Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

Wendy Green
  • 5.0 (26)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Boomer Banter is your guide to aging well with health, vitality, and meaningful relationships. Host Wendy Green brings warmth, vulnerability, and curiosity to real conversations about staying active and connected through life's second act. Wendy talks with experts, everyday people, and thought leaders who share practical insights and personal stories about navigating health challenges, deepening relationships, caregiving, reinvention, and what it truly means to age well as a Boomer. This show is for you if you have questions about: How to find purpose in retirement Finding new friends after 60 Healthspan vs Lifespan Navigating family dynamics Resilience and successful aging Staying active and engaged as you age Caring for aging parents or your spouse This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

  1. When Life Asks you to Recalibrate

    3D AGO

    When Life Asks you to Recalibrate

    After six years of weekly episodes, host Wendy Green shares an honest, vulnerable update about stepping back from the podcast's regular rhythm. In this solo episode, Wendy talks about what it's really like to become a primary caregiver for her mother—not just the practical challenges, but the emotional recalibration, the identity shift, and the hard choices about where to focus limited time and energy. This isn't a goodbye. It's a recalibration. "We're all in transition. You're aging. I'm aging. Some of us are caregiving. Some of us are grieving. Some of us are just trying to figure out how to hold onto who we are while everything around us changes." Wendy will continue to release episodes when she meets guests with particularly relevant insights or when she has the bandwidth to record meaningful solo content. Episodes will no longer follow a weekly schedule, but will be released when there's something real to share. Substack: Thriving Through Time Wendy is writing regularly about her caregiving journey, purpose, health, and connection as we age. Subscribe at wendy421.substack.com to stay in touch and be part of the conversation. Or drop her an email at wendy@heyboomer.biz. She loves to hear from you. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    16 min
  2. Loving a Partner with Alzheimer's

    MAY 1

    Loving a Partner with Alzheimer's

    Facing the reality of a loved one with dementia can feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Sue Lick, who shares her journey caring for her husband Fred as he battled Alzheimer's disease. From the early signs of forgetfulness to the emotional weight of caregiving, Sue opens up about the challenges, the laughter, and the tears that accompany this often-overwhelming experience. She candidly discusses the financial strains of care, the identity shifts that come with being a caregiver, and the messy emotions that can bubble to the surface. With humor and honesty, Sue reminds us that caregiving is not about perfection; it’s about doing our best in tough situations and understanding that it’s okay to seek help. Whether you’re currently caring for someone with dementia or preparing for what lies ahead, this episode offers validation, support, and a sense of community. Takeaways: Caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly tough, and it's okay to admit that caregiving is hard work.Watching a loved one forget who you are is heartbreaking, and those feelings of loss are valid.It's important to seek help from friends or family when you're feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities.Financial strain can add to the stress of caregiving, and planning ahead for costs is crucial. Links referenced in this episode: Find out more at Sue's website. sulick.comSue's book, "No Way Out of This: Loving a Partner with Alzheimer's" is available on AmazonCheck out our Substack: Wendy Green | Substack This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    47 min
  3. Purpose and Connection: You Can't Have One Without the Other

    APR 20

    Purpose and Connection: You Can't Have One Without the Other

    Life took a bit of a turn when my 96-year-old mom moved in with me. Just a month ago, she was stuck in her apartment, feeling isolated and unsure of herself. Now, she’s back in action, setting the table for dinner every night! It’s not just a chore; it’s a revival of her spirit and our connection. We dig into the importance of having something to do and someone to do it with in this episode. You see, as we age, it’s easy to feel like we’re not needed anymore. It’s like the world has moved on without us! But let me tell you, finding purpose and forming connections is key to thriving in life, especially in our later years. We explore how many folks, after decades of work and community, can feel lost when they retire. My mom’s journey from feeling useless to being a contributing part of my household illustrates that we need to contribute to feel alive. It’s not just about keeping busy; it’s about engaging with life meaningfully. I share some eye-opening research about how connection can keep us healthy and happy. Seriously, loneliness can be as harmful as smoking! So, if you’re a retiree feeling like you’ve lost your place in the world, this episode is a warm hug and a wake-up call. Links referenced in this episode: To join the Banter Circle: buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413Check out Women in the Middle and Women in the Middle Entrepreneurs podcasts at susierosenstein.com Mentioned in this episode: Greenwood Capital GreenwoodCapital.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    32 min
  4. Think You’re Prepared for Aging? Think Again | 7 Steps You Need to Know

    APR 13

    Think You’re Prepared for Aging? Think Again | 7 Steps You Need to Know

    You think you’re prepared for aging… until you’re not. In this episode of Boomer Banter, I talk with registered nurse and life care expert Jennifer Crowley about what really happens when aging becomes real—when you’re making decisions for a parent, managing your own future, or trying to do both at the same time. Jennifer shares her practical and compassionate 7-step framework for aging well, helping families navigate caregiving, housing, finances, and the emotional weight that comes with it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried about making the right decisions, this conversation will give you clarity—and a place to begin. 💡 In this episode:Why families often wait until a crisisThe emotional toll of care-givingWhat “being prepared” really meansHow to start important conversationsThe 7 steps to aging well Links referenced in this episode: Jennifer Crowley's website: Life Care ExpertsLife Care Management Institute This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    1h 1m
  5. Never Retire from Purpose

