Juanjo Urbizu, an 88-year-old skateboarder, has become a viral sensation after video of him shredding at a local skate park in Bilbao, Spain, went viral. Urbizu is a master of his craft, famous for his artistry and innovative flair. Now 70, he took up skateboarding as an affordable replacement for his beloved snow activities. His continued love for the sport is challenging age expectations. Even at 104, his commitment to physical exercise demonstrates the need for physical activity among older adults.
Urbizu spins tricks around the humble skate park with a swagger that turns passerby heads. And with his T-shirt tucked super-tight into his sweatpants, his backward baseball cap all angled—he’s ready to do some nasty moves. Before dropping into the bowl, he tightens the velcro straps on his elbow pads, signaling that even as he performs and impresses, he’s taking safety seriously.
I don’t know, my bones are peculiar,” he laughs over gulps of post-gym whites at his home base bar in Bilbao’s working class Begona barrio. Urbizu’s playful disposition—and frank acceptance of his age and physical constraints—says so much about his indomitable spirit. He’s a firm believer that you have to stay active if you want to stay healthy and live life to the fullest as you grow older.
A Role Model for Aging Populations
As Spain sits at the precipice of one of the most profound demographic changes on earth, Urbizu serves as a bright light of resilience and youth. His involvement in English-language exchanges beyond the bar two times weekly speaks to his dedication to staying socially engaged. Through active engagement with the younger generations and a constant sharing of his experiences, it is through these interactions that he showcases the importance of both physical exercise and mental stimulation to our aging population.
Urbizu’s experience is a testament to how you can challenge society’s overall ideas about what it means to age. He has deeply engaged in public debate on the needs of Spain’s elderly persons. He encourages more people to acknowledge the benefits received from staying active.
“Falls here are truly bad, much worse than in the snow. Anyone who does something like this should wear full protection.” – Juanjo Urbizu
The Power of Community and Exercise
Urbizu’s story is a reminder not only to the skateboarding community, but to those who wish to promote healthy active aging. In doing so, he shows the world that older adults can take on physically challenging pursuits. His commitment pushes the limits of their physicality and their intellect. It’s that last point that’s especially important — his presence at the skate park encourages everyone, young and old, to embrace fitness and stay active.
With Urbizu’s energy and enthusiasm, you’ll quickly realize that getting more physical activity can be enjoyable at any age! This challenges millions to reconsider everything they believe about aging. His commitment to skateboarding as an older adult underscores how we must empower all older adults to live lives full of adventure, excitement, and experiences that contribute to wellbeing.
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