Where are all the older climbers going?

The last few times I have gone to the gym I have been the oldest person at the gym. I have gone to two separate gyms recently. I am only 39!  It’s great seeing all of the new generation coming up but what is happening?  I hope that the reason is because people are enjoying outdoor climbing this time of the year, not that people are quitting, I live in Colorado for god sakes!!  I dunno, it just makes me feel a little bit sad and isolated being one of the few or only older person in the gym. Has anyone else experienced this feeling?  Maybe it’s only an anomaly but I kind of see it as a bad sign and I hope I can continue to find a community of similar aged humans who enjoy the sport and continue to crush. Either way I will keep climbing and getting stronger but it feels weird sometimes in that situation.

Harry, I'm 80 and climb with a group of 50--80+ year-olds once or twice a week at the gym.  We avoid the popular evening hours and usually show up anywhere from 9 am to 12 noon Most of us are retired so are free during working hours.  You didn't say what time you were going to the gym, and at 39 I rather imagine you're still gainfully employed, but my guess is that a bunch of those older folks are there early in the day.

Are you at a bouldering gym?  Try a roped gym.  You’ll still be an old guy just not Rip van Winkle.

I’m 65 but I still think I’m 30 inside.  Been climbing since I was 13.  My usual outdoor partner is also 65. I was at the gym tonight and there were three others guys about my age.  I’ve been going to a gym in Belmont CA since 2019 and haven’t noticed a drop off in us oldsters. I plan on climbing as long as possible, like Fred Beckey. 

I am with Rich but we come by 8am for a couple of hours. The other day another friend mentioned they had come in late in the day and called it the COVID hour. 

Darin Berdinka wrote:

Are you at a bouldering gym?  Try a roped gym.  You’ll still be an old guy just not Rip van Winkle.

Hey I resemble that remark! (63 and still bouldering)

I do think your experience is an anomaly. It may have something to do with the specific gym you are going to, or the time of the day.

I see a ton of people in their 50s-60s at the gym, maybe even older than that. They are definitely around, especially in the mornings. 

39 isn't old. 

Plenty of gray hair for me and seeing like others at the gym.

 Unrelated but related:  Went to Little Lakes Valley in the eastern Sierra in early June. Bear Creek Spire was the attraction. Spread the trip out over many days. So was there some weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) and some weekend days (Friday & Saturday).  On the weekdays, we saw a remarkably larger percentage of folks with gray hair than on the weekend days.

Think about the percentage of the overall population that climbs.  It's infinitesimal.  Now think about the percentage of people over 50 that are active.  Now think about the group of people over 50 that climb.  Checks out.  Also, as already mentioned, it could be the demographics of your area and the time/days you're going.  It's nice to see someone somewhat concerned about the generation past them vs. the generation behind them for a change.

The more experienced climbers at my gym tend to do that morning to noon circuit. 

The answer to OP's initial question is---Kalymnos.

You think they would tell you about their 9 secret crags that them and their friend Jim are keeping a secret? Nice try

I’m 60.  On Monday I was on the Moon Board at my local bouldering gym in Berkeley.  Yesterday, I was there ARC-ing.   Tomorrow, I’ll be doing power endurance on the spray wall.  Usually I’m the oldest guy in the joint but I don’t mind.  The kids are f-in strong, psyched, and inspiring.

I think the original post is asking the wrong question. The question that I want answered is why don't the climbing gyms have a discount rate for seniors? I'm 65 and recently retired and like to climb at the gym regularly (but prefer the outdoors). Us retirees have a more limited income and aren't too excited/able to pay the exorbitant cost of a climbing gym membership. There is nothing great about getting old with the exception perhaps of not having to pay quite so much for things like skiing, etc.. So why in the world are climbing gyms oblivious to this? I'm only posting this rant with the dim hope that it will get a ball rolling.

"The question that I want answered is why don't the climbing gyms have a discount rate for seniors?"

Good point. My Medicare advantage plan gives me free access to the two fitness gyms where I live. I suppose there are just not enough "Silver Sneaker" climbers to press the issue.

Hi all, this old climbing dude climbs at Shuteye,Fresno Dome and The Balls and has super fun bouldering in my backyard!!!  Where no crowds can be found!!! Have not climbed at the gym since 2015 since I quit my job as a route setter at Planet Granite  in Belmont, so if you need to know this old climber is at home climbing in the Oakhurst area the new Bishop lol

I think in the grander scheme of things climbing gyms haven't been around long enough yet. Give it time...

Or maybe just appeal directly to the gym owner. If it's the difference between the profit of a discounted rate vs. nothing at all, I'd imagine a gym would cut you a deal.

John Leonard wrote:

I think the original post is asking the wrong question. The question that I want answered is why don't the climbing gyms have a discount rate for seniors? I'm 65 and recently retired and like to climb at the gym regularly (but prefer the outdoors). Us retirees have a more limited income and aren't too excited/able to pay the exorbitant cost of a climbing gym membership. There is nothing great about getting old with the exception perhaps of not having to pay quite so much for things like skiing, etc.. So why in the world are climbing gyms oblivious to this? I'm only posting this rant with the dim hope that it will get a ball rolling.

Boomers got to buy homes for cheap. They get to enjoy Social Security before it runs out of funds.  They’re the wealthiest generation, and they still want a climbing discount, while Gen Z has to  figure out how many people we can fit into a single bedroom apartment to survive. If you think your income is limited, see how much it costs to rent a place these days + college tuition + insurance + COL with current inflation!

Come to Japan! I once went to a gym where the average age was probably 70...

Eric Craig wrote:

Hi Peter, I am one of those boomers. And you are right. People of my generation, and my parents, we had it fuckin easy. Especially if you just chose a regular life. All you had to do is show up. I didn't live that way, I was a climbing/sking professional/BUM, a vagabond,  and later a horseman/cowboy/packer. But I still reaped plenty of benefits,  like being able to move wherever I wanted and just rent a place to live, on the spot, on regular (at best) wages. No big deal. Younger generations have a lot more challenges to face, no matter how you choose to live. Maybe you will all be stronger in your later years because of it. 

Thanks Eric. It sounds like you’ve had a full and rewarding life. I strive to live my best. Appreciate the kind words, sir. Take care.