ICYMI: 'We're all friends now;' Roller skating helps seniors stay connected

This article was published previously on CambridgeToday.

Leonard Porter fondly recalls the times he would fly around the rink at Preston Arena on his roller skates.

He estimates in his younger days he was lacing them up six times a week and even taught inline speed skating at The Forum on Langs Drive.

Now at 75 years old, Porter is keeping the nostalgia alive through a group he helps run called the Cambridge Senior Roller Skaters.

"It's more of a social group," Porter said with a laugh.

"When I took it over we were out of Karl Homuth Arena. When I was a teenager I used to skate there all the time. I used to love that."

The group meets once a week on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and noon, with an average of 35 to 40 people showing up. 

In the summer time, they gather at Duncan McIntosh Arena but when the ice is put in during the winter, they head to the Breslau Community Centre to utilize the gym space.

The setting doesn't matter nearly as much as the friendships that develop, as skating is simply the catalyst that brings them together, Porter said.

Many of the members meet throughout the week for other gatherings, whether it be for coffee or at community events.

"A lot these people have been doing it since they were teenagers," he said.

"We just kept it going. They enjoy it immensely."

Ruth Chatters became a member thanks to a few of her friends that were in the group.

Like Porter, she began skating when she was young and loves being able to continue the hobby while meeting new people.

"I've known some of these people for years," Chatters said.

"We're all friends now. It's a bunch of really great people. They're just like your family."

Chatters said all skill levels attend, from those who have been skating their entire life to people who are trying it for the first time.

"I don't think there's any intimidation," she said of the welcoming environment that's been created.

"There's a few people that haven't skated before and they say it's a great group. There's a guy that will take you out and help you skate."

Porter hopes the group serves as a reminder of the importance of staying active and connected in the community as you age.

"I think a lot of the community thinks because I'm 75 that I should be in the seniors home playing cards," Porter said.

"That's sometimes what they expect. They'll look at you and say 'you roller skate?'"

Anyone interested in joining the group can visit the Cambridge Senior Roller Skaters Facebook group. 

The cost the participate is $8 a session.