Cover Article | By Jocklyn Mundy | Photo by Windermere Photography
John and Trish met in the mid-1980s at a Bible study held at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California. Both led full, busy lives. Trish was married with two young daughters, deeply involved in music and working as a performer. John, a military man with a passion for fitness and high-speed sports, was an engineer and entrepreneur. Though their conversations were brief, a friendship formed between them.
Life soon took them down different paths, and they went their separate ways. Over the next three decades, their lives unfolded in distinct, sometimes challenging chapters, filled with marriage, family, careers, and personal trials. Trish eventually faced the profound loss of her husband, a hardship that tested her resilience and reshaped her life.
Then, in 2016, John and Trish’s lives intersected once again. John had been living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for several years when he posted a tribute on Facebook to a friend from his military days who had been killed in Vietnam. John recalls, “I put up a picture of my old friend Mike Bergy. I didn’t expect anything more than a moment of reflection.” Now living in Florida, Trish saw John’s post and instantly recognized his name. That small online interaction reconnected them after over 30 years. As they began to catch up, their old friendship rekindled, blossoming into a romance that soon led to their marriage in 2017. “It felt like God’s hand had been guiding us from the day we met until the day we reconnected,” Trish says.
A Shared Mission Through Faith and Fitness
While John’s early years had been marked by pursuits in Hollywood and high-speed sports, he eventually found a unique path that combined his passion for athletics with a greater mission. A seasoned triathlete and competitive boxer, John saw sports as more than just a personal challenge; he viewed it as a way to connect with others and inspire them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
After marrying, John and Trish founded Redefining Aging, a project to promote health, fitness, and well-being, particularly among seniors. The message behind Redefining Aging is simple but impactful: prioritize health and wellness to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter your age. “People might come to our site initially for health tips, but we hope they take away so much more,” John says.
Their shared commitment to Redefining Aging has taken them to countless events nationwide, including the prestigious Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. For John, competing is just one part of the experience. “We’re here for more than another medal,” he says. Trish, who has a natural warmth and genuine interest in people, often manages the camera and interacts with athletes, adding her enthusiasm and encouragement to the mission.
A Lifetime of Athletic Triumphs and Challenges
John, a former boxer, speed skier, competitive triathlete, and cyclist, is an energetic force who channels his love for sports into a means of connection and inspiration. His life has been a pursuit of physical strength and endurance, both for his health and as a way to connect with others. He has participated in countless competitive events across the United States, with an impressive record that includes ten titles at the Ringside Masters boxing competitions. Recently, John competed in the National Senior Olympics and the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah, where his competitive spirit and athletic prowess continue to inspire fellow athletes and spectators alike. Last year, at 81, he participated in over 80 events, including track and field, swimming, and mountain biking competitions, showing no signs of slowing down. “I just don’t know any other way to be,” he says with a smile.
As a ten-time champion at the Ringside World Championships, John’s boxing achievements have earned him recognition in the Masters Boxing Hall of Fame. However, he sees his athletic endeavors as opportunities to connect with others. “What I love most about competing is the chance to meet people from all walks of life. Whether you’re 25 or 75, there’s a common bond in striving toward a goal,” he says.
Their commitment to Redefining Aging’s mission has also seen John and Trish on the road more than ever. Together, they travel in their 24-foot RV, often with their bicycles strapped to the back and a Jeep in tow, stopping at events, churches, and senior centers across the country. “It’s not glamorous,” Trish laughs. “But every day on the road, meeting new people and seeing different parts of the country has been such an adventure.”
Trish’s Musical Journey and Legacy
Trish’s life has also been filled with accomplishments and rich experiences. She began singing as a young girl, enjoying performing for others. Over the years, she became a professional singer in California, touring with stage shows, recording backup vocals, and performing at Disneyland. “Music has always been my world,” she says. “It’s how I connect with people.”
When her family moved to Windermere, Trish received a call from Disney inviting her to audition for Voices of Liberty, an a cappella group at Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion. Trish performed with the group for 25 years, auditioning anew each year, as Disney only offered contracts one year at a time. But her voice and dedication made her a mainstay, and she cherished the opportunity to perform. “It kept you grounded, knowing you had to earn your place each year,” she says. “And it was such a joy to sing for people from all over the world.”
Her career in the entertainment industry took her from industrial shows to becoming a core part of Disney’s Voices of Liberty at Epcot. Trish has sung nationwide and performed at high-profile events like the Orange Bowl.
Her legacy with Disney and her experiences as a singer have only enriched her work within Redefining Aging. She often brings her love for music and her ability to make others feel seen and valued to the forefront, especially when she interviews other seniors about their own fitness journeys. “It’s not just about keeping our bodies in shape,” she says. “It’s about feeling alive and staying connected to what brings you joy.”
Building a Legacy of Health and Inspiration
For both John and Trish, Redefining Aging has become a mission they’re deeply passionate about. Through their website, social media presence, and videos, they reach thousands with their message of staying active, both physically and mentally. Their online testimonials have garnered views from people across the globe, many of whom find inspiration in their own journeys toward better health. “We’re here to remind people that fitness is for everyone, at every age,” John explains.
Their calendar is filled each year with senior athletic events across the country, from the Florida Senior Games to regional cycling championships. However, the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah remains one of their favorite events, where they compete, volunteer, and film testimonials from fellow athletes. “It’s incredible to see so many seniors, from all over the world, staying active and inspiring each other,” John says.
Looking Ahead: Vision and Purpose
As they look to the future, John and Trish envision Redefining Aging expanding, potentially reaching an international audience. They hope to reach more people through digital platforms, exploring the possibility of hosting events in other countries and continuing to champion a message of health, joy, and longevity. They dream of a world where fitness is a lifelong pursuit and age is simply a number.
“People come to us for fitness advice, but we hope they leave feeling inspired to live life fully, at every stage,” John says. Their dedication to this mission has transformed the lives of many, helping them see that there’s more to aging than simply growing older. Instead, it’s an invitation to embrace life, keep moving, and stay engaged with the people and activities that bring fulfillment.
Their story is a reminder that each day brings new opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose, no matter your age. John and Trish may have met over 30 years ago in a small California church, but they’ve spent every day since reconnecting on this shared journey. They continue to bring energy and positivity to others, shining a light on the potential within each of us, no matter our age.
To follow the Disterdicks, go to: www.redefiningaging.us
Inspirational 80th Birthday Challenge
John Disterdick celebrated his 80th birthday by undertaking an extraordinary physical challenge to raise funds for charity. On this milestone day, he completed an 800-meter swim, 80K Bike ride, 8K Run, 8K ROWING, 8 Rounds of Sparring Boxing, 800 sit-ups, and 80 push-ups—all within a single day.
Disterdick's commitment to fitness and philanthropy serves as an inspiring example of how age need not be a barrier to achieving significant goals and making a positive impact.
