A 93-year-old cowboy shares wisdom and forms friendships with younger riders

Key points:

• Bob Holder is 93 years old and competed against much younger cowboys in the recent Mount Isa Mines Rodeo despite age gaps exceeding 80 years
• Less than 20 percent of Australian aged care homes currently run intergenerational programs, according to Australian researchers
• Researchers have suggested that positive interactions between older and younger Australians can improve mental health and well-being 

At 93 years old, Bob Holder competed in this year’s Mount Isa Mines Rodeo as the oldest certified competing cowboy in the world.

Bob, from Cootamundra, was presented with a one-of-a-kind ‘Over-90s’ header buckle and shared wisdom with some of the younger cowboys, including nine-year-old Tate Smith from near Tamworth in NSW.

“Never give up, keep practising and to [sic] keep on riding!” said Bob.

The 85-year age gap between Asher and Bob didn’t prevent them from bonding over their love of being cowboys. [Source: Luke Marden]

Asher, an eight-year-old cowboy from Mount Isa, also met with Bob during the event. Asher’s father said his son enjoyed spending time with Bob as they talked about their shared love of horses. 

“Bob had a couple of great stories for Asher. [Most] importantly, he told Asher to never, ever, give up, to keep practising and to keep on riding,” he said.

Media outlets state that Bob first fell in love with competitive rodeos at the age of 14 when he won his first rodeo event in Tumut. 

However, later in life, Bob experienced chemical-related health troubles due to his work and experienced scarring of the lungs and reduced lung capacity. 

He has since recovered, having competed in rodeos for 78 years. He now has a place in the Australian Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Chief Executive Officer of Isa Rodeo Limited Natalie Flecker commented on the variety of talent in this year’s Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.

“Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and the third largest rodeo in the world and, this year, champions return to battle for the famous buckles; newcomers will become legends; juniors will rise up; eight seconds will seem like a lifetime and the heritage and importance of rodeo in the Outback will be celebrated,” she said.

While the positive impact of older and younger cowboys in conversation occurred at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, connecting older and younger generations in other environments may also be beneficial.

Australian researchers have also identified the benefits of incorporating intergenerational programs into aged care homes.

In one aged care home study, 93 percent of participants reported improved mental health and well-being as a result of engaging with people of different ages. 

Additionally, 75 percent of the older participants enjoyed passing on knowledge and wisdom to younger generations. 

Approximately 5.7 million children live in Australia, compared to 4.2 million older Australians. 

However, it’s not only in-person programs that benefit older and younger Australians. Writing letters or exchanging artworks can create intergenerational bonding — even if the participants don’t meet in person — and can reduce loneliness in older Australians. 

However, less than 20 percent of surveyed aged care homes currently have active intergenerational programs. 

The Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice has released an interactive map where you can search for intergenerational playgroups near you. Not all intergenerational groups include children  —  some high schoolers also engage in these programs through their curriculum. 

If you are currently in a South Australian intergenerational playgroup, you can nominate yours for the 2024 Playgroup SA Excellence Awards.

As an older Australian, what are your preferred ways of bonding with younger people?

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

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