Can You Be Too Old to Skydive?

What’s the oldest age you can skydive? While there is a minimum skydiving age limit, there’s no official maximum limit. Age ain’t nothing but a number, baby! That said, you do need to be in good physical health to jump. Whether you’re 18 or 80, there are a few important factors to consider before taking the leap. 

Too Old to Skydive? Think Again. 

Can you skydive at 100 years old? Oh yes – as long as you’re in generally good health, you’re never too old to skydive! The current record for the oldest skydiver belongs to a 106-year-old, proving that age is no barrier to adventure. In fact, 100-year-olds going on tandem skydives is not uncommon. Even former President George H.W. Bush celebrated his 90th birthday with a skydive.

For those who take up skydiving as a sport, there are clubs dedicated to skydivers of a certain age:

• POPs (Parachutists Over Phorty): A club for skydivers over 40.
• SOS (Skydivers Over Sixty): A group for those 60+. They set a world record in 2023 with 101 skydivers over 60 jumping together!
• JOS (Jumpers Over Seventy): A club dedicated to skydivers aged 70 and older.
• JOES (Jumpers Over Eighty Society): A group of skydivers still jumping in their 80s.
• JONS (Jumpers Over Ninety Society): A club for skydivers in their 90s!

If you fall in love with skydiving, you’re in good company. Many skydivers continue jumping well into their golden years, showing that skydiving is truly a sport for life. 

While we’re all for inclusivity and getting everyone in the air, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Addressing Common Concerns

While we have covered that there is no maximum age for skydiving, you must be in good physical health to make a tandem skydive. Many older jumpers worry about whether skydiving is safe for them. Concerns about joint pain, osteoporosis, or heart conditions are valid, and that’s why it’s essential to check with your doctor first. Altitude and adrenaline can have side effects, and some conditions may require a doctor’s note.

However, skydiving instructors are trained to accommodate a wide range of needs. If mobility is a concern, some dropzones offer alternative landing techniques or specialized harnesses to ensure safety and comfort.

While there is some physical exertion involved – exiting the plane, holding position, and landing – many older jumpers complete tandem skydives with proper preparation. 

Mobility and Landing

• Leg and core strength matters: You’ll need to lift your legs for landing to avoid injury. If you have mobility issues, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t skydive – address your concerns with your dropzone directly.

• Aircraft exits vary: Depending on the plane, you may need to squat or kneel before exiting. At our dropzone, tandem skydivers exit from a Cessna 182, which requires stepping onto a small ledge before making the jump. 

Preparing for Your Jump

• Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll want to wear something flexible to make lifting your legs and arching easier.

• Be honest about medical conditions: Disclosing your health history helps ensure safety for both you and your instructor.

• Talk to your doctor: If you have any health concerns, get checked out beforehand. Also, check with the dropzone to see if a doctor’s note is required.

Benefits of Skydiving 

Skydiving isn’t just an adrenaline rush; it comes with mental and emotional benefits, too. 

• Face your fears: Leaping out of an airplane proves that fear is just a temporary feeling – you can overcome it! Many older skydivers say it reignites their sense of adventure and reminds them that age should never limit life’s experiences.

• Check off a bucket list dream: Skydiving is a common bucket list item, and for good reason! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freefalling through the sky and taking in breathtaking views from thousands of feet above the ground.

• Experience a natural high: Skydiving releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, the chemicals responsible for happiness and excitement. The rush of freefall followed by the peaceful parachute descent offers a unique combination of thrill and serenity that many people describe as life-changing.

• Join a community: Skydiving isn’t just a one-time experience – it’s a sport with a welcoming and supportive community. Whether you do it once or decide to pursue it as a hobby, you’ll meet incredible people who share the same passion for adventure. 

Final Thoughts

Skydiving isn’t just for the young, it’s for the young at heart! Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or checking off a bucket list dream, age shouldn’t hold you back. With the right preparation and a supportive dropzone, you can experience the thrill of freefall no matter your age.

Ready to jump? Let’s make it happen! Blue skies!