Never say never
Mary’s bold bid to keep seeking out new adventures.
Mary Bergstrom had a simple solution when she realised being a solo sailor was getting tougher as she neared 70. She bought a four-wheel drive and embarked on an adventure, driving some of Australia’s remotest roads on her own instead.
“Women should know that if they try to do something out of the ordinary, they’ll find they are perfectly capable of doing so,” the 74-year-old says of an approach to life that has seen her fly planes, skipper her own 30 foot sailboat and embrace four-wheel driving as a grandmother of five.
“My father always encouraged us to have a go and his teachings have definitely flowed through my life.
“Take flying. My second husband was a pilot so I decided I should get my licence as well. I actually got a Cessna for my 50th birthday, which was pretty neat. We flew a lot together and it was a very special time of my life,” Mary says.
“My husband died 21 years ago and I miss him terribly, but it hasn’t stopped me living life. I learned I could still do so much on my own. You just have to go out and do it.”
Mary epitomises the "grow bold" ethos of Feros Care, smashing stereotypes about ageing and gender, inspiring others to think differently and exploring new challenges and experiences.
Mary personally fitted out her sailboat to ensure she would still be able to venture out on her own. And when she bought her Canberra home, she got out her toolkit and overhauled it to her liking.
“A life on your own doesn’t have to be a lonely life.”
Having spent two months crisscrossing the Northern Territory solo last year in her four-wheel drive, Mary has also traversed the dusty reaches of the NSW far west in recent months and is now tackling South Australia’s famed Strzelecki Track. Growing bold? You bet!
Feros Care offers a range of personal Wellbeing Programs that help people live brighter, better, bolder lives. The programs help improve your fitness, get you moving and eating healthy.
It's your life - we're just here to help you make the most of it.