97-year-old Betty Bromage breaks her own Guinness World Record as oldest wing walker

97-year-old Betty Bromage from England has achieved a remarkable feat, breaking her own Guinness World Record as the oldest female wing walker. The adventure took place in Gloucestershire, UK on August 4, 2026, just a year after she suffered a stroke. Despite her age and health challenges, Bromage's determination and passion for flying have not waned, making her latest accomplishment even more inspiring.

Wing walking, a thrilling adventure sport, involves participants being securely harnessed to a specially designed frame mounted on the wing of a vintage aircraft. The experience is carefully regulated in the UK, with strict safety procedures, professional pilots and specially modified aircraft for each flight. Despite the powerful winds and adrenaline rush, recreational wing walkers like Bromage remain strapped in throughout the flight.

Bromage discovered her love for wing walking at the remarkable age of 87, proving that age is merely a number. She fell in love with the sport after witnessing others participate and decided to give it a try. Since then, she has completed the exhilarating adventure six times. Speaking to the media, Bromage emphasized that she didn't want life to become boring, often stating that the word "can't" isn't part of her vocabulary.

This year, in 2025, Bromage flew for a cause, dedicated to raising funds for the hospital that saved her life after her stroke. Although the stroke affected her speech, she recovered well enough to pursue another adventure in the skies. The trend of seniors traveling more and engaging in meaningful experiences is on the rise, with older travelers actively choosing adventure activities that match their physical abilities, thereby rewriting stereotypes about aging.