At 97 years old, I walk on the wings of airplanes in flight. Otherwise, I'd be bored, I can't drive and I can't see well. The amusement park is much worse Betty: Betty Bromage breaks the Guinness World Record

Betty Bromage, a British woman aged 97, has set a new Guinness World Record as the oldest person to walk on the wings of a flying aircraft. The achievement took place at the RFC Rendcomb airfield near Cirencester, England, where she remained upright on the plane’s wing during acrobatic maneuvers including loops and rolls. Her feat highlights her dedication to staying active despite physical challenges, including vision difficulties and speech impairments caused by a stroke earlier this year. The record-breaking performance was part of a long-standing passion for wing walking, a discipline in which participants stand on the wings of aircraft while they perform aerial stunts. Bromage, who lives in Cheltenham, north-west of Oxford, described the experience as both thrilling and necessary. She explained that without such activities, she would feel bored, especially since she can no longer drive and struggles with sight. “I want to do things I can still manage,” she said, reflecting on her motivation to stay engaged and active. Bromage completed the challenge just one year after suffering a stroke in August 2025, which partially affected her ability to speak clearly. Despite this, she emphasized that her health otherwise remains stable. “The hospital treated me very well. The stroke affects how I speak, but I’m fine otherwise,” she added. While climbing onto the aircraft's wing posed some difficulty due to her height, once she was in position, she found the activity manageable. She joked that even roller coasters, often considered more exciting, are worse than wing walking. This latest accomplishment marks her sixth flight in the wing-walking discipline since she began at age 87. Bromage, a former nurse, discovered the sport after reading a quote on the wall of the hospital where she worked: “We pass through this world only once, whatever good thing we can do, whatever kindness we can show, let us do it now, don’t put it off nor neglect it, we will never again be on this side.” This sentiment inspired her to pursue activities that bring joy and purpose, even in later life. Her previous record for being the oldest woman to walk on a flying aircraft had been held by herself, having achieved it four years prior with the same stunt. Now, she aims to continue pushing boundaries, even planning special activities for her 100th birthday. Her determination reflects a broader trend among older individuals seeking ways to remain physically and mentally engaged through unique hobbies and challenges. Wing walking requires both physical strength and mental focus, particularly during high-speed flights and complex maneuvers. Participants must maintain balance while the aircraft performs loops and rolls, often at altitudes where wind conditions can be extreme. Bromage’s ability to endure these conditions at her advanced age underscores the resilience and adaptability of older adults who choose to embrace unconventional forms of exercise and entertainment. Her story resonates beyond aviation circles, offering inspiration to others who seek to defy age-related limitations. By choosing to engage in challenging yet fulfilling activities, Bromage demonstrates that aging does not have to mean slowing down. Instead, it can open doors to new experiences and personal growth. As she continues to explore possibilities, her journey serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit.