Grinning mischievously, Juanjo Albizu adjusts his baseball cap, tucks his T-shirt into his sweatpants, and fastens the velcro straps of his elbow pads. He carefully places his skateboard at the edge of the bowl, preparing for the drop while the late afternoon sun stretches shadows across the graffiti-covered concrete. Other skaters, dressed in loose streetwear, turn to watch. Albizu, recently turned 88, carves through the northern Spain skatepark, a sight both surprising and inspiring.
Before every session, Albizu meticulously clears the bowl of pebbles to ensure a smooth ride. Afterward, he often rewards himself with a glass of white wine at his favorite bar in Bilbao’s working-class Begoña neighborhood, laughing as he taps the wooden table for luck. “My bones are special,” he jokes, embracing the challenges of the sport with an infectious spirit.
In a country where more than half the population is over 44 and demographic aging dominates public debate, Albizu’s energy stands out. Spain’s mild climate encourages outdoor activities, and studies consistently show the importance of physical exercise for improving seniors’ quality of life and preventing disease. Albizu is a living testament to these benefits, staying active not only physically but socially as well. Twice a week, he participates in English-language conversation groups outside the bar, delighting listeners with stories of his adventures at the Etxebarria skatepark.
Albizu discovered skateboarding at the age of 70, seeking a cheaper alternative to his beloved snow sports. For him, skateboarding offers more than fitness—it is a break from routine, a way to breathe new life into everyday existence. “By breaking the routine, you bring something new to everyday life, and that gives you a sense of rest,” he explains.
When asked what advice he would give to others his age who might be considering skateboarding, Albizu is cautious but encouraging. He recommends starting slowly and emphasizes the importance of full protective gear. “Falls here are truly bad, much worse than in the snow,” he warns, noting that safety is crucial when embracing a sport known for its physical risks.
With humor, resilience, and a sense of adventure, Albizu defies expectations, showing that passion and curiosity can thrive well into old age, even on the daring curves of a skatepark.
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