Before my mom moved in with me, I had a morning routine, a clear sense of purpose, and a podcast I had spent six years building. Then everything changed.

In this episode I'm talking honestly about what happens when caregiving reshapes your life in ways you didn't anticipate — the loss of independence, the loss of your former self, and the strange grief of watching someone you love let go of living while you're still fighting to stay engaged with life.

This is an episode about transitions. Specifically, the part nobody talks about enough: the Messy Middle. That uncomfortable, murky stretch between the life you had and the life that's still taking shape. If you're in it right now — whether because of caregiving, retirement, loss, or any other major life shift — this one is for you.

We'll talk about why the Messy Middle is not a sign that something is wrong, what it actually takes to move through it, and why choosing life — even on the hard days — is still a choice worth making.

Links referenced in this episode:

womenover70.com Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

Email me at [email protected]

Substack: Thriving Through Time, by Boomer Banter

Hey there! A couple of months back, I wrote a little something on my Substack called 'The Truth I Don't Want to Admit About Time with my Mother,' and it did not feel good!

I had my morning routine finely tuned, after 15 years of living by myself. After my mom moved in, I had to hit pause on my podcasting and switch gears to writing—it was a big life change!

But, I missed connecting with y’all. I realized that podcasting Boomer Banter, gave me a sense of purpose and meaning, and I don't want to give that up. Right now, I’m juggling, caregiving, my writing, my relationship, and taking care of my house, all while trying to redefine what makes me feel fulfilled

So I’m back, but in a different way. Instead of the usual guest interviews, I'm going for shorter solo episodes where I’ll share my real-life experiences as a caregiver and the quest for finding purpose in this stage of life.

• Substack: Thriving Through Time, by Boomer Banter
• Boomer Banter website
• Email me at [email protected]

We all have a dream we keep tucked away — the one that feels too big, too late, or too terrifying to pursue. Shelley Dunstone had one of those dreams. After years of practicing law in Australia, she decided she wanted to sing Brazilian music. Not just perform it — she wanted to sing in Portuguese, with Brazilian musicians, in Brazil. And eventually, she did.

In this conversation, Shelley talks about what it means to honor a dream even when you're afraid of it, the friends who nudged her forward, and what it felt like to finally step on stage after years of silence.

If you have a dream you've been putting off, this one's for you.

Exploring the intersection of ageism and fitness, this episode of Boomer Banter features a candid discussion between Wendy and Laura Dow about the challenges and triumphs of staying active as we age.

Wendy opens up about her struggles to maintain a consistent fitness routine amidst life changes, like her mother moving in with her. Laura, who entered the fitness world later in life, shares her journey of becoming a fitness advocate for older adults, specifically women.

They delve into societal perceptions of older adults and how these beliefs can often hinder personal motivation to stay fit. By discussing common barriers to exercise, including fear of injury and intimidation in gym environments, the episode demystifies fitness for older adults and empowers them to find joy in movement. Listeners are encouraged to embrace activities they love, whether it's gardening, walking, or joining a fitness class, and to recognize that it's possible to improve physical abilities at any age.

Mentioned in this episode:

Greenwood Capital

GreenwoodCapital.com

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 [email protected]. She loves to hear from you.

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.com
• Sue's book, "No Way Out of This: Loving a Partner with Alzheimer's" is available on Amazon
• Check out our Substack: Wendy Green | Substack

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/heyboomer0413
• Check out Women in the Middle and Women in the Middle Entrepreneurs podcasts at susierosenstein.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Greenwood Capital

GreenwoodCapital.com

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.

• Why families often wait until a crisis
• The emotional toll of care-giving
• What “being prepared” really means
• How to start important conversations
• The 7 steps to aging well

Links referenced in this episode:

• Jennifer Crowley's website: Life Care Experts
• Life Care Management Institute

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:

1. Sign up for the Boomer Banter newsletter
2. Visit Randall Kenneth Jones website

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 Circle
• Greenwood Capital

Mentioned in this episode:

Greenwood Capital

GreenwoodCapital.com