Dorothy Smith actually no longer expected that she would make it to all seven continents in the world. At the age of 102, she spent her twilight years in a retirement home in San Francisco. Smith had always loved traveling and had visited every continent in the world, including Antarctica, except Australia.
When the producers behind the YouTube channel “Yes Theory,” Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor, moved to Smith’s retirement home, the Redwoods Retirement Village, for 48 hours in October for one of their videos, they met the active 102-year-old there. The influencers learned about her bucket list and were determined to help make the American’s dream come true. With the help of the local Australian tourism authority Destination NSW and the Australian airline Qantas, they finally implemented the plan and fulfilled her last wish on the list of things she wanted to accomplish before she died.
“Yes Theory” is a Canadian production that tells stories of people saying “yes” to leaving their comfort zone with the tagline: “Look for discomfort.” Smith fit the concept perfectly here. Because as she herself says, it is “never too late” for a new adventure – trying new things is worth it. “You can either rust or wear out, and I try to wear out rather than rust,” she joked. Traveling is important to her because the world is big and every country is different. “I want to see everything and I don’t want to miss anything!”
Kandil, who went on the trip with fellow influencer Taylor, 102-year-old Smith and her daughter, said he was impressed by the old lady’s curiosity and felt inspired to continue looking for the beauty around him . “Even at 102 years old, she still appreciates everything she sees,” he said. The two influencers believe that the American could be the oldest person to have traveled to all seven continents.
“Like Disneyland for adults”
In Australia, the 102-year-old spent time in Sydney and visited the famous opera house, which is just half her age. “It’s like Disneyland for adults,” she commented on the city’s landmark. The American also explored one of the city’s zoos to see koalas and kangaroos, the botanical gardens and an art museum. And she was sailed across the harbor of the metropolis of five million people.
She found the Australians “charming”, she said, the food tasted extremely good and the old lady was also impressed by nature and the sunny weather. Only the water on the “beautiful” Bondi Beach was a little too cool for her, she said. In fact, the Pacific usually invites you to cool down even in midsummer.
“You have to have fun”
At the end, the experienced traveler also gave tips for anyone who wants to follow her example and live to be over 100 years old: To do this, she said, you have to do sports, eat lots of fruit and vegetables and drink enough fluids. But above all, “you have to have fun”.
First crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge
By the way, Dorothy Smith is not only twice as old as the Sydney Opera House. It has another connection to the Australian port city. In the year of her birth, 1922, the government of
How did the YouTube channel “Yes Theory” help Dorothy Smith fulfill her dream?
## Inspiring at 102: Dorothy Smith Completes Her 7-Continent Dream
Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about an incredible story of adventure and fulfilling a lifelong dream. Joining us is Dorothy Smith, who recently became a global sensation at the age of 102 after finally setting foot on all seven continents. Dorothy, welcome to the show.
**Dorothy:** It’s delightful to be here.
**Host:** Dorothy, you’ve always loved travelling and have visited every continent except Australia. What made Australia the final piece of the puzzle?
**Dorothy:** Oh, Australia has always held a special allure for me. Its unique wildlife, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture have always been on my bucket list. I just never thought I’d get the chance at my age. [[1](https://eglobaltravelmedia.com.au/2024/12/04/102-year-old-woman-fulfills-7-continent-dream-in-sydney/)]
**Host:** Well, your story captured the hearts of many, including the producers of the YouTube channel “Yes Theory”. Can you tell us about how they got involved?
**Dorothy:** It’s quite the story! Those delightful young men Ammar and Staffan came to my retirement home for one of their videos. I shared my dream with them, and they were determined to make it happen. With the help of Destination NSW and Qantas, they planned the whole trip and swept me off to Australia! [[1](https://eglobaltravelmedia.com.au/2024/12/04/102-year-old-woman-fulfills-7-continent-dream-in-sydney/)]
**Host:** That’s amazing! What was your experience like in Australia?
**Dorothy:** It was absolutely incredible.
*(Dorothy shares a few anecdotes about her trip to Australia, highlighting the beauty of the country and the kindness of the people)*
**Host:** Your story is such an inspiration to people of all ages. What message would you like to share with our viewers?
**Dorothy:** Never stop dreaming! It’s never too late for an adventure. Try new things, embrace life, and don’t let anything hold you back. You can either rust or wear out – I choose to wear out! *laughs*
**Host:** Dorothy, thank you so much for sharing your incredible story with us. You are a true inspiration.
**(Host wishes Dorothy well and encourages viewers to check out her story online.)**
