As a physical therapist, I spend a lot of time with people who can no longer do the things they love – or need – to do. Usually because of an injury. My job is to figure out what’s going on, team up with other providers if needed, and build a plan to get them moving again.

The Ideal Outcome

Someone walks in with knee pain and says, “I want to run marathons again.”

Perfect. I dig into the problem, rebuild their strength and mobility, guide them through the return to running – and eventually? They’re back at the starting line, racing again.

The Next-Best Outcome

Sometimes, marathons aren’t realistic anymore. But maybe a couple of half marathons a year? That’s still a win. It may not be what they imagined – but it’s still meaningful.

The Harder Truth

There are also the tougher conversations. The ones where I have to say, “Running might be off the table for good.”

It’s never easy. But this is where I think the work gets real. This is where I stop being just a PT and become a partner in problem-solving.

If running’s out, we pivot. Maybe it’s swimming, cycling, strength training. There’s always another path. And when a patient helps choose that path – when they take ownership – it becomes our plan. Not just mine.

Longevity Is the New Frontier

These days, “longevity” is everywhere. And honestly? I’m all for it.

I helped start a company built around performance and aging well, so I’m more immersed in this stuff than most. There are some amazing tools out there now – peptides, hormone therapy, better recovery protocols. We can do more for people in their 60s and 70s than ever before.

But let’s be honest: there’s still no pill that stops the clock.

So what’s the best thing we can do?

Keep moving.

Movement Only Works If It Has Meaning

Here’s the part I don’t think we talk about enough: Why are you moving?

• Why are you training at 6 a.m.?
• Why are you lacing up and heading out to run?
• Why are you showing up, day after day?

Movement is powerful – but without meaning, it burns out fast. You can’t inject motivation. You can’t outsource purpose. That’s something only you can bring.

I work with a lot of martial artists. For them, training is non-negotiable. They adjust the intensity as they age, sure – but they keep showing up. They keep finding ways.

One of my training partners in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is 68. He’s been a purple belt since his 50s. I’ve been rolling with him since he was 59. He’s living proof that you don’t stop because you get old – you get old because you stop.

What I Want for Myself

I want to grow old and die strong.

I want my grandkids to say:
“Grandpa was benching until the end.”

Here’s how I try to live:

• Stay mobile.
• Stay agile.
• Stay hostile.

Aging is coming for all of us – but I’m not going quietly. With the right mindset, the right support, and a willingness to adapt, we can keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. Keep finding new ways to do what we love.

It’s not just about adding years to your life. It’s about adding life to those years.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.