At 94 years, one South Aussie man completes his sixth skydive

Key points:

• A 94-year-old South Australian has recently completed his sixth skydive with his daughter in celebration of his recent birthday
• Bruce Hoffmann lives in Loxton, South Australia and although he enjoys extreme activities, he still receives in-home support services from Resthaven Riverland Community Services
• In-home support services can include house cleaning and laundry, therapy and nursing services and make it easier for older Australians to enjoy life and reduce stress

At 94 years old, Bruce Hoffmann recently completed his sixth skydive, proving that age doesn’t need to limit what you can achieve as an older Australian. 

Bruce jumped out of a plane nine days after he turned 94 years old at Langhorne Creek to celebrate his recent birthday with his daughter, Lori.

Bruce, from Loxton in South Australia, started skydiving after he turned 80, but he’s always had a passion for being high up in the air.

“I did my first skydive after I retired at 80. That time, we dropped through the clouds and I got a face full of raindrops — which wasn’t very pleasant — but it didn’t put me off!” he said.

“The wind rushes past you at around 200km/hour and it is very noisy — but it’s an amazing feeling. It is such an adrenaline rush!

“Anytime I can get in an aeroplane, I do.”

Bruce has also done skydiving with his grandson, Liam, in Sydney. As well as continuing to skydive, Bruce has an extensive bucket list, including riding in a Ferrari at the Bend Motorsport Park, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and parasailing.

If you’re looking for adventurous activities, the Aged Care Guide can help provide ideas for extreme sports for extreme seniors, including marathon running, extreme hiking or trekking, water sports and scuba driving.

However, Bruce commented on the importance of engaging in activities you enjoy to keep yourself occupied, even if they aren’t extreme or risky.

“[…] Whether it’s [going to] the gym, the Returned & Services League of Australia or out for a meal, I’m always doing something,” he said.

“I only feel like I’m in my 50s or 60s.”

Bruce recognised that some people may have health conditions that could impact their ability to be active.

“I am in good health and the small pains I have in my back and my hip don’t hold me back. I don’t complain because so many people have so much more going on,” he said.

Bruce also enjoys spending time in the garden and immersing himself in nature. [Source: Bruce Hoffmann; supplied]

Before engaging in any physical activity, chat with your doctor about any possible health concerns and how to look after yourself.

Although extreme fitness activities may not entice some older Australians, keeping active as you age can benefit your physical and mental health. Some older Australians may also be concerned about the risks associated with activities such as skydiving. 

Even small changes in physical activity such as stretching and basic exercises can improve your mobility with minimal risk to your safety.

Christine Thompson-Wells is an educator and author of many books, including Grandma’s Personal Trainer, which contains simple illustrated instructions for exercises that can be done at home. 

While the title suggests the suitability of the exercises for older female Australians, Christine emphasised that this book is for all older Australians who want to increase their physical activity. Here is an excerpt of a foot exercise from Grandma’s Personal Trainer that you can do sitting on a chair: 

‘Sitting back on the chair and, while your ankles and feet are limbered up, bring your toes up in the direction of the knee. Then back to the original position, then back up into the direction of your knee. Do this five to 10 times and then go to your other foot and repeat the exercise.’

Read more about other exercises in Christine’s book in this article: Grandma’s Personal Trainer helps older Australians stay fit at home.

Although engaging in light physical activity can be beneficial, you may still find it challenging to complete everyday household tasks as you age. Regardless of the type of activities you may like to do, getting extra help around the house can make it easier to find the time and help you enjoy retirement. 

Although Bruce skydives, he still receives in-home support services from Resthaven Riverland Community Services in his self-contained unit located on his son and daughter-in-law’s property.

Currently, older Australians can access home support through Home Care Packages. Services can include individual support and transport for outings, house cleaning and laundry, therapy and nursing services depending on their need. Getting assessed is the first step to determining your eligibility for in-home support services. Visit the MyAgedCare website for more information about how to begin the application process.

From July 1, 2025, this type of support will be available under the Support at Home program. Read more about the changes with the new Aged Care Act and what’s happening in this Aged Care Guide.  

What activities do you do to stay active as an older Australian?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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