Boomer Banter, Caregiving, Purpose, Connection

Season 7: Episode 185

Today we delve into matters of the heart and the harsh realities of dementia as we discuss "Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia." Our host Wendy Green is joined by guest Mary Lou Falcone, who shares her deeply personal journey of caregiving for her husband, Nicky Zann, through his battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Mary Lou opens up about the challenges they faced, from Nicky's initial symptoms and diagnosis to the daily realities of managing this complex disease. Today's talk highlights not only the emotional toll but also the strength and resilience required to navigate the shifting dynamics of love and health. This episode is not just a story of love and loss but also of caregiving and resilience in the face of life's unpredictability's. Stay tuned as we explore these poignant themes and offer insights that will touch everyone who listens.

1. Gain insights into the 2nd most common, progressive dementia; Lewy Body Dementia
2. Receive personal coping mechanisms for caregivers managing a loved one's decline while maintaining their dignity and independence.
3. Recognize the importance of proper diagnosis, access to specific resources, and community support to manage Lewy Body Dementia.

- **Educate Yourself and Others:** Listeners are encouraged to visit the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center website and Mary Lou Falcone’s personal website to learn more about dementia.

- **Support and Participate:** Wendy encourages donations and participation in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's to support Alzheimer's and dementia research and aid families impacted by these diseases.

- **Subscribe to stay connected:** Subscribe to the weekly newsletter to learn from articles, what is coming up and reflections of our host, Wendy Green. Go to the website and click on Connect with Us.

- **Read and Reflect:** Mary Lou’s book, "I Didn't See It Coming,” is recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of love, loss, and coping with dementia, enriched with personal anecdotes and illustrations by Nicky Zann.

Season 7: Episode 184

In The Power of Perspective: Attitudes about Aging we're shifting the narrative around getting older. Gone are the days of viewing aging as a decline; instead, we embrace it as a rich opportunity for growth, connection, and discovering new passions. We'll explore how cultivating gratitude, resilience, and positive perceptions can profoundly impact our physical and mental well-being. Join us as we challenge ageist stereotypes and discuss how each of us can reimagine the later years of our life as a vibrant chapter filled with possibilities.

In this solo episode, I share personal stories and lessons learned through my journey of aging, touching on themes of resilience, the importance of relationships, and staying connected with one’s passions. The episode also challenges societal perceptions of aging, discusses the detrimental effects of ageism, and highlights how adopting a positive mindset can significantly enhance both mental and physical health as we age.

1. Gratitude as a Tool for Transformation: Learn how daily gratitude practices can shift perspectives and improve overall well-being.

2. Confronting and Overcoming Ageism: Insights into how internal and external age stereotypes affect us and ways to combat them.

3. Power of Resilience and Relationships: Explore the importance of resilience and maintaining strong relationships in fostering a fulfilling life at any age.

4. Importance of Embracing Aging: Discover how shifting perceptions can transform aging into an opportunity for growth and new experiences.

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Season 7: Episode 183

Today, we're diving into the "SoberFit" life with an exceptional guest, Maureen Benkovich, aka the "Sober Fit Chick." Maureen, a certified gray area drinking coach, trades in the term "sober" for "alcohol free," and has fully embraced a fitness lifestyle that celebrates her vibrant personality sans the spirits. She believes in a holistic approach to being alcohol free – one that nurtures mental, spiritual, and physical fitness, going beyond just abstaining from alcohol.

In today's conversation, we'll be peeling back the layers on the concept of "gray area drinking," which lies between social drinking and alcohol use disorder. Maureen will share her personal journey, how she overcame alcohol-induced depression, and how she now helps others retrain their brains to live without relying on the bottle. Get ready to learn about the impact of alcohol on aging, the importance of supporting our neurotransmitters, and practical techniques to navigate social pressures.

1. Insight into "gray area drinking" and its prevalence among Boomers.

2. Understanding the holistic approach to sobriety that focuses on total well-being.

3. Tips and strategies for creating resilience and maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle.

4. The significance of dismantling subconscious beliefs and societal pressures about alcohol.

5. Navigating social situations with heightened confidence without relying on alcohol.

6. Encouragement and advice for those contemplating a change in their relationship with alcohol.

**Refer a Friend**: Encourage your friends and family members to subscribe to Hey, Boomer, so they don't miss another episode. Point them to heyboomer.biz and tell them to click on Connect With Us.

