“No one wants to work 40 hours anymore. Young people today only care about free time. We used to work 60 hours a week and never complained.”
I often hear these words from patients over 55—the Boomer generation. Many of them are in treatment with me: chronic back pain, neck stiffness, knee issues, hip replacements, shoulder problems.
And it makes me wonder:
What will our generation be like when we’re 60 or 70?
Hopefully: better—physically, mentally, emotionally.
Younger people today (under 35, including my own generation) tend to say something different:
“We don’t want to work ourselves into the ground. We want to enjoy life now and at 60. Work isn’t everything. We care about our physical and mental health.”
Then there’s the group in between—those torn between extremes. They understand the value of work. They want a comfortable life. But they also see their aging parents, worn down from decades of labor, no longer able to move like they used to.
The question becomes:
Is all this sacrifice really worth it?
Imagine for a moment:
You knew you were going to die tomorrow.
What would you regret?
Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, spent years listening to people in their final days. What they told her wasn’t dramatic or unusual. It was simple. And that’s what makes it powerful.
In her book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying she summarized lessons that can change how we live, how we work, and how we care for others—especially in healthcare and rehab.
1. “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself.” 🍹
We often live by others’ expectations—parents, bosses, society.
But your values matter. Your boundaries matter.
If you’re a physio: treat patients the way you believe helps most, even if it doesn’t fit every system or expectation.
If you’re in rehab: trust your instincts, your needs, your pace. You don’t have to walk someone else’s path.
2. “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” 🏗️
As healthcare workers, we care a lot. Often too much.
Burnout is real.
But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Patients, too, often push themselves—returning to work too early, afraid to rest.
Remind them (and yourself): Health is an investment, not an expense.
The most valuable things—connection, time, health—can’t be bought.
3. “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.” 😠
Emotions get stuck—in muscles, in posture, in pain.
Encourage patients to express themselves. Let them cry. Let them be frustrated. Let them be heard.
As physios, we’re often part-bodyworker, part-therapist. That’s a good thing.
And for us? Talk to colleagues. Say how you feel. Don’t carry the emotional load alone.
4. “I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friends.” 👬
Loneliness impacts health. So does laughter. So does feeling seen.
Connection matters—in recovery, in aging, in life.
Ask your patients: Who’s supporting you right now? Can we bring someone in?
Ask yourself: Who lifts you up? When was the last time you talked?
5. “I wish I’d let myself be happier.” 😊
Sometimes we wait for the right moment to enjoy life.
But happiness is found in small, silly, beautiful moments:
Balancing on a curb. Climbing a tree. Playing on the playground—yes, even as an adult.
Whether you’re a physio or a patient, here’s your permission:
Find joy in the everyday.
Healing isn’t just about function. It’s about freedom.
Reading about the regrets of the dying is sobering—but it’s also a call to action. We don’t have to wait until the end of life to start living in alignment with our values, nurturing joy, and protecting our well-being. Small, intentional steps today can create a life we actually want to look back on.
🧪 Let’s Experiment
Don’t wait until it’s too late to do what matters most.
It’s easy to get caught up in work, routines, and obligations—and forget to invest in yourself. But even small, intentional steps can make a big difference over time. Here’s how to start:
🎯 Try This:
- Live your own life. Ask weekly: “Am I doing this for me or someone else?”
- Work less, live more. Block at least 1 hour a week for pure joy—watch a favorite show, read, draw, tinker. Treat it like an important appointment.
- Express your emotions. Try: “Right now, I feel…” Journaling helps.
- Nurture friendships. Reach out to one friend per week—coffee, a long call, or meaningful chat.
- Be happy now. Schedule one playful activity weekly. Dance, laugh, climb a tree, play a game—tiny moments build bigger well-being.
- Check in with yourself. Ask: “What do I need today?”
🧠 Final Thought:
Small, consistent choices shape your health, happiness, and purpose. Start today—your life will feel richer, freer, and more aligned.
Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.
Take care,
Carina 🦊
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