Cartwheels into Your 80s: Movement, Mindset and the Growing Art of Longevity
Inside Longevity Cities ‘Matcha & Walk’ where everyday people are redefining longevity as a health symbol.
Longevity has shifted from a niche subculture to the defining movement of modern wellness, with its global market projected to reach $610 billion by late 2026 (Forbes). While headlines dwell on multi-million dollar anti-aging regimens, everyday people are treating longevity as an authentic status symbol that cannot be faked.
Longevity has become an increasingly significant social marker, earned through deep discipline. We wanted to learn more about how people perceive this concept, media portrayals of healthspan, and the tangible benefits of prioritizing long-term wellness.
We met up with Maurice the founder of Longevity Cities, a network already operating within this trending wellness space. He was hosting a free, accessible "Matcha & Walk" in Marylebone where everyday people can discuss longevity and the benefits of matcha. Maurice recognized a gap in this growing market. Coming from a tech background where bodybuilding had become a passion, he drifted into the biohacking world and reached out to Bryan Johnson himself.
Maurice pausing outside the Marylebone cafe before starting the morning walk.
Maurice leading the "Matcha & Walk" group in Marylebone.
“I messaged Bryan back then, and we aligned on the 'Don't Die' movement. But later on, as Bryan wanted to treat it almost like a religion, I said, 'Bryan, I think we should part ways.”
Maurice pivoted away from the extreme practices dominating longevity headlines, to build a more accessible community space.
"I noticed that nobody's meeting in the real world, which was kind of weird for me because I think it's the best way to improve longevity in the end, the connections that we have."
Today, Maurice's community spans 55 countries, offering real-world connection through coffee raves, sound baths, and matcha walks.
One of the first people we spoke to on the walk was Mark, who most closely reflected the media's depiction of a longevity enthusiast. Longevity is fundamental to Mark, as his interest in biohacking and 'brain rewiring' directly influenced his career in finance.
Mark (middle) during the walk and talking with participants.
“I went from almost getting fired in my 20’s to getting promoted into senior banking roles through neurofeedback brain re-wiring. That was a huge motivation.”
According to the BBC, neurofeedback is a brain-training process popular among business executives as well as individuals managing PTSD and ADHD. It sits firmly within experimental wellness therapies, marketed through personal testimonies promising "indescribable peace." (BBC) Mark spent over £2,000 and took a week off work for initial treatment. While his methods were far from accessible, he now finds value in low-barrier community events, like the walk.
Since then he has refocused on foundational habits while maintaining a nuanced perspective on more intensive longevity methods.
“The best biohacks are free, like getting sunlight, fresh air, community, and clean water. But at the same time, if you have a particular issue, it doesn't matter how much you're outside or how much water you're drinking. If you don't actually know how to resolve it, it's not really going to clear itself.”
While Mark focused more on brain rewiring and experimental interventions, Amanda took what she describes as a balanced path. As a former dancer turned movement instructor, she prioritises the seamless connection between mind and body in her daily practices, maintaining a refined-sugar-free diet and regularly researching the science behind health, to strive for a longer, happier life
Longevity holds deep personal significance for Amanda, shaped by grieving the loss of her mother and seeing how aging impacted the physical and cognitive vitality of those close to her.
“The mind and the body are so interconnected. There's this big idea that the brain is one thing and the body is another, but it all works together."
Her mission within the community was to help others set joyful, functional goals that empower them to "do cartwheels into their 80s." Concerned by broader public health trends, she jokingly mentioned wanting to launch an 'Are You a Couch Potato?' course. Cultivating joy and minimizing stress formed the core of Amanda's longevity philosophy.
Amanda inside the cafe (middle).
Liz holding her ceremonial-grade matcha.
In contrast to Amanda's holistic focus on movement and joy, Liz brought the conversation back to tangible choices. Initially offering thoughtful advice on selecting high-quality teas and matchas, she continued to share insight into the health benefits of specific beverage recipes.
Her regimen focuses on consuming organic ceremonial-grade matcha, fermented Chinese teas, and whole foods. All whilst avoiding artificial additives. Liz even travelled to Yunnan, China, to inspect ancient tea trees firsthand.
“You go to the mountains, and you see ancient tea trees that are 100 to 500 years old. Sourcing that purity is what matters to me.”
She was also strictly against commercialization in wellness.
"In today's society, wellness is all commercialized. I focus on pure, authentic quality and knowing where things come from."
Preparation of organic ceremonial-grade matcha.
Liz found harmony in her longevity practices by tuning out commercial marketing and encouraging fellow participants to research ingredients and sourcing thoroughly before buying.
Participants posing during a short break.
The group gathering in the park at the end of the walk.
As the walk wrapped up near lunchtime, the gathering highlighted how real-world communities offer clarity amidst noisy online trends. Rather than chasing extreme anti-aging fads, participants are building practical healthspan together, step by step, in the open air.
Ultimately, longevity is far more than the extreme practices and figureheads dominating media headlines. As this gathering demonstrated, everyday people are actively redefining longevity on their own terms. Whether through brain rewiring, holistic movement or mindful sourcing. Mark, Amanda and Liz illustrate the versatility of this journey proving that longevity is rooted in real connection, authentic choices, and meaningful everyday wellness.
Words by Katya Oxley
Videography by Manu Valcarce