Dr Meghan Dares' TEDx Talk Recognised as TEDx Editor's Pick

A TEDx talk by Joint Vision orthopaedic surgeon and co-founder Dr Meghan Dares exploring one of the biggest health challenges facing modern society has been recognised internationally as a TEDx Editor's Pick.

Dr Dares' talk, The Hidden Risk of Living Longer, challenges audiences to rethink healthy ageing, arguing that while Australians are living longer than ever before, many are spending the final years of their lives with declining mobility, independence and quality of life.

The recognition places the talk among a select group highlighted by TEDx for their ideas, storytelling and global relevance.

"The challenge isn't simply helping people live longer," Dr Dares said. "It's helping them keep moving, stay independent and continue doing the things that give their lives meaning."

Dr Dares, who is also a co-founder of Phoenix Health Co, said modern medicine had made enormous progress in increasing life expectancy, but the next challenge was addressing the growing gap between lifespan and healthspan — the years people live in good health, free from significant physical limitation.

"As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see the consequences of declining mobility every day," she said.

"It rarely starts with a major injury. More often it begins with small changes that people gradually accept as part of getting older. They stop walking as far. They stop playing sport. They stop dancing, gardening or travelling because it's become uncomfortable. Over time those small changes can become a cycle of declining strength, reduced confidence and loss of independence."

Dr Dares said the conversation around musculoskeletal health needed to shift from simply treating pain to protecting movement throughout life.

"Movement isn't just about exercise," she said. "It's about maintaining the ability to participate in life, whether that's playing with your grandchildren, travelling, working, or simply remaining independent."

Joint Vision CEO and co-founder Wynter Dares said the international recognition highlighted the importance of an issue affecting millions of Australians.

"Meghan's TEDx talk isn't about promoting surgery or even orthopaedics," he said. "It's about starting a broader conversation around healthy ageing and recognising that protecting movement is one of the most important investments we can make in our future health. We're incredibly proud to see that message recognised on the TEDx stage and shared with audiences around the world."

Dr Dares hopes the talk encourages people to pay attention to changes in their mobility long before they reach crisis point.

"We've done an incredible job teaching Australians to recognise the early signs of skin cancer and seek help," she said. "Perhaps it's time we also recognised that changes in our movement deserve the same attention. Because when we protect movement, we protect independence."

Watch the TEDx Talk

Watch Dr Meghan Dares' TEDxWollongong talk, The Hidden Risk of Living Longer, on YouTube.

About Dr Meghan Dares

Dr Meghan Dares is an orthopaedic surgeon and co-founder of Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, specialising in foot and ankle surgery. Through her clinical work, research and advocacy, she is passionate about helping people stay active, independent and moving well throughout every stage of life.