73-Year-Old Man Walking and Biking Across All 50 States to Inspire Seniors

A 73-year-old California man is on a mission to walk or bike through all 50 states—and he’s doing it one step at a time.

Ron Du Preez began this journey as a way to recover and rebuild after falling off a ladder. Now fully healed, he’s proving that age is just a number by walking or cycling 50 kilometers in 50 states in just 50 days.

“When I start a project, I will stick to it,” Du Preez said. “I will do my best.”

So far, he’s made it through more than 30 states, including a recent stop in Rhode Island. He’s faced challenges along the way—like extreme humidity in southern states—but says his determination hasn’t wavered.

Du Preez is using the trek not just as a physical test, but also as an opportunity to connect with others. At each stop, he visits senior centers and nursing homes, encouraging others his age to stay active and live well.

“There are 58 million seniors in the U.S., and only 8 million get the exercise we need,” he said.

Du Preez hopes his journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to move, heal, and thrive. His next stop after Rhode Island was Ohio, and he plans to wrap up the challenge this July.

“Just keep on going,” Du Preez said. “Don’t give up.”

Credit: CNN Newsource
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