If you told me ten years ago that turning 60 would be the most transformative season of my life, I might have laughed. Like many, I thought this age would signal the start of winding down. But instead, it marked a powerful turning point—one where I chose to rise, rebuild, and rediscover not just my body, but my mind, my spirit, and my purpose.
I’m Rodger Thomas, and I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I’m 60 years old, and I feel more alive today than I did in my 40s. This journey hasn’t been easy, and it certainly hasn’t been perfect—but it has been worth every moment.
Waking Up to a New Reality
Something shifted as I approached 60. I looked in the mirror one morning and asked myself, “Is this the man God created me to be?” It wasn’t about vanity—it was about vitality.
I realized that no one was going to come and rescue me. If I wanted to feel better—physically, emotionally, spiritually—I had to do the work.
The Gym: Rebuilding My Body and Confidence
The gym became one of the first tools in my transformation. What started as a reluctant few days a week became a consistent five-day commitment. I didn’t go to impress anyone—I went because I needed to reclaim my energy and strength.
I focused on strength training, cardio, and mobility. I trained for functionality—to be able to move freely, carry groceries without pain, climb stairs without losing breath. Every rep became a statement: “I’m not done yet.”
Swimming and Ocean Therapy
Living in Fort Lauderdale, I’m blessed to have the ocean just minutes away. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like saltwater for healing—physically and mentally. I started swimming & surfing again, reconnecting with the water like I did in my younger days.
When I swim in the ocean, I feel the presence of God. I float on my back, look at the sky, and breathe. It’s where I pray, release, and renew. The water calms me, centers me, and restores me.
“He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3
That verse isn’t poetic to me—it’s personal. I’ve lived it.
Natural Supplements: Fueling My Body from Within
As I got more serious about my health, I realized that what I put in my body matters just as much as what I do with it. I started learning about natural supplements—omega-3s, turmeric, magnesium, collagen, vitamin D. These aren’t fads. They’ve helped me reduce inflammation, support joint health, and even improve my mood and sleep.
There’s no quick fix but I do believe God gave us natural tools to support our bodies. I take what works for me, and I stay consistent. Supplements are a piece of the puzzle—not the whole picture, but an important one.
My Faith: The Foundation of It All
At the heart of everything I’ve done—the gym, the ocean, the supplements—is my faith. There were times in my 40’s & 50s when I didn’t think I’d make it. Financial struggles, personal loss, loneliness—it was a dark valley.
But I never walked that valley alone.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
I clung to that truth. Some days I could barely pray, but I’d whisper that verse like a lifeline.
I’ve learned that when everything falls apart, that’s when God is closest. He didn’t promise this life would be easy, but He promised He’d never leave us. And He didn’t leave me.
Prayer, scripture, and my church community became anchors. They still are. My faith isn’t a part of my life—it is my life. It’s the reason I’m still standing. It’s why I can now encourage others who feel like they’re at the end of the road.
When Life Turns a Corner
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is this: Just when you think it’s over, life turns a corner. I thought I was too old to start over, too broken to heal, too tired to fight. But God wasn’t done with me yet.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19
That verse gives me chills. Because it’s exactly what happened in my life. At 60, I’m seeing the “new thing” God is doing.
Today, I feel younger than I have in decades. Not because I’m chasing youth, but because I’ve embraced growth. I’ve stopped running from my past and started walking in purpose. I’ve stopped surviving—and started living.
Never Too Late: My Message to You
To anyone reading this who feels like it’s too late to change, too late to heal, too late to find joy—I need you to hear me: It’s not too late. I’m living proof.
If you still have breath in your lungs, God’s not finished with you. Don’t give up. Don’t surrender.
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” – Isaiah 40:31
That’s not just a Bible verse—it’s my story. I lost hope. But when I turned back to the Lord, my strength came back. My fire came back. My life came back.
The Journey Continues
I don’t have it all figured out. I still have tough days. But I’ve made peace with my past, found passion in the present, and look forward to the future with hope. I swim, I train, I take care of myself, and I seek God every step of the way.
If you’re standing where I stood—feeling like time has passed you by—I’m here to tell you it hasn’t. You can begin again, right now. One small decision at a time.
Sixty isn’t the end of my story. It’s the chapter where I finally became who I was always meant to be.
