Aging With Purpose: How Passion and Whole Health Inspire Bob’s Story

Aging with purpose starts with the choices that help you stay active, connected and inspired. Whether you’re looking to perfect your craft, pursue a lifelong passion or become the healthiest version of yourself, commitment and support can help you keep moving toward your goals.

Keep reading to learn more about Bob Smith’s story and how movement, purpose and a lifelong love of barbecue have helped him feel younger and live more fully.

How Bob Added Years to His Life

You may have heard the saying, “You reap what you sow,” and it couldn’t be truer for Bob Smith, an 87-year-old Kansas local. Because of his 18+ years of involvement with the Move 4 Life Program at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and a lifetime commitment to becoming a barbecue champion, Bob feels younger than ever and continues to share his incredible barbecue with the Johnson County community. His story shows how healthy aging can be supported by regular movement, meaningful routines and the motivation to keep doing what you love.

A New Way Forward

In the early 2000s, Bob began experiencing difficulty breathing. After some time, he decided to visit his doctor, where he was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a condition that can cause inflamed lumps called granulomas, often in the lungs and lymph nodes of the chest. He was told that he had around 68% lung capacity and needed to find a way to strengthen his lungs beyond medication.

“My wife found this brochure for The Move 4 Life Program at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission and encouraged me to go,” said Bob. “I’ve never had a lot of energy or stamina in my life, as I had a sedentary career working in an office as an engineer.” But Bob didn’t let that stop him from reaching his goal of taking his next breath with ease.

“The most positive thing I’ve been doing is going to Move 4 Life. It has added years to my life. I know it has,” said Bob. The Move 4 Life Program at AdventHealth is designed for patients who have graduated from outpatient rehab or those with chronic conditions who may not feel comfortable exercising alone. Our team members monitor your vitals and ensure your safety so you can make exercise a lifestyle.

Besides lifting weights with Move 4 Life, he makes time for other exercises, like leg lifts, chest extensions, 15 minutes on the treadmill and balancing techniques to improve his physical and mental health. For more ways to support healthy aging, read our guide to the effects of healthy aging.

The Rise of a Champion

Other than his 3-day-a-week commitment over the past 18 years to The Move 4 Life Program at AdventHealth, Bob has kept himself moving by pursuing his passion for barbecuing. Staying connected to a meaningful hobby can support emotional well-being, encourage social connection and make healthy routines feel more rewarding.

“The thing I’ve been waiting my whole life to do is to become a barbecue champion,” said Bob. “While I’m preparing the food, I concentrate more on the fire, charcoal and temperature. And then you have to have a lot of patience, because it takes a long time.”

Bob’s participation in Move 4 Life has paid off with health benefits — he’s staying active later in life and has the stamina and strength to not only pursue his passion for barbecuing but also share it with others.

“I truly believe The Move 4 Life Program at AdventHealth added more years to my life; and if not more years, it added more quality. I hope to be coming for another 18 years.” At AdventHealth, we’re honored to offer a range of programs for patients seeking wholeness in their everyday lives.

Whole-Health Support at Every Age

At AdventHealth, we want to help you age with purpose and feel whole in body, mind and spirit. From primary care and senior care to sports medicine and rehab care, our teams are here to support your strength, independence and whole health at every age.

Discover more stories of people who filled their lives with more living.