At 81, she’s still chasing the thrill: The grandmother skydiving with every grandchild

For most people, turning 80 might signal a slower pace. For 81-year-old Kathryn Mount, it has marked something else entirely, a renewed sense of adventure, and a commitment to creating unforgettable memories with the people she loves most.

The Brunswick Heads grandmother has made it her mission to skydive with each of her grandchildren when they turn 18, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to chasing a thrill.

Her latest jump took place just last month in Wollongong, where she leapt from a plane alongside her youngest grandson to celebrate his milestone birthday. In true Kathryn style, she even wore a flower in her hair for the jump and remarkably, it stayed put all the way to landing.

“I have never felt scared, only excited,” she says. “The freefall is a feeling of exhilaration and freedom.”

It is not a sudden passion. Kathryn has been building up to this kind of adventure for years, long before her first skydive. While volunteering in India teaching women how to make dress patterns, she took her first paragliding flight in Nepal. More followed over the Mediterranean in Turkey and across the desert in Chile, each experience strengthening her comfort in the air.

Skydiving came later, sparked by a friend’s 50th birthday challenge in 2017. Kathryn decided to give it a go and never looked back.

“I enjoyed it so much, I took my granddaughter Ziggy for her 18th birthday,” she says. “When I did that jump, my grandson was only 10 and disappointed he could not join us. So I made sure to surprise him when his turn came.”

That moment finally arrived this year. Her grandson, now 18, had no idea what was planned.

“He loved it and was so excited,” Kathryn says. “It meant a lot to both of us.”

Stories like Kathryn’s are becoming more common. According to SkyDive Australia, older Australians are increasingly embracing adventure travel, with more than 4000 people aged over 60 completing skydives with the company in the past three years. Of those, more than 269 were aged over 75, and the oldest participant was an incredible 99.

“For many, it’s something they’ve had on their bucket list for their whole lives, and it’s only later that they finally build up the courage to give it a go,” a spokesperson says. “Most wish they’d done it sooner.”

The trend reflects a broader shift in how older Australians are approaching their later years. Experiences are taking priority, with recent data showing 43 per cent of seniors believe creating travel memories is more important than leaving behind a financial inheritance.

Operators say they are also seeing a growing appetite for high energy holidays among older travellers.

“We certainly know that older Australians are out there seeking high energy holidays,” the spokesperson says. “Whether that’s skydiving, hiking or canyoning, there’s a whole generation proving age really is just a number.”

Even milestone birthdays are now being marked with adrenaline filled experiences. Recently, a couple from Texas chose to celebrate turning 90 by jumping out of a plane together at Airlie Beach.

“They had a great time and it was a real highlight of their trip to Australia,” the spokesperson says.

Safety remains a key focus, but age alone is not considered a barrier.

“There generally aren’t any safety specific requirements based purely on age,” the spokesperson adds. “We do ensure our team is aware when a more senior guest is jumping so they can provide extra attention and support if needed.”

For Kathryn, the message is simple.

“If anyone has ever wanted to do this, now is the time,” she says. “We are so fortunate to live in a part of the world where we can have these experiences. With everything going on in the world, it is important to keep your energy high.”

As for what is going through her mind when she stands at the open door of a plane, ready to jump once again, her answer does not change.
Excitement. Always excitement.

And with more grandchildren still to celebrate, it seems there are plenty more jumps to come.