Moehr Better Years
Origin story: I'm in my 50s, and I've been lucky to have managed to maintain my fitness and youthful outlook. In 2012 I was considering opening a gym. I was doing training for individuals and hockey teams, and I kept my eye open and wrote some proposals as different spaces inside local rinks came and went. I liked to help others learn and try the uncommon methods I use. Then I realized it wasn't just physical fitness. Along with my unusual exercises, there was also play, encouraging learning and creativity, and the social benefits of group activity. In 2016 I was driving along thinking about this one morning, and I saw a small building for rent on a busy road. I started to daydream about the idea, and think about what could I put on the outside of the small building to attract people. What did people want? To be stronger? Maybe. Faster? Fitter? Sometimes. Younger? Younger! Many people want to feel younger. What about a place to learn how to feel like a younger version of yourself, and actually become that? A younger you. What about Younger U, as in Younger University! A place that can help teach you simple ways to increase enjoyment throughout your years.
I was really happy with the idea, and I turned the corner to continue my commute. On the same side of the street, I passed a building with the words "Anti-aging Institute" on the outside. I then saw what it was - a place that offered laser surgery and other cosmetic techniques to make you look younger. Not at all what I had in mind! I knew that my Younger U idea could have an important place in the world as an alternative for people who wanted to experience a deeper form of anti-aging than simply looking younger on the outside.
Younger U was an idea I tossed around and developed for a few years. I landed on seven mindsets/tools. In Oct 2018 I started putting my website together, and I changed the name to Moehr Better Years. I also came up with the tagline "fill your fountain of youth". The overall concept remained the same -- to help people die young but as old as possible.
I was really happy with the idea, and I turned the corner to continue my commute. On the same side of the street, I passed a building with the words "Anti-aging Institute" on the outside. I then saw what it was - a place that offered laser surgery and other cosmetic techniques to make you look younger. Not at all what I had in mind! I knew that my Younger U idea could have an important place in the world as an alternative for people who wanted to experience a deeper form of anti-aging than simply looking younger on the outside.
Younger U was an idea I tossed around and developed for a few years. I landed on seven mindsets/tools. In Oct 2018 I started putting my website together, and I changed the name to Moehr Better Years. I also came up with the tagline "fill your fountain of youth". The overall concept remained the same -- to help people die young but as old as possible.
UPDATE 2024: I visited a new local longevity clinic, and discovered Dr. Peter Attia's concept of "Medicine 3.0" which is from his 2023 book "Outlive". I was so excited when I saw his diagram illustrating the idea. It looked a lot like what I had tried to represent with my Moehr Better Years logo! Instead of the slow decline, extending the health line as long as possible. I also have Move as the first of my seven tools, and he advocates exercise as far and away the most important thing for living better, longer. If nothing else, that makes me think I was on the right track.
Fill your fountain of youth
Moehr Better Years is my set of seven mindsets or tools that help you fill your fountain of youth. Any one of them can help, but the benefits tend to multiply when you combine them all.
I believe youth is not a predominantly a function of chronological age. If you can maintain your health, capabilities, and a curious and grateful spirit, you can feel young. We all know "old people" who inspire us because they don't seem "old" at all. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging appears to support this idea - for example, "the aim ... is to identify factors that distinguish extraordinary health at very advanced age from non-'ideal' aging". Non-preventable factors aside, I believe vibrant physical and mental health as we age is possible for way more of us than we might believe.
When we moved up to Northern Michigan in 2017, we met a really cool couple. Every morning in the warmer months they go slalom waterskiing, and they graciously took us along. Here's one of the shots I took from the boat.
- Move
- Play
- Learn
- Create
- Share
- Appreciate
- Rest
I believe youth is not a predominantly a function of chronological age. If you can maintain your health, capabilities, and a curious and grateful spirit, you can feel young. We all know "old people" who inspire us because they don't seem "old" at all. The Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging appears to support this idea - for example, "the aim ... is to identify factors that distinguish extraordinary health at very advanced age from non-'ideal' aging". Non-preventable factors aside, I believe vibrant physical and mental health as we age is possible for way more of us than we might believe.
When we moved up to Northern Michigan in 2017, we met a really cool couple. Every morning in the warmer months they go slalom waterskiing, and they graciously took us along. Here's one of the shots I took from the boat.
How old are they? "Seniors", whatever that means, but the important point - does it really matter? They are able to enjoy whatever activity they want, and happiness radiates from them.
I played hockey every week with a great group of guys who are mostly 65 and older. In 2018, we celebrated the 80th birthday of one of the players. (UPDATE: The same group just celebrated his 86th(!) birthday in 2024)
I played hockey every week with a great group of guys who are mostly 65 and older. In 2018, we celebrated the 80th birthday of one of the players. (UPDATE: The same group just celebrated his 86th(!) birthday in 2024)
Age is not a definer or limiter for them. I'm sure you know people like that.
I hope to develop Moehr Better Years into something more formal and sharable soon.
I hope to develop Moehr Better Years into something more formal and sharable soon.