A remarkable display of endurance and spirit unfolded on Sunday as Bernice Moss, an 82-year-old resident of Henderson, successfully scaled the 1,455-step staircase of The Strat. Participating in the American Lung Association’s annual Scale The Strat event, Moss helped raise over $315,000 this year for initiatives promoting clean air and supporting individuals with lung diseases.
Despite her age, Moss completed the climb in just over 40 minutes, making her one of the oldest participants. “By the time I got to the top, the endorphins were just jumping everywhere,” she remarked after finishing the challenge. “It was a hard stair climb, but it was great.”
Moss attributes her impressive health and stamina to a combination of genetics and an active lifestyle. Originally from Wenatchee, Washington, she proudly notes that both her mother and grandmother lived to be 96 and 105, respectively. “Longevity runs in the family,” she said.
Her commitment to physical fitness is evident in her routine. Moss engages in daily walking, along with a lifelong passion for skiing, golfing, and tennis. “One of my mom’s favorite sayings was, ‘The more you do, the more you can do,’” she reflected. “I never forgot that. So when I get tired, I just do more.”
Training Regimen and Love for Nature
In preparation for the stair climb, Moss trained rigorously over the two months leading up to the event. She regularly ascended a 44-step staircase at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, often completing more than 30 climbs each day. Her dedication to fitness extends beyond stair climbing; she has explored nearly every trail at Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston during her 15 years in the Las Vegas area. Each Thursday, Moss completes a 2 to 4-mile hike, which she describes as an exhilarating experience.
“It’s just exhilarating to be out hiking and being in nature,” Moss said. “Nature’s healing. Every time you walk, your body just says, ‘thank you, thank you.’”
After the climb, Moss celebrated her achievement with a meal at Juan’s Flaming Fajitas on Water Street in Henderson. Looking ahead, she plans to return to The Strat next year, aiming to complete the climb again with even more training under her belt.
“As you get older, you want to keep that fire in your belly,” Moss expressed. “I don’t see my age as a problem. I don’t see myself in my 80s. I feel 18.”
Moss’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, regardless of age.
