the more confident you can be, and it increases your chances of making it to the end."
Thomas's escapades have taken him to breathtaking destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Mount Fuji, and Tibet. Each adventure offered its unique flavour, from the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji to the spiritual awakening in Tibet.
This led to his first overseas hike and an enduring partnership with Adventures Unlimited. In his own words, "Dao Fen changed my life, and Adventures Unlimited made it happen."
His commitment to this decision is nothing short of impressive. He dedicated a solid 3.5 months to exclusive training with Adventures Unlimited. From long walks on the weekdays to hikes at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve every weekend – he embraced every challenge with the grace of a true adventure enthusiast.
As he advises, "Training is the secret sauce. You have to train! There's no such thing as too busy. The more you train, the more confident you can be, and it increases your chances of making it to the end."
Thomas's escapades have taken him to breathtaking destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Mount Fuji, and Tibet. Each adventure offered its unique flavour, from the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji to the spiritual awakening in Tibet.
His event host of that marvellous maiden summit, Huilian, felt that it was her privilege to have shared that emotional moment when Uncle Thomas completed his first-ever trek to Annapurna Base Camp. “It’s my honour to celebrate his 72nd birthday on our Mount Fuji trip.”
What's truly remarkable about Thomas's adventures is that they defy stereotypes about aging. His journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and the joy of adventure is timeless.
He encourages older individuals to start with low-impact activities like long walks and swimming. "No need to chiong high-impact or high altitude first," he chuckles.
He also added, “I chose to join AU at first because of Dao Fen. But I’m staying and continuing my journey with AU because AU trips are a good mix of fun and challenge. Just nice for me.” For Thomas, he has found a community in AU to continue his appetite for adventures. As Hui Lian puts it, “his appetite for adventures didn’t end at Mount Fuji! In fact it seems to be growing as you can see from his continuous efforts to keep training for ‘the next trip’! Thank you for being such an inspiration to our community, Thomas!”
What's truly remarkable about Thomas's adventures is that they defy stereotypes about aging. His journey is a reminder that age is just a number, and the joy of adventure is timeless.
He encourages older individuals to start with low-impact activities like long walks and swimming. "No need to chiong high-impact or high altitude first," he chuckles.
He also added, “I chose to join AU at first because of Dao Fen. But I’m staying and continuing my journey with AU because AU trips are a good mix of fun and challenge. Just nice for me.” For Thomas, he has found a community in AU to continue his appetite for adventures. As Hui Lian puts it, “his appetite for adventures didn’t end at Mount Fuji! In fact it seems to be growing as you can see from his continuous efforts to keep training for ‘the next trip’! Thank you for being such an inspiration to our community, Thomas!”
A photo of Thomas and Carene, one of AU’s event hosts at Milk Lake, Daocheng Yading Sichuan, 4600m!
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“He always strikes his signature pose in photos, whether it's wrestling or Tai Chi. His determination is inspiring and helps him achieve his goals. I had the pleasure of trekking with him during our recent trip in Sichuan Tibet. Looking forward to our next trip, the Taiwan New Year Countdown! - Jiaming, a fellow participant on the trip to Sichuan, Tibet with Thomas.
Thomas's adventures are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the thrill of exploration. His journey is a reminder that the best adventures are the ones we have yet to embark on, regardless of age. So, if you're looking for an inspiring role model or that final nudge to join Adventures Unlimited, Uncle Thomas is your man. Age is just a number, but the excitement of exploration is ageless. Join us and begin your incredible adventure today! |
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Written by Ulrica Liang
A seeker of stories and laughter. Join her in her fun training sessions at Fort Canning (RUMBLE AT THE FORT) to get yourselves ready for a lifetime of adventures! |