    APR 6

    Never Retire from Purpose

    Ready to flip the script on aging? In this episode, Wendy Green chats with Randall Kenneth Jones, a vibrant storyteller and the mastermind behind MindZoo. He’s all about showing us that the years after 50 can be some of our best. With a mix of humor and heart, they explore the concept of the 'retirement business' – a refreshing perspective that challenges the traditional views of retirement as a slow-down phase. Instead, Randy argues for a life of continued purpose, creativity, and engagement, even as we age. He shares personal anecdotes about his own journey, including the transformative lessons he learned while living in Naples, Florida, where he discovered that the key to happiness in older age lies in lifelong learning and staying mentally active. This conversation is packed with insights that can inspire anyone, not just those approaching retirement. It’s about finding joy, purpose, and engagement in every stage of life, so tune in and get ready to embrace the endless possibilities of aging with enthusiasm! Links referenced in this episode: Sign up for the Boomer Banter newsletterVisit Randall Kenneth Jones website This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    46 min
  6. What Role are You Playing that Doesn't Fit Anymore?

    MAR 30

    What Role are You Playing that Doesn't Fit Anymore?

    Aging can be a wild ride, right? So, let’s chat about that sweet, sweet freedom that comes when you finally hang up the cape of all those roles you’ve been playing for years—parent, employee, caretaker, you name it. Wendy Green, our fabulous host, dives into this juicy topic, reflecting on a recent gathering with her Banter Circle. Picture a cozy group of pals, sharing the ups and downs of aging, and realizing that this phase of life is less about climbing ladders and more about shedding the weight of expectations. It’s like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, but instead of wings, you might just find a comfy blanket and a cup of tea! Wendy shares her personal journey of becoming a care partner for her mom, sparking a deeper conversation about who we are when we’re not busy filling roles that define us. She invites listeners to ponder: who are we when we’re just ourselves, unburdened by the need to be useful? The discussion touches on the universal experience of reinvention—the many times we’ve had to adapt and grow through life’s curveballs. This time, it’s not about proving ourselves but learning to let go. And hey, it’s a little scary, but it can also be liberating! The heart of the episode encourages us to reflect on our current roles and what truly matters to us now. Wendy challenges us to ask ourselves some big questions: What do we really want? What roles are we clinging to that don’t fit anymore? You might find that making someone’s day a little brighter could be the new gig you never knew you needed. So grab a comfy chair, a cup of something nice, and tune in as we explore the beauty of just being who we are, minus the performance! Questions promised from this episode: Question one: What role am I playing right now that doesn't fit anymore?Question two: What do I actually want to be present for in my life right now?Question three: What's one small way I can honor that this week? Links mentioned: Sign up for the Banter CircleGreenwood Capital Mentioned in this episode: Greenwood Capital GreenwoodCapital.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    25 min
  7. Stress Less, Live More: The Heart-Health Connection

    MAR 23

    Stress Less, Live More: The Heart-Health Connection

    Aging well isn’t just about avoiding the doctor; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of health. In this enlightening episode, Dr. Alan Rozanski shares his transformative journey in understanding health beyond the physical. We delve into the concept that our mental and emotional states are just as crucial—if not more so—than our lab results. Dr. Rozanski introduces the six domains of health and how they intertwine to create a holistic picture of well-being. From the power of optimism to the dangers of loneliness, we discuss how your mental state can influence your physical health. Feeling lonely? It’s time to reach out and build those connections because they’re not just nice to have; they’re essential for a long, healthy life. We also tackle the importance of finding purpose, especially in our senior years. After all, waking up with a reason to get out of bed can make a world of difference. This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice that will leave you feeling empowered to take charge of your health as you age. Don’t miss out on these insights that could change the way you think about aging. Links referenced in this episode: Support Boomer Banter Sign up for Dr. Rozanski's newsletter Sign up for the Boomer Banter newsletter Mentioned in this episode: greenwoodcapital.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    41 min
  8. Holding Your Beliefs Without Losing Each Other

    MAR 16

    Holding Your Beliefs Without Losing Each Other

    Political differences are straining friendships, families, and communities. Many people feel caught between wanting to speak their truth and wanting to preserve important relationships. In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green talks with Dr. Philip Wilder, educator and facilitator of Nonviolent Communication, about how we can disagree respectfully without losing connection. Together they explore: Why many relationships break down over political disagreementsHow anger often reflects deeper unmet needsWhen it may be wise to pause rather than argueHow empathy and curiosity can keep conversations constructivePractical ways to stay grounded during difficult discussions The conversation offers a powerful reminder: meaningful change and healing begin one relationship at a time. Guest: Dr. Philip Wilder – Educator and Nonviolent Communication facilitator Contact: philipwilder@gmail.com Support Boomer Banter: Buy Wendy a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413 Connect with Wendy on: FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTube Email at wendy@heyboomer.biz This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

    41 min
See All (273)

Trailer

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Boomer Banter is your guide to aging well with health, vitality, and meaningful relationships. Host Wendy Green brings warmth, vulnerability, and curiosity to real conversations about staying active and connected through life's second act. Wendy talks with experts, everyday people, and thought leaders who share practical insights and personal stories about navigating health challenges, deepening relationships, caregiving, reinvention, and what it truly means to age well as a Boomer. This show is for you if you have questions about: How to find purpose in retirement Finding new friends after 60 Healthspan vs Lifespan Navigating family dynamics Resilience and successful aging Staying active and engaged as you age Caring for aging parents or your spouse This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Information

You Might Also Like