Can You Be Too Old to Skydive?

A lot of people think that they’re too old to skydive. We’ve heard it time and time again, “I wish I’d done it when I was younger!” or “I’m too old to jump now.” But is there an age limit for skydiving? Absolutely not! 

The only age limit for skydiving that exists is the 18-year-old requirement on the “young” end. As it turns out, as long as you’re at least 18, the term “skydiving age” refers to any age at all! 

Read on to learn more about skydiving for seniors and why there’s no age limit for parachute jumps.

The Ageless Thrill of Skydiving

First things, first – there is an age minimum for skydiving. WNY Skydiving is a Group Member of the United States Parachute Association (skydiving’s national organization), thus we are bound to their guidelines. And their regulations state that the minimum age to skydive is 18 years old. This is due to safety and equipment parameters, as well as legal requirements associated with signing documents. So don’t forget to bring your photo ID with you on the day of your jump. 

But when it comes to age, being 18 is the only age skydivers care about! You’ll find that there are first-time and licensed skydivers of all ages at the dropzone. In fact, the current world record holder for oldest man (person) to skydive is Al Blaschke, a 106-year-old World War II veteran who broke the record for oldest skydiver in November of 2023! And, as you might already know, former President George HW Bush made tandem skydives for his 75th, 80th, 85th, and 90th birthdays! 

Those are tandem jumps, but what about the age limit for solo skydiving? Here’s a spunky and inspiring 80+ year old, Dilys Price. Dilys has gone on to do TED talks and speeches around the world on her experience as a skydiver! Here is a bit of her story: 

Skydiving can bring an enhanced appreciation for life and is a great way to refresh your outlook as you get older! It can boost confidence, bring a sense of wonder, and make you feel young again. 

Debunking the Age Myth

It’s easy to assume that high-adrenaline activities like skydiving are reserved for the young and spry. But statistics would prove you wrong. According to Statista.com, the largest age group in skydiving in 2021 was 30-39 years old. Now, that’s by no means old, but it’s not exactly spring chicken status either. 

Perhaps even more surprisingly, there was a higher percentage of skydivers above 70 (5%) than in the 18-20 age range (1%). Skydivers above 50 made up 27%, while skydivers under 30 came in at only 20%. And the number of older skydivers only increases as the people dedicating their lives to the sport continue to age. 

Skydiving is a sport that can be enjoyed for life!

Health Benefits & Safety Considerations

But just because a handful of people hold age records that doesn’t mean it’s the norm. You might be wondering, can old people do skydiving in the real world? Is it safe to skydive at 60/75? Fair questions to be sure, but get this: skydiving is good for you! 

Participating in a high-adrenaline, high-focus, physical activity reaps great benefits on both the body and brain. Jumping out of airplanes forges reaction time, exercises problem-solving skills, and challenges the mind’s ability to process the world at lightning speed. It also does wonders for mental health! Having a hobby as spectacular as skydiving has a way of lightening the load of life. 

Skydiving is also an incredibly physical sport. There are always new techniques to learn and new positions to practice that will help with flexibility and body control. And keeping yourself in shape enough to deal with the forces of skydiving already puts the body ahead of the aging curve. 

Now, that’s not to say there aren’t certain health considerations that come with skydiving into older age. The main worry for older skydivers is cardiovascular health. The adrenaline released during a skydive puts the heart through the paces, so it’s important to know that your heart is strong enough to deal with the rush. There can also be forces exerted on the neck, back, and knees during parachute opening and landing, so good bone and joint health is also crucial. 

If you’re unsure about your ability to withstand the demands of skydiving, speak to a medical professional to get the go-ahead before booking your jump! 

Special Programs & Community for Senior Skydivers

Older people aren’t only welcome to skydive, there are community groups and clubs JUST for different aged jumpers. National groups like Parachutists over Phorty (POPS), Skydivers Over Sixty (SOS), and Jumpers Over Seventy (JOS) hold events and set records all over the country for their respective age demographics. 

And at WNY Skydiving specifically, we view our community as a family. We have jumpers of all ages that come together to learn and play in the sky, and we love the diversity that a mix of ages brings. There are things to be learned from both sides of the coin, and we believe that including all experiences makes the atmosphere better for everyone. 

Getting Started with Your First Jump at Any Age

You might be nervous to make your first jump, especially if you feel you aren’t the “typical age” of a skydiver. But there are plenty of ways to prepare yourself for that life-changing moment. Knowing what to expect is a big piece of the puzzle, and trusting us to make you feel welcome goes a long way! 

We’ve seen skydivers in their 50s and 60s come out for their first tandem jump and stay on for their license. The best thing about skydiving is that we get to make it what we want it to be, and there are no rules about what a skydiver looks like. 

So come jump with us and change your life today … it’s never too late! Blue skies!