**Connect with Road Scholar**: Enter the Great Global Giveaway contest to win one of 7 amazing trips for 2. Go to roadscholar.org/heyboomer to enter and to explore all the fabulous trips that Road Scholar offers.

**Get access to Maureen's free course**: On her website, you can sign up for her "Alcohol Free Weekend" Toolkit. You can also reach out to her for questions and support.

**Follow Maureen on Instagram**: for daily inspiration and support on your journey to alcohol freedom:

If today’s episode sparked something in you, share this episode with a friend and help spread the word that we all can age well throughout every decade!

And leave a comment to let us know what you thought.

Season 7: Episode 182

Diagnosed with MS and paralyzed by Guillain Barre syndrome, she didn't just recover; she became a European weightlifting champ.

Today we chatted with Kim Rahir, a 60-year-old powerhouse who turned her health battles into victories. Now, she's coaching women to unlock their inner strength through resilience, muscle reactivation, and smart nutrition. Remember, it’s never too late to transform your health and mindset.

**Embrace Routines**: Routines are a skill learned through small, consistent habits. Start small to make big changes.

**Strength Training**: It's crucial for bone health, muscle mass, and mental clarity, especially as we age. Modify and adapt exercises to suit any limitations.

**Nutrition without Restrictions**: A balanced approach to eating with flexibility allows for sustainable, healthful living without the rigidity of diets.

**Resilience in Action**: Kim's journey underscores the power of pushing through challenges and taking control of one's health narrative.

**Join the Conversation**: Become part of the Hey, Boomer community groups, Boomer Banter and Boomer Believers for enriching discussions and personal connections. Go to https://buymeacoffee.com/HeyBoomer0413 to join.

**Connect with Carelink 360**: Use our discount code boomer at checkout to stay connected with aging relatives while managing their and your health. Go to https://mycarelink360/ref/boomer

**Visit KimRahir.com**: Take a free health and strength assessment and learn more about Kim's coaching for inspiration and motivation.

If today’s episode sparked something in you, share this episode with a friend and help spread the word that we all can age well throughout every decade!

And leave a comment to let us know what you thought.

Season 7 - Episode 181

In this episode, we dive deep into Boomer Wellness and thriving in every decade. Join us as fitness and mindset coach Heike Yates shares invaluable wisdom on how to make health and happiness your top priorities. Discover why it's never too late to start exercising, how to transcend the fear of the gym, and why personal joy in your workout is key.

Heike emphasizes the extraordinary benefits of Pilates for spine alignment and core strength, and reminds us to embrace fitness regimens that light up our lives. Don't let the noise of the fitness industry overwhelm you—find the simple spark that ignites your path to wellness.

1. Let go over concern about what others think. Their opinion is their opinion. It is not about you.
2. Commit to starting small – one change that you can stick with daily
3. Consistency is the key to compounding positive results in your health journey.

Ready to embark on a journey to better health and embrace the vitality of every decade? Take your first step and connect with our expert guest, Heike Yates. She's ready to guide and inspire you with her knowledge and experience. You can find her on:

- Follow Heike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heikeyates/

- Check out Heike's Website for resources and fitness guidance: https://heikeyates.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heike-yates/

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Remember to commit to making a change from the wisdom shared today. Thank you for joining Wendy and Heike on this life-changing episode of "Hey, Boomer!"

If today's episode sparked something in you, share this episode with a friend and help spread the word that we all can thrive throughout every decade!

And leave a comment to let us know how you are thriving.

Season 7: Episode 180

In this insightful episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green takes us on a profound journey through the teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz's transformative book "The Four Agreements." As Baby Boomers navigate the waters of aging, Wendy emphasizes how the four agreements can serve as a beacon to transform our inner dialogue and inspire a life of authenticity and fulfillment. Throughout the episode, she dissects each agreement and its applicability to the various aspects of living as a member of the Boomer generation.

**Be Impeccable With Your Word:** Wendy starts with a deep dive into the first agreement, exploring how the words we choose form the foundation of our self-expression and the importance of speaking with integrity, both to ourselves and others.

**Don’t Take Anything Personally:** The discussion then shifts to the second agreement, where Wendy shares anecdotes and offers wisdom on liberating ourselves from the burden of others' opinions.

**Don’t Make Assumptions:** The conversation around the third agreement shines a light on the misunderstandings that can arise from assumptions and how seeking clarity in communication can lead to better relationships and inner peace.

**Always Do Your