Learning to skate is possible at any age, if the motivation and equipment exist to fit your needs. It is highly recommended that protection equipment such as a skate helmet, wrist-guards, elbow-pads, knee-pads and even padded-shorts be worn by beginners to avoid the annoyance of grazes, scratches, bruises, sore bottoms and possibly concussions, etc. it isn’t a matter of if you will fall, you definitely will. Doing it in style and comfort will make the experience enjoyable and less stressful. You learn best by pushing your limits and without falling your body won’t know the extremes of what skating can offer.
Skaters who do not wear protective gear are hopefully experienced enough to know the extent of their skating experience in relation to the conditions of their skating environment. This is why rink and slalom skaters typically skate without protection. However these same skaters may use protective gear if skating in other conditions such as on ramps and street.

It is about understanding the risks and making an educated decision about what’s appropriate.