Old Folk Can't Climb Everest

Every week, the Null dissects the most self-evident studies and pointless papers not to hit the headlines. It's harsh, but funny. This week, Andy Impey tackles a mountainous problem.

Stunning new research has shown that older mountaineers find it more difficult to climb Everest than their younger comrades.

Scientists say that, when it comes to ascending the world’s highest mountain, the advice is simple: don’t leave it too late in life. Despite having a wealth of experience, climbers in their sixties stand less chance of reaching the summit than those twenty years their junior.

Research funded by the National Science Foundation analysed over 2000 climbers since 1990 and found that sixty year olds starting the trek had a death rate three times higher than younger climbers. The researchers concluded, “On Everest, youth and vigour trump age and experience”.

The first climbers to summit Everest, back in 1953, were Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were aged 33 and 39 respectively. However, in recent years nearly half of all climbers attempting the long climb have been at least 40.

It is now increasingly common for over-sixties to stray into the realms of those younger and fitter, but surely nutrition and health care can only go so far. Silver surfing on the Internet is one thing, but perhaps mountain peaks are just a step too far?

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