Bradenton veteran, 90, credits longevity to fitness and friendship

Bradenton's David Fuller is a 90-year-old retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and Vietnam veteran who credits fitness, friendship and community living with helping him stay healthy, independent and engaged.

When the Freedom Village resident climbs four flights of stairs carrying 15-pound weights in each hand as part of his workout, most people assume he is decades younger, and are often shocked to learn he is 90 years young.

"My motivation is to have a good quality of life," Fuller said. "If you stop using it, you lose it."

Fuller did not move to Freedom Village looking for a new workout routine. After declining eyesight made it impossible for him to drive safely, he was looking for transportation and peace of mind. What he found was a routine, accountability and friendships that helped him become even more active.

Today, he works one-on-one with personal trainer Liron Bolino, a Freedom Village of Bradenton team member, twice each week in the community's fitness center. He also rides his bicycle for 5 miles, exercises in the community's indoor pool and uses the hot tub.

"If I hadn't moved here, I probably wouldn't have become more physically active," Fuller said. "I'm now in the best shape of my life."

Fuller believes older men should focus on one thing above all else: staying active.

"Don't become a couch potato," he said. "Keep exercising and doing the things that will help keep you from needing a walker or scooter."

For Fuller, healthy aging is not only about physical fitness. He serves as a resident ambassador, has held leadership roles on resident committees, participates in the veterans group, sings in the choir and enjoys sailing remote-controlled boats in the community's pool. His favorite moments, however, are spending time with friends during happy hour or going out to dinner together.

"Exercise without a social life, or a social life without exercise, doesn't make any sense," he said. "They're both part of living life."

Looking back, Fuller considers moving to Freedom Village of Bradenton a blessing. "If you wait too long, it'll be too late because you won't be able to enjoy all the wonderful things that go on here," he said.

Asked what makes him most proud of the life he's living today, his answer comes without hesitation: "The friends I have."