BATON ROUGE, La. (Aging Untold) — At Skate Galaxy in Baton Rouge, roller skating has become more than a hobby for regulars who say the rink offers a mental reset.
Coach LT Otis has been skating since he was 5. He is now in his 70s and teaches the basics to new skaters.
“When you come in here, you leave all the negative problems outside — ‘cause once you put skates on, you have to stay focused,” Otis said.
Otis said skating creates an addictive pull because of the endorphins and the constant learning.
Physical and mental benefits
Sam Cradduck, an Aging Untold gerontologist, said skating provides a workout that strengthens different muscle groups and improves balance.
“So if you’re skating, if you’re doing something that’s new, a little more fluid, you’re going to use a totally different set of muscles, and so you’re going to strengthen those. You’re also going to create more balance which is much, much better as we age,” Cradduck said.
Wanda, 66, skates at the rink without concern about injury, and Raheem “Radio” Igram uses the rink as a place to decompress.
“This is my safe zone. This is where I come to de-stress throughout the week,” Igram said.
Naomi Evans said skating has helped her manage depression as a teenager.
“I will admit I have had trouble with depression, especially as a teenager, and this truly brings out the happy parts of my life,” Evans said.
Cradduck said the mental reset skaters describe is tied to movement-triggering chemicals that improve mood.
“It’s kind of really hard to be in a lousy mood when you’re having fun. Doesn’t mean the world’s not still back there knocking at your door, but you can close the door for a little bit, go out and have some fun — and de-stress yourself and be able to be in a much better mindset,” Cradduck said.
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