77-Year-Old Vietnam Vet Finds Lifelong Passion for Fitness

Winston Hall credits running and cycling with improving his health and outlook on life in retirement.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:48pm

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Winston Hall, a 77-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, discovered his love for running and fitness while serving in the Vietnam War. After returning home, he continued to prioritize an active lifestyle, cycling to work and eventually competing in biathlons. Now retired, Hall works out seven days a week, follows a plant-based diet, and hopes to inspire other older adults to stay active and healthy.

Why it matters

Hall's story challenges the notion that older adults must resign themselves to decline and inactivity in retirement. His commitment to fitness and healthy living demonstrates that it's never too late to adopt a more active lifestyle and reap the benefits, both physical and mental.

The details

Hall began running regularly during basic training and while deployed in Vietnam, finding that it made him feel more energetic. After returning home, he continued to stay active by cycling to work and eventually competing in biathlons. Now retired, Hall works out seven days a week, splitting his time between weight training, cardio, and core exercises. He also follows a plant-based diet, focusing on whole foods and limiting processed items. Hall hopes to inspire other older adults to prioritize their health and find new passions, like the outdoor adventures he enjoys through bikepacking trips.

  • Hall was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam in 1969.
  • After three years in the military, Hall returned to college and began his career as a professional photographer in the late 1970s.
  • In the late 1980s, Hall realized he was getting out of shape due to his demanding work travel schedule, prompting him to make fitness a regular part of his life.
  • Last summer, Hall went on a bikepacking trip in Colorado, riding from his campground to explore new places.
  • In 2026, Hall was appointed as one of AARP's Sponsored Athletes through their Senior Planet initiative.

The players

Winston Hall

A 77-year-old retired professional photographer from Omaha, Nebraska who discovered a passion for running and fitness while serving in the Vietnam War.

Sharon Hall

Winston Hall's wife, with whom he shares plant-based meals.

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What they’re saying

“Society has somehow bought into the idea that, once we reach retirement, we're irrelevant, disappear, and no longer contribute.”

— Winston Hall (dnyuz.com)

“You don't have to start big. It's good to increase your movement gradually. Please believe me when I say it's never too late to get healthy — and feel more alive — through diet and exercise.”

— Winston Hall (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

Hall plans to continue his active lifestyle, including regular workouts, plant-based meals, and outdoor adventures like bikepacking trips. He also hopes to inspire more older adults to prioritize their health and fitness through his role as an AARP Sponsored Athlete.

The takeaway

Winston Hall's story demonstrates that it's never too late to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle. By prioritizing fitness, nutrition, and outdoor pursuits, he has found a renewed sense of purpose and vitality in retirement, challenging societal assumptions about aging.