Conquering Everest easy and tough for the over 60s

Five Japanese climbers – three men and two women – have proved over time that it is possible to conquer the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest – even when you are aged between 64 and 71 years old.

But a study by biologist Professor Raymond Huey of the University of Washington, Seattle, showed that while the overall chances of reaching the summit were nearly 31%, the chances for climbers in their 60s fell to 13%.

The findings disputed the notion that older people were fitter now and would be able to tolerate extreme energy demands.

The overall chances of dying on Everest were 1.5% but this increased to 5% for climbers over 60.

Australian mountaineers Lincoln Hall and Roger Buck were 50 and 52 respectively when they made their attempts.

Lincoln Hall reached the peak last year but almost died during his descent.

Roger Buck died in his efforts a decade ago.