What You Do Now Determines How You Age Later

Why You Can’t Wait

Last week in Mexico, I watched my 78-year-old father-in-law fly across a zipline, swim alongside his grandkids in a lagoon, and show up for every single adventure our family threw his way. At the zipline alone, there were multiple stairs and ladders to climb. No excuses, no sitting it out. Just full participation.

It was incredible, a reminder and also a wake-up call.

Because here's the truth: that kind of strength, stamina, and energy doesn’t magically appear in your late 70s. You don’t suddenly become someone who can keep up with your grandkids or confidently clip into a zipline harness after a decade of sitting on the sidelines.

That kind of vibrant aging is earned—one choice at a time.

For as long as I have known Bill (24 years and counting) he spends 30 minutes every day stretching or exercising. He uses his e-bike and plays tennis or walks the golf course. He makes the decision every day.

If You Wait, It Might Be Too Late

This isn’t about fear-mongering. It’s about reality.

Most women I work with in their 40s and 50s want to feel better now which for them means:

• more energy,

• less joint pain,

• better sleep,

• more muscle tone,

• fewer sugar cravings.

  
  

  And I’m all for that. But what’s often missing from the conversation is this:

What you do today directly affects how capable you’ll be in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

• Want to travel the world in retirement?

• Want to chase your future grandkids on the beach?

• Want to carry your own luggage, groceries, or garden mulch without help?

  
  

Then we have to train for that life, starting now.

My Father-in-Law Is the Blueprint

On vacation, he wasn’t sidelined. He was in it. Laughing, swimming, ziplining, and enjoying the full experience.

Did it require some physical effort? Sure. But you know what he didn’t need?

• Help climbing stairs

• A special diet

• Permission to say “no” to fun because he was too tired or in pain

  
  

He’s a reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean shrinking. It can mean expanding—into new experiences, deeper connections, and lifelong vitality.

But only if you start now.

5 Things You Can Start Doing Today

You don’t need to overhaul your life to get on the right path—you just need to begin. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Lift heavy(ish) things: Strength training is non-negotiable. It builds muscle, protects joints, and improves balance. You don’t need a gym. You just need consistency.

2. Walk more: Walking after dinner, walking with a friend, walking your dog—just move. It’s the simplest form of medicine.

3. Eat protein with every meal: Your body needs protein to maintain muscle mass as you age. Bone broth in your coffee? Eggs and leftover veggies? Chia pudding? Do it.

4. Protect your sleep: No badge of honor for running on fumes. Sleep is where the body repairs, recovers, and gets sharper.

5. Stay curious and connected: Movement matters, but so does mindset. Try new things. Stay social. Keep learning. These are just as essential to aging well.

   
   

The Future Is Built in the Present

So if you’re tired of waiting for the perfect time to start—stop. That time is now. Not next year. Not when life gets easier. Not after the summer, the vacation, or the big project wraps up.

Start now so that you can show up then.

And if you’re wondering where to begin, start small. Start with one workout this week. One walk. One balanced meal. Then do it again tomorrow.

Because you can’t reverse-engineer a strong, mobile, energetic future once you’ve lost it. But you can absolutely build it—today.