Am I Too Old to Roller Skate? Here’s the Real Answer
Seniors in their 60s and 70s roller skating
Short answer: You’re never too old!
I’ve had the joy of teaching adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s — and even 70s — who wanted to try roller skating for the very first time. And every time, it’s a beautiful reminder that age really is just a number.
The Real Question:
How Does Your Body Like to Move?
What matters more than age is how your body is used to moving. For example, someone in their 50s who regularly does Pilates or yoga will likely find learning to skate easier than a 30-year-old who lives a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Balance, coordination, and body awareness go a long way — and those skills can be built at any age.
Real Stories That Inspire
Every adult skater brings a different background and reason for lacing up skates — and that’s what makes teaching them so special. Here are a few local people around me who prove that skating joyfully defies age:
🛼 Ellen, 70 — The Bucket List Skater
Ellen came to me with a dream she’d held for decades: to try roller skating, just once. At 70, she decided it was finally time. We started gently, with full protective gear and a supportive space. Her determination and huge smile as she glided across the floor for the first time was unforgettable. It’s never too late to tick something off your bucket list!
Hilda and Reynald in their mid 60s
🛼 Hilda & Reynald, Mid-60s — The Outdoor Adventurers
My parents-in-law, Hilda and Reynald, are active, outdoorsy types. They love walking, exploring parks, and staying physically engaged. When they tried roller skating in their mid-60s, they took to it quickly! Their general fitness and comfort with movement gave them a great starting point — and it was a fun new challenge to take on together.
🛼 Carol, 74 — The Lifelong Ice Skater
Carol is a 74-year-old ice skater who started skating as a child — and never stopped. She still goes ice skating three times a week for an hour each session. Her balance, strength, and love for skating are a testament to how powerful it can be to stay active and passionate about movement over the years. While she’s not a roller skater, her story reminds us what’s possible with consistency and joy.
How We CAN Support Older Skaters
To keep things as safe and enjoyable as possible, we take a few important precautions for older learners:
Warm up and stretch: Prepping the body is key to preventing injury.
Wear full protective gear: Helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads – every time. Padded shorts are also useful.
Adjust the skates: We tighten the wheels to slow things down and help with balance.
Start on grass or carpet: It softens any falls and allows new skaters to get used to the feel.
Use an experienced coach: Having the right guidance makes all the difference.
Of course, skating (like any physical activity) comes with its risks — but the right steps can minimise them.
You Know Your Body Best
If you’ve always wanted to try skating, and you feel the motivation bubbling up, that’s your cue. Whether you’re 37 or 73, there are ways to make it happen. We’re here to help you do it safely and joyfully.
So… how old is too old to skate?
The real answer might just be: you’re only too old if you believe you are.
🛼 Ready to Give Skating a Try?
Whether you’ve dreamed of skating since childhood or you’re just curious to see what your body can do — we’re here to help you take that first glide safely and confidently.
Our private lessons are tailored to your pace, your goals, and your comfort level.
Let’s make it happen — one skate step at a time.
