Are you depressed in midlife? It would be best to try skateboarding; a study suggests that it helps with depression.
A new study recommends that skateboarding can aid down-and-out people battling substance abuse issues by boosting their moods.
Research has revealed that the pastime allows the middle-aged to cope with depression and stress while also providing a common ground for parents to bond with their children.
According to sociological researcher Dr. Paul O'Connor from the University of Exeter, the activity can invoke "spiritual meaning" for those who engage in skateboarding by providing a new avenue of self-expression. This endeavor often takes a back seat for adults and parents.
"People often say that skateboarding is a lifeline and sanity for them," O'Connor said. "It gives them a creative outlet" and a chance to reconnect with the "freedom of youth."
O'Connor's book called "Identity and Wellbeing in Older Skateboarders" describes how mid-life circumstances impact the motivations of skateboarders. He addresses how these skaters viewed their participation beyond the instrumental value of maintaining physical wellbeing; instead, they engaged primarily for social and emotional benefits. His findings point to the significance of skateboarding for emotional wellbeing, joy, community, and a spiritual outlet.