Juanjo Urbizu, sporting a mischievous grin, adjusts his baseball cap, tucks his T-shirt into his sweatpants, and tightens the velcro straps on his elbow pads. He places his skateboard at the edge of a bowl, ready for the “drop.” His confident, playful demeanor draws the attention of other skaters, who crane their necks to watch. The sun casts long shadows over the graffiti-covered concrete of the northern Spain skate park, where Urbizu, a sprightly 88-year-old, shows off his skating skills. For this cheerful octogenarian, his skating routine starts by clearing pebbles from the bowl to ensure a smooth ride.
“I’ve got special bones,” he laughs as he enjoys a post-skate glass of white wine at his favorite bar in Bilbao’s Begona neighborhood. “Though I touch wood,” he adds with a chuckle.
Urbizu’s passion for skateboarding is a striking example of defying age expectations, especially in a country like Spain, where the population is aging rapidly. With over half of the population above 44 years old, Spain faces growing concerns about its welfare system. Government data shows there are more older individuals than younger ones, with 137 people aged 64 and older for every 100 under 16. Despite these challenges, Spain’s warm climate encourages outdoor activities, and studies show that regular physical exercise greatly enhances the quality of life for the elderly and reduces the risk of illness.
Twice a week, Urbizu engages in lively English-language exchanges at the bar, delighting listeners with stories of his time at Etxebarria skatepark. He took up skateboarding at 70, partly as a more affordable alternative to his beloved snow sports, but also because it offered more than just fitness—it gave him an escape from the monotony of everyday life.
“Breaking the routine brings something new to life and gives you a sense of rest,” Urbizu explains. For those his age who are thinking about trying skateboarding, he advises starting slowly. “Falls here are a lot worse than on snow. Anyone trying this should wear full protection,” he cautions.
Urbizu’s enthusiasm for life and his commitment to staying active prove that age is no barrier to pursuing passion and adventure.
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