Gajendra Singh Shekhawat skydives at 56; things people above 50 years should consider when attempting adventure sports

But before we reveal the answer to that, here’s a fun fact: The current Guinness World Record (GWR) holder for the oldest person to do skydiving is Al-Blaschke, a 106-year-old from Texas, United States. According to GWR.com, he first earned the record in 2020 at age 103, when he skydived to mark his twin grandsons’ college graduations.

Now back to the answer: Dr Sudhir Kumar, Consultant neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad told indianexpress.com that skydiving is safe for most elderly. “There is only a minimum age limit – people need to be 18 years and above to do skydiving. The only pre-requisite for an elderly to do skydiving is that he/she should be physically fit. There is a lot of adrenaline rush while engaging with adventure sports, so the person should have normal cardiovascular fitness,” said Dr Kumar.

Additionally, skydiving is associated with several health-related benefits. It increases cognitive abilities such as alertness, decision-making, and response time. It also gives a mental boost to older individuals and makes life more worthwhile. In addition, regular physical activity would boost overall health.

A comprehensive checkup can reveal any risks due to cardiovascular conditions like hypertension, heart disease or respiratory problems. These must be controlled to ensure safety, said Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, lead consultant and HOD, internal medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.

But, it must be noted that these sports put a lot of strain on the knee, ankle, and spine, so, the person should not have any joint diseases (like arthritis) or spondylitis, added  Dr Kumar.

Another thing that should not be overlooked is mental preparedness. “Such activities as skydiving need a tough mind and should be done by someone who can handle pressure. These could involve mindfulness, and meditation amongst others that would enable one to become mentally strong and reduce anxiety at that particular moment,” said Dr Rajamanya.

Lastly, choosing reputable instructors and companies is vital. “Ensure the organisation follows stringent safety protocols and employs experienced professionals. Understanding the risks involved and being well-informed about safety procedures can make the adventure both thrilling and secure,” mentioned Dr Rajamanya.

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