RETIREMENT AND LIFE OVER FIFTY IS TYPICALLY A TIME MOST CONSIDER SLOWING DOWN BUT NOT BEN FELTEN, WHO AT 56-YEARS-OLD CLAIMS THE TITLE OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST BLIND MAN ON TWO WHEELS AND IS SPEEDING HIS WAY TOWARDS MORE LAND-SPEED RECORDS.
In GemLife’s new eight-part TV series, AGELESS, Sydney-based Ben, shares his remarkable story of shattering the World Record in 2018 at 50-years-old – clocking an incredible speed of more than 266 km per hour on a motorbike, with no sight.
The episode titled Phoenix, airs on the Nine Network on Saturday, 11 May, and follows his journey to find purpose and drive, breaking down barriers of disability and age.
Born with full sight, Ben was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease in his mid-teens and went completely blind in his late thirties, sending him to what he describes as a dark place.
“The diagnosis meant my career, dreams and aspirations were gone. I felt it was all ripped away from me and I didn’t have a place in society. I had a victim mentality but when I took responsibility, I empowered myself and it was a light-switch moment,” said Ben.
“I have a unique story and I’m still battling on in my fifties, striving for excellence. I like the message of positive ageing, challenging yourself and living life to the fullest.”
Ben’s inspirational story is the final episode of the TV series by over-50s lifestyle resort developer, GemLife, exploring the lives of remarkable people over 50 who are defying age and limitations.
“Just because you’re blind doesn’t mean you can’t see. I call myself the blind man with the vision. Because I have a mission and a purpose,” said Ben.
“My disability doesn’t stop me; I feel like a trailblazer. I’ve had the privilege of representing Australia in rowing, winning three world titles.
I’ve played in the World Cup and Ashes tours with the Australian blind cricket team and now I’m chasing records to be the fastest blind man on wheels.
“I’ve accepted my condition and I’ve become a proud individual. Once you come to terms with where you are in life you can embrace it and thrive.”
Supported by an accomplished team of navigators and mechanics, Ben is carefully instructed while tearing down racetracks on his motorcycle at incredible speeds. His next goal is to become the fastest blind man in Australia, on four wheels, a goal set for 2025 at age 57.
“Being over 50 is the perfect time to start thinking about yourself and understand what gifts you possess because everyone can accomplish incredible things. It’s the ideal time of life to explore talents and fulfill dreams,” said Ben.
Watch the finale of AGELESS on Saturday, 11 May at 1pm AEST on Nine, or online on the GemLife website from Monday, 13 May at GemLife.com.au/ageless