Art of Aging: Fitness on wheels
Some seniors in New Jersey are finding fitness and friendship on wheels.
Roller skating is not just fun, it can burn more than 500 calories an hour.
Sheila Procipa of Delran, New Jersey said, "I love this sport because I've been doing it since I was 16. Now 60, going on 70, it gets your heart pumping. It gets you excited, it keeps your weight down. And I do believe roller skating keeps you young."
Some doctors call it the ideal, low impact workout. Regular roller blading can reduce stiffness in ailing joints and increase mobility.
Robin Loomis of Northeast Philadelphia agrees, "You feel like you're just flying in the air, or just gliding around like an angel."
"I feel like a bird. In fact, my coach said I'm like the energizer bunny," said Dorothy Boring of Deptford Twp., New Jersey.
Young and old lace up at the Holiday Skating Center in Delanco, but the senior skaters turn out in the morning.
Vera Elko of Hamilton, New Jersey, is 83-years-old, and fellow skater, Ann White of Moorestown, New Jersey, is 89-years-old.
"I didn't want to go to the senior club and play bingo. And I saw the skating rink so we went down and got hooked," said Vera.
And some, like Alfred Lee of Willingboro, New Jersey, get hooked on the competition.
"I had a dream of learning how to dance skate. My partner and I came here and we've been practicing." he said.
Gloria and Steve Poulsen of Basking Ridge, New Jersey say skating is where it began for them.
"We met at a skating rink in about 1960," said Steve. "And we started practicing, and one thing led to another, and we started entering competitions." added Gloria.
For many, it is the exercise and friendships that bring them back
"Please come and join us. You'll have a good time," said Vera.
For more programs for seniors, visit our Art of Aging section.
