A 94-year-old grandma is on a mission to visit every continent with her grandson. She didn’t get her first passport until 91.
A remarkable story is unfolding as a 94-year-old woman embarks on a mission to visit every continent with her grandson.
This adventurous journey is not just about travel; it’s about creating unforgettable memories.
It’s about embracing life at an age when many people slow down.
The grandma got her passport at 91
Surprisingly, this grandmother did not get her first passport until she was 91 years old.
For most of her life, she focused on family and work, putting travel on the back burner.
It wasn’t until later in life that she realized she wanted to explore the world.
Getting her passport marked a new beginning for her, one filled with excitement and adventure.
.“I grew up in Ohio in the country. I never did anything very exciting until I started this adventure,” Joy, now 94, said.
Her grandson encouraged her to travel.
Her grandson, Brad Ryan, 43, plays a significant role in this journey.
He encouraged her to chase her dreams of traveling. Together, they made a plan to visit all seven continents.
This goal brought them closer and allowed them to share unique experiences.
Traveling with a family member adds a special touch to the adventure, making each trip more memorable.
“She told me in her 80s that she wished she had seen more of the great outdoors in her life. My grandma had never seen a mountain,” Brad explains.
“She said it with such resignation and I just thought you know what? It doesn’t have to be this way.”
Joy’s inspiring journey with her grandson
The joy Joy felt during her first trip sparked a big dream for her and her grandson, Brad: to visit every national park in the United States together.
“It turned out to be a much bigger undertaking than I thought,” Brad laughs.
Their adventures took them from the volcanoes in Hawaii to watching brown bears catch salmon in Alaska.
They documented their experiences on Instagram, attracting a growing number of followers.
In 2023, Joy accomplished an incredible feat by becoming the oldest person to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks.
Grandma dream of adventure finally realized.
“It was like a dream come true,” Joy recalls.
Their final park was the National Park of American Samoa, which required Joy to obtain her first passport at the age of 91.
Once she had her passport, she decided to expand her horizons and dreamt of visiting every continent.
Joy expressed her excitement about her passport and her journey to Antarctica, stating, “I see three or four penguins sliding down the snow.”
During their cruise, they enjoyed the Explorer’s Lounge, where they would relax, order drinks, and reflect on their daily adventures.
Brad would have a cocktail while Joy opted for a mocktail, creating a cozy routine that added to their experience.
Their bond grows stronger through travel.
Both Joy and Brad feel fortunate to have each other, and he appreciates the opportunity to make these travels possible for her.
Joy, who has outlived her husband and three children, remains a beacon of positivity.
“She’s been a widow for over 30 years,” Brad notes.
Despite her losses, she has always found ways to engage with her community and maintain her joy.
Looking ahead, the pair is eager for their next adventures.
They plan to chase the Northern Lights in Iceland and later lead a trip to see orangutans in Borneo.
Through their journey, they hope to inspire others to embrace life and say “yes” to new experiences, regardless of age.