Boomer Banter, Caregiving, Purpose, Connection

Ever found yourself in a situation where you have to choose between being right or being kind? Well, Wendy Green has been there, and she’s got the stories to prove it.

This episode of Boomer Banter is all about the messy, unpredictable world of caregiving. Wendy shares a moment that many can relate to: when she tried to help her mom with her medications, only to end up in a classic power struggle.

Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of sighing, some misunderstandings, and even a memorable moment where she had to force a pill into her mom's mouth. Yikes!

But through it all, Wendy highlights the importance of compassion, patience, and learning to let go of the little things. It's not just about the medication or the rules; it’s about connection and understanding between generations. Wendy's blend of humor and heartfelt honesty makes this episode a must-listen for anyone in a caregiving role.

Life doesn't always give us the luxury of slowing down.

Between caregiving, family responsibilities, appointments, and the endless to-do list, taking care of ourselves can easily become one more thing we never quite get around to doing.

In this solo introduction, Wendy shares how caring for her 96-year-old mother has changed not only her daily routine but also the way she thinks about self-care. Looking for ways to restore calm in an often unpredictable day, she revisits one of her favorite conversations from the Boomer Banter archives with certified forest therapy guide Angie Stegall.

Together they explore the practice of forest bathing—not hiking, exercising, or identifying trees—but simply slowing down, becoming present, and engaging your senses in nature.

The best part? You don't need hours in the woods.

Angie explains how even five minutes in your own backyard can help quiet your mind, reduce stress, and reconnect you with yourself.

Whether you're a caregiver, recently retired, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's constant demands, this episode offers a simple reminder that peace is often closer than we think.

• What forest bathing really is—and what it isn't.
• Why slowing down can actually improve your patience, mood, and sense of well-being.
• How mindfulness and nature work together to calm a busy mind.
• A simple five-minute practice you can try today, even if you don't have time for a hike.
• Why going outside may be one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself.

• Angie Stegall – Forest Therapy Guide and Coach
• Notes from Nature by Angie Stegall
• Wendy's Substack: Thriving Through Time by Boomer Banter
• A description of Forest Bathing from Cleveland Clinic

If this episode resonates with you, I'd love to hear about your experience. Have you tried spending five quiet minutes outside? What did you notice?

Leave a comment, share this episode with a friend, and subscribe to Boomer Banter wherever you listen to podcasts.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves isn't doing more.

It's simply taking a moment to breathe.

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