Roller skating is a low-impact activity that will keep you fit and get you into the right shape. The best thing about this sport is you can do it anywhere, provided that you wear the right skate boots. People of all ages can skate, and it’s even more exciting when you get older.
Many people relinquish their love for skating when they get to 50, while others still have the passion to still get going, skating as if they were 20. However, it’s difficult to keep up the pace when you get to that stage.
Roller skating over 50 can still be fun and exciting, but certainly dangerous if you don’t know your physical state. At this age, chances of falling are increased, and you could end up with severe health issues.
So does the benefits outweigh the consequences? Find out as you read along.
First of all, what are the benefits of roller skating?
Whether you are twelve, twenty, forty, or fifty, roller skating can do some amazing work on your body. Skating, as an aerobic exercise will burn those high amount of calories quicker than other forms of exercises like cycling and running.
With one hour of moderate skating, you must have burnt about 400 calories. If you skate more vigorously, you will burn about 600 calories. Imagine what the number will be like in two days, three days, or even a week if you skate consistently.
In addition to burning calories, roller skating has been recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) as an aerobic sport that can improve the heart. According to research, roller skating for 30 minutes moderately produces a heart rate of about 148 beats per minute, which is greater than the average number of beats per minute. It can go higher to 180 if you skate at top speed.
Also, roller skating causes 50% less stress and impact shock to joints compared to running. It’s easy on the joints, and helps to keep fluid motion from damaging your joints. This helps you to enjoy your movement.
Roller skating improves your mood and your general well-being. Ever seen a person frowning while skating? Roller skating elates the skater, and it becomes more fun for him/her. It’s also good for social activity, so you can opt to skate with friends instead of going to that fancy bar for drinks.
In terms of the entire body workout, roller skating is undisputed. Skating works the muscles such as glutes, quads, abs, calves, arms, legs, etc all at the same time. Your muscular strength and endurance is also improved, which means that you can do intense activities without getting exhausted easily.
Roller skating is also great at improving balance, muscle coordination, and agility, since you maintain a steady, upright position.
Can You Roller Skate at 50? What Are the Benefits and Consequences?
Many skaters have asked if skating at 50 or beyond 50 is possible. Guess what, skating doesn’t have a retirement age. You can skate for as long as you want, provided that you are still visibly healthy and fit. Some skaters at that age even learn new skating tricks.
But how fit and healthy are you to skate at 50? What is your physical state, and will skating still be beneficial?
Humans are built differently, and lifestyle changes differ. Not all 50 year olds are in good health or physically fit to continue skating at that age, despite the number not being too old.
So how do you access yourself to know if you are still going to continue skating.
When you get to this particular age, what you should ask yourself is this, “Am I still in the right condition to continue roller skating or not?” Your health should be your primary concern, instead of focusing on the fun aspect or the quality time that you will spend with your family skating.
Regularly, people are encouraged not to stop trying new things because of age. Skating at any age is risky, but skating at 50 is riskier, and at this point, you shouldn’t take the gamble of continuing to skate if you are not sure of your current health status.
Strapping on skates at 50 could lead to some serious health issues and complications. Plus, you could even die in the process from the complications following a fall.
One of those ways of determining whether you are in the right condition or not to skat is by inquiring from your doctor. Your doctor will be the one to access your present health status and confirm if you are ready to continue to mount on those lovely skates of yours.
Once it’s confirmed that you are still physically fit to skate, you can resume your activity and continue to enjoy the benefits of roller skating, which outweighs the consequences at this time.
Things to Consider If You Want to Take Up Skating At 50
There are signs that may suggest you shouldn’t continue skating when you are 50 or older. When you get to this age, you should consider these things as they would determine if you are still going to skate. During examination, your doctor will point out these signs. Sometimes, you don’t even need a doctor to know that these signs can hamper your skating activity.
Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis, you may have weak bones. Osteoporosis is loss of bony tissue, resulting in brittle bones to fracture. Technically, you won’t be able to skate because skating works up all the muscles and skeletal bones in the body. It’s risky skating with this condition. You could fall at any time, and this further complicates the condition.
Knee and Joint Replacements
If you have had knee or joint replacements, skating at this age is risky. Your knee and joints are no longer strong to withstand the rigorous nature of skating. Activities like skating where falling on hard surfaces is inevitable, especially at that age will put the bones around that region at risk of breaking. You shouldn’t try skating if you have had one of these.
Drugs
If you are on any pill or prescription that affects your coordination, you shouldn’t consider skating yet. Skating is demanding and you wouldn’t cope if your balance or muscular coordination is negatively impacted. However, you should ask your doctor if this is still possible.
Poor Muscle Tone
If your muscles aren’t flexible or not toned up properly, you may hurt yourself from falling while skating. However, exercising more will help a great deal. Same goes for obese people. You may fall more frequently skating because of balance.
Roller Skating Over 50: How to Skate Safely
Skaters who are over 50 are more susceptible to falling. When you mount on those skates, you should always remember to wear safety gears. Knee pads, wrist guards, helmet, and elbow pads are your best pals at this age. You shouldn’t risk skating without wearing any of those.
If it’s been long you last skated, and you want to take it up again, you should do some brief workouts first. The muscles may have become dormant as a result of years of inactivity. They are not ready for a rigorous activity like skating. Doing some short sessions will work those muscles and get them ready for what lies ahead of them.
If you still have those skates of yours stored somewhere, it’s high time that you examined them to know their status. Are they still good? If no, you should be in the hunt for a new pair, but you shouldn’t just get any skate in the market because it’s fancy.
Roller skating over 50 requires that you get a skate that wouldn’t hurt your feet – one that will ensure that you skate enjoyably and smoothly. We recommend quad skates at this time. They are simple skates that you wouldn’t have trouble controlling.
And lastly, you should decide which surface you will skate mostly. Your choice of surface will determine the type of skate boot and wheels you will have. Whether s asphalt, concrete, or roller rinks, ensure that the surface is clean, smooth, and supports your skate. We also recommend that your skates should have big wheels. Big wheels entails more balance and more control, which are what you need at this age.
Conclusion
Roller skating over 50 is great, and there are amazing benefits attached to it. You are never too old, and the benefits are way bigger than the consequences, as with most sports. All you need to do is take reasonable safety precautions. Wear your helmet and other safety gears when you are ready to skate. These will give you added protection in case of a fall.
Also, age shouldn’t stop you from trying new things. If you have never skated before, and you are probably wondering that you are too old to try it, discard those thoughts. Now is the best time to learn skating. You will be amazed at how fun and exciting it is.
Lastly, you should see your doctor regularly for health assessment. As long as you are still in the right shape and take care of yourself, you are good to go with roller skating.
