Helmut Wirz (BungeEmotion) in STERN magazine, no. 13/2010. Photos: Karsten Thormaehlen


People: “Bungee-Junkee” Helmut Wirz – from Karsten Thormaehlen’s photoseries SILVER HEROES – became headliner of WHO’s first ageing campaign launched on the occasion of WORLD HEALTH DAY, April 7, 2012. The 87 year old retired pharmacist loves to jump head first from high altitudes. The former pharmacist discovered bungee-jumping at the age of 75. “When I’m standing up there, I feel completely calm“, he says, despite the fact that he is only secured by a rubberband fixed to his legs. Helmut held the record as the oldest bungee jumper in the world for many years and is not planning to switch to playing chess or bowling any time soon. (Source: WHO.int; agency: byline)


World Health Day 2012