I'm 41 and mostly reading danger now rather than running it down

At 41, good positioning can save you more ground than any amount of chasing. Protect the central space first and be selective about when you leave it. If a teammate already has pressure on the ball, you may only need to adjust a few yards to block the next pass rather than joining the press. If the ball travels past you, recover into the area that protects the defence instead of following the opponent who has moved away from danger. Scan earlier so you can move before the pass is made. That is where experience becomes a physical advantage. You can also influence younger midfielders with your position. If they see you holding the balance, they can press or run forward with more confidence. The role does not need to become passive. You are still competing, but you are choosing the moments where your movement has the biggest effect.