TA Washington man just became the oldest person in history to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. (AP)

A Washington man just became the oldest person in history to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Richard Byerley, age 84, tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Dori Monson Show accomplishing such a feat at his age was "pretty exciting."

Listen to interview: Richard Byerley, oldest man to climb Kilimanjaro

Byerley climbed the mountain, with an elevation of 19,340 feet, with his two grandchildren. He says the hardest part was dealing with the altitude.

"You just have to go slow, and take your time, and give your body enough time to get enough oxygen to get going."

The World Records Academy reports the climb took the party six days.

Byerley said he prepared for the trek hiking mountains around Sun Valley. He said he'd hoped his wife would join him, but she had already completed the climb once before.

"She said once is enough," said Byerley.

Monson called Byerley an inspiration, and asked the 84-year-old how he might stay in that kind of shape as he ages.

Byerley told Monson to remain active, and "eat well, and be happy."

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor

Jamie Griswold, MyNorthwest.com Editor