At 81 years old, Ellie Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip have proven that adventure and fun don’t have an expiration date. Known as the “Traveling Grannies,” the duo embarked on a journey to travel the world in 80 days, visiting all seven continents and making headlines along the way. Recently, they shared their story of positive aging and resilience with students of Harris College’s Intro to Aging class, led by Dr. Cheryl Harding, assistant professor and CEO of the James L. West Center for Dementia Care.
We want students to know that age is just a number,” Hamby explained to a room of captivated students.
As they recounted tales from their extraordinary journey — from dodging waves in Antarctica to dancing with locals in Buenos Aires — Hamby and Dr. Hazelip demonstrated the power of living life fully, regardless of age.
Around the World at 80
The idea for their trip was sparked when Dr. Hazelip mused, “Wouldn’t it be fun to go around the world in 80 days at age 80?” Originally planned for their 80th birthday, they had to postpone their adventure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, they set off on January 11, 2023, now both 81 years old, visiting world wonders like the pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal and Antarctica. Their stops also included Japan, where they visited Mount Fuji, and Finland’s Lapland, where they experienced a husky-drawn sleigh ride under the Northern Lights.
Thanks to the power of social media, their travels gained viral fame. Posting on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, the best friends duo quickly amassed a following, with videos of them tangoing in Argentina and riding camels in Egypt garnering millions of views.
“Even when we arrived at LAX, people came up to us saying, ‘You’re the TikTok Traveling Grannies,’” Hamby added.
The Power of Friendship and Positive Aging
Throughout their presentation, Hamby and Dr. Hazelip emphasized that aging shouldn’t limit one’s enjoyment of life.
Having fun doesn’t stop as we age,” Dr. Hazelip reminded the students. “Age has nothing to do with joy, emotions or life.”
Their close friendship of 23 years has fueled their adventures and helped spread their message across the globe.
“We hope we’ve inspired future generations to realize you’re never too old to explore the world,” Dr. Hazelip remarked.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Students in the Intro to Aging class, which explores ageism and the social, health and economic issues related to aging, found Hamby and Dr. Hazelip’s stories to be an inspiring example of how vibrant life can be at any stage.
It’s amazing to see women in their 80s living so vibrantly,” one student shared. “It makes me rethink what’s possible as I age.”
As Hamby and Dr. Hazelip concluded their presentation, they left students with an important message:
Fully inhabit all the seasons of your life,” they implored. “Love the world and connect with the people around you. That’s the key to a life well-lived.”
The Adventure Continues
The Traveling Grannies aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Their next goal? More continents, more journeys, more memories.
We’re 82 and we’re not through,” they joked, as students applauded their spirit and energy.
Their incredible journey around the world, and their ability to inspire others, proves that life is an adventure at any age.
Want to follow along with their next adventure? Visit the Grannies’ website to stay updated on their travels and discover more about their inspiring journey around the globe.