AGE IS JUST A NUMBER (UNTIL YOU GIVE IT MEANING)
Mo Hagan’s Blueprint for Longevity, Resilience, and Reclaiming Your Vitality.
Photos by dcbowmanphotography
If you were to flip through a certain high school yearbook from the late seventies, you would find a prophetic little line tucked under the name Maureen Hagan. It reads: “Anything to do with fitness where I can travel the world.”
Most of us leave our teenage ambitions on the gym floor, but for the woman the world knows simply as Mo, that sentence became a roadmap. Today, as the Chief Operating Officer of canfitpro, Mo is the undisputed powerhouse of the Canadian fitness industry. However, meeting her feels less like a corporate briefing and more like catching up with your most energetic, inspiring friend. She has spent four decades proving that movement is the ultimate fountain of youth.
We sat down with Mo to talk about her journey from a track-and-field hopeful to a global leader, and why the Silver staff believes her message is exactly what our readers need to hear. According to Mo, for the 50+ crowd, the best chapters are still being written.
Silver Magazine: Mo, let’s start with that yearbook quote. It is almost spooky how accurate it was. How has your “why” for staying active changed since those high school days?
Mo Hagan: It really is funny how those words became my reality. Back then, I just knew that movement made me feel my best. My physical education teacher showed me that exercise was a tool for self-discovery, and I loved the confidence that came from feeling strong. Over forty years later, my “why” has grown up with me. Early on, it was all about performance and high energy. Today, I am equally passionate about movement for longevity, resilience, and quality of life. Fitness has taken me around the world, but its true value is helping people move better, feel stronger, and live fuller lives at every single age.
Silver Magazine: For our readers who are meeting you for the first time, how would you describe the “heartbeat” of canfitpro?
Mo Hagan: At its heart, canfitpro exists to move people physically, professionally, and personally. We are the largest provider of fitness education in Canada. Our purpose is to inspire fitness as a desired career and lifestyle, creating positive change in others’ lives. As the Chief Operating Officer, my focus is on helping shape the future of fitness by elevating professionalism and ensuring fitness professionals are recognized as essential contributors to health and well-being.
Silver Magazine: We focus heavily on the power of the 50+ demographic. What is the most important mental shift we need to make once we hit that half-century milestone?
Mo Hagan: You have to realize that mindset is a muscle, and you need to train it every day. I often say that age is only a number until your brain gives it meaning. When I turned 50, I embraced it as a milestone of achievement. I arrived at that age healthy, strong, and excited to redefine what being 50 could look like. Now that I am in my 60s, that mindset is even more important. Fitness is not just about physical strength; it is about balancing mental, emotional, and social health. The habits we build, how we move, and who we surround ourselves with all influence how we age.
Silver Magazine: You are famous for “walking the walk.” What does your personal movement and exercise routine look like today?
Mo Hagan: Movement became even more essential to me in my 60s, particularly during the pandemic. Exercise became my medicine. I focused on lifting heavier and rebuilding my capacity after experiencing long-haul Covid symptoms. In 2025, I set a new goal. I hired a personal trainer and trained for a HYROX Open Women’s event in Toronto. It was the biggest fitness challenge since running my first marathon in my 30s, and it was incredibly liberating. It reminded me that when you train your body and mind together, extraordinary things are possible at any age.
Silver Magazine: Over your decades of experience, you have seen every trend come and go. What are the “non-negotiable” truths you have discovered for maintaining vitality?
Mo Hagan: There are three truths that stand out to me:
- Strength Training is Essential: It helps maintain muscle, bone density, balance, and independence.
- Aerobic Exercise Supports Heart and Brain Health: Elevating your heart rate boosts your mood and enhances cognitive function through increased blood flow.
- Social Connection is Powerful Medicine: Exercising with others builds accountability. Whether it is a fitness class or a walking group, connection plays a vital role in healthy aging.
Silver Magazine: If you could share just one “North Star” piece of advice with a reader looking to reclaim their health, what would it be?
Mo Hagan: It is never too late to reclaim your health and vitality. I have seen people begin their fitness journey in their 50s, 60s, and beyond and experience incredible transformation. The key is to start where you are and seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional who can help you move safely. Living “the good life” isn’t about perfection. It is about progress, consistency, and believing in what is possible.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that Mo doesn’t just talk about energy; she radiates it. She is living proof that we do not have to settle for a “slow down” just because the calendar says so. Whether she is training for a global fitness competition or leading her year-round outdoor neighbourhood class, she reminds us all that aging is an opportunity to get stronger.
If you have been waiting for a sign to lace up your sneakers and redefine your own “good life,” this is it. According to Mo, your strongest, healthiest chapter may still be ahead of you.
Editorial Credit: Photos: dcbowmanphotography
To learn more about the future of fitness in Canada, visit: www.canfitpro.com
