When many people make New Year's resolutions to get healthier, the challenge is often sticking with them.
Not for Bobby Ezell.
At 92 years old, Ezell is living proof that age is no barrier to an active, fulfilling life. Since joining the YMCA of Middle Tennessee in February 2025, he has made movement a daily priority, inspiring everyone around him with his energy, commitment, and positive outlook.
Every day, Ezell walks at least two miles. He participates in a circuit class three times a week. And when he’s not at the Y, chances are he’s spending time working in his yard. In fact, he didn’t buy his first riding lawn mower until he was 84 years old.
Ezell has been retired since the age of 55 and is an inspiration for many younger people – demonstrating the benefits of an active lifestyle in improving physical and mental well-being.
His advice on staying active: “As long as you’re moving, they can’t push you in the ground,” he smiled. “Just keep moving.”
And it’s advice he just doesn’t share; he lives it.
“I enjoy AOA Circuit because they do a lot of particular exercises,” he said. “When you feel better, you can do more.”
A lifelong Middle Tennessean, Ezell grew up in Old Hickory, Tenn. and graduated from Dupont High School before earning an engineering degree from Tennessee Tech University.
For many years, he worked for the federal government, where being active seemed to be also part of the job. His fifth-floor office in the downtown Nashville federal building kept him going up and down the stairs throughout the day. He also worked for the Corps of Engineers, Nashville District in hydro electrical design and managed several projects in the Cumberland District. In total, he committed 49 years of service to his career. But retirement didn’t slow him down.
Today, Ezell continues to channel that same dedication into his health and well-being. The AOA Circuit class has become one of his favorite YMCA activities because it mixes light weights and leg exercises to help keep his muscles strong. His class includes participants spanning a wide range of ages, with the youngest more than 60 years Ezell’s junior.
“Joining the Y has been great,” Ezell said, adding, “There’s enough here and lots of different variety for any age.”