Staying Healthy and Fit in Retirement

By Alison Cardoza • Photos By Matt Johnson

What steps can you take to ensure optimal health during retirement? 

Bill Hoagland, a member at Baptist Health Milestone, practiced General Surgery for 37 years and focused on breast cancer and management of patients at high risk for the last 10 years. Bill found time during his busy work week to be with his family and mainly focused on cardio (running). Retiring a year ago, Bill’s schedule and workout plan have changed quite a bit. 

“In the past, during my working years, I prided myself on the ability to wake up quickly and function with little to no sleep. Meals could be sporadic in quality and timing, and I also felt that meaningful exercise involved the cardiovascular system only and running was my go to. Now that I am approaching 70, my health focus has shifted to proactive maintenance. The main pillars for accomplishing this are strength training, balance, flexibility, nutrition, sleep, and faith. I have come to see the ease with which muscles atrophy with age and the necessity of strength training to combat this. There is great value in changing up the workout routine. In wound care medicine, we had a term called wound confusion. When a wound reached a point of homeostasis, and wouldn’t heal, it was useful to irritate it to reinvigorate the healing process. Our muscles benefit from the same idea,” explains Bill. 

Bill advised and encouraged his patients to be active, eat healthy, sleep, and keep stress at bay. Following this protocol enabled his patients to heal and improve overall health and well being. Today, Bill practices this himself at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center, along with many other retirees that have led a busy lifestyle and want to continue to strive to be the best versions of themselves. Having more time at their disposal has allowed these retirees to take classes at Milestone such as yoga, pilates, step class, pump class, dance, and cycling. The social setting at Milestone creates a special bond amongst these members. They hold each other accountable and truly care about each other’s well being. 

“Having good balance and flexibility are no-brainers as we age. Sleep is an under-appreciated aspect of good health and issues with it should be addressed,” says Bill. 

Apply these tips from Bill to live a healthier lifestyle so when you retire, you are able to enjoy life with your family and friends. Stay active and independent for life. 

Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. UofL former Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.