Lessons from 102-year-old swimmer Maurine Kornfeld | How to Be a Better Human

Intro

In this episode of “How to Be a Better Human,” host Chris Duffy announces the end of season 3 and his parental leave for the birth of his first child. The episode features a remarkable guest, 102-year-old swimmer Maurine Kornfeld, also known as Mighty Moe. Mighty Moe is a world record-setting competitor and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Main Takeaways

Life Lessons from Mighty Moe

• It’s never too late to learn a new skill.
• Swimming is exhilarating, good for mental health, and provides a momentary escape from daily troubles.
• Being part of a swim team enriches Mighty Mo’s life, as she enjoys being around people who are different from herself.
• Swimming well means focusing on doing what you should be doing, not just winning.
• Swimming teaches persistence, routine, discipline, and self-discipline.

Mighty Moe’s Journey

• Mighty Moe started swimming seriously in her 60s and joined a master’s team by bluffing her way onto it.
• She set her first master’s world record at the age of 90 and has competed in world championships, winning gold medals and setting record times.
• Mighty Moe cares more about being in the water than the competitive part of swimming.
• Working with the water and having a smooth stroke helps to swim faster.
• Concentration and paying attention to technique lead to better performance.

Lessons for Aging Well

• Laughing at yourself can provide a different perspective and take you out of your own problems.
• Spending time outdoors and reading can improve your life.
• Learning and memorizing nursery rhymes and poems can develop memory skills.
• Taking care of yourself is important for being able to take care of others.
• Doing things for others should be automatic and part of being a member of the human race.

Creating a Culture of Kindness

• We need to be more intentional about doing things for others.
• Striving to create a culture of kindness and generosity is important.
• Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.

Summary

Mighty Moe’s Inspiring Journey

Maurine Kornfeld, also known as Mighty Moe, is a 102-year-old swimmer who started swimming seriously in her 60s. Despite joining a master’s team by bluffing her way onto it, she went on to set multiple world records and win gold medals in world championships. Mighty Moe’s love for swimming goes beyond competition; she finds it exhilarating and mentally refreshing. Swimming has taught her persistence, routine, discipline, and self-discipline. She believes that swimming well means focusing on doing what you should be doing, rather than just winning. Mighty Moe’s journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to learn a new skill and pursue your passions.

Tips for Aging Well

Mighty Moe shares valuable advice for aging well. She emphasizes the importance of not thinking about yourself too much and maintaining a sense of humor. Laughing at yourself can provide a different perspective and help you overcome personal challenges. Spending time outdoors and reading are activities that can greatly improve one’s life. Additionally, learning and memorizing nursery rhymes and poems can help develop memory skills. Mighty Moe believes that taking care of yourself is crucial for being able to take care of others. Doing things for others should be automatic and part of being a member of the human race.

Cultivating Kindness and Generosity

Host Chris Duffy and Mighty Moe discuss the importance of creating a culture of kindness and generosity. They highlight the need for individuals to be more intentional about doing things for others. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on people’s lives. By striving to be kind and generous, we can contribute to a more compassionate and supportive society.

Conclusion

Mighty Moe’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, lifelong learning, and the joy of pursuing one’s passions. Her journey as a swimmer and her wisdom for aging well inspire listeners to embrace new challenges, find fulfillment in everyday activities, and create a culture of kindness and generosity.