January 2026 – A New Beginning

January is named for the Roman god Janus, depicted with two faces—one looking ahead toward new beginnings, transitions, and doorways, and the other looking back at endings. The symbolism invites us to use the wisdom of the old year to plan for a new—hopefully even better—year ahead.

As we age, ideally, we wise up. With increased clarity, we begin to see our options. That is a good thing. Just as on a stream, fewer options can force us to get creative.

What I offer in The Ageless Angler is inspiration and a supportive framework for your creativity. The word inspire comes from the Latin inspirare, meaning “to breathe into.” It originally referred to the idea of external forces filling a person with energy and creativity.

When inspired, your body becomes the hero: a literal miracle of strength in motion. You supply the effort. You are the architect—the one who decides how much or how little to do.

I can say from my own experience, and from the experiences others have shared with me, that there is nothing better than experimenting and pushing perceived boundaries—only to discover a gear you didn’t know you had.

Much of my inspiration comes from witnessing the science of strength and longevity—described in clinical research—come to life in people like you. Real life is quiet and often unremarkable. It happens in the margins, in the small, quiet moments that never trend or go viral.

Our efforts—yours and mine—are not easily shared. Our high-water marks are private victories. Still, it can be inspiring to see relatable examples.

Chuck Norris is eighty-five years old and still working out, still practicing martial arts as he always has. To him, age is merely a number. He has said, “I’m grateful to feel strong, healthy, and energized. I don’t see age as a reason to slow down—if anything, it’s given me the chance to renew my commitment to fitness and nutrition.”

At eighty-two, Mick Jagger continues to perform with the energy that defined The Rolling Stones in the 1960s. That level of strength and stamina is no accident. As he has aged, Jagger has made health and fitness a priority. He doesn’t merely exercise; he trains. That shift in posture—from exercise to training—is one worth recognizing. Jagger has said, “I train five or six days a week, but I don’t go crazy. I’m training for stamina.”

Jagger may have hit the ‘gene lottery’ but he knows that is only starting capital. Aging well requires investment. Physical training compounds as physical wealth over time. The feeling and living with that wealth is not easily put into words.

Never forget, you are in control!

This piece from our December newsletter is worth carrying over into the new year. Maneuvering is defined as action intended to gain a tactical edge. I suggest you begin maneuvering, not just for spring fly-fishing but for life. World-wide research is clear. Midlife (ages 40–70) emerges as a pivotal window for influencing continued functionality with age.

The less clinical and more applied message is, as we age, muscle tends to atrophy, weaken and shorten. Ligaments and tendons become more rigid. Thus, joints tend to stiffen and our range of motion naturally declines.

It is also true that you can heavily influence your midlife biological trajectory through lifestyle choices. Don’t wait until something hurts or breaks. Begin now. Build a reserve. It’s your stay-in-the-game insurance policy.

Resources and Support

I will be presenting at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison, NJ, Friday January 23 at 10:00AM & Saturday January 24 at 2:00PM. Check the final schedule to confirm.

NOTE: I am not paid to mention any resources. I do not have affiliate relations with corporations, individuals or businesses.

What serves the body best is multidimensional training.

Beyond the gym, stream, trails and the track, I incorporate Chi or Thi-Chi/Yoga workouts. One source I use is with National Aerobics Champion Scott Cole. His Zoom classes are top notch and made available at various times with no commitment or strict schedule–for donations. That’s right, donations!

Get his invites in your inbox by signing up for his newsletter.

You can expect a blend ancient moving meditation with contemporary wellness, focusing on slow, flowing movements, deep breathing, and mindfulness to balance energy. Stress relief, improved balance, and physical function, awareness for mind-body unity, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. By the way, Scott’s Thi-Chi DVD has sold over 1 million copies.

AARP’s Five Tests That Show How Well You Are Aging

The British Journal of Sports Medicine, Successful 10-second one-legged stance performance predicts survival in middle-aged and older individuals.

Recent outdoor-life adventures that tested my stamina & fitness level.

*A Blue-line Adventure

*Red fishing in an Arctic Blast

My brief but focused free eBook, The Ageless Angler: A Guide to Fly-Fish More as You Age

Paper and audio versions can be found here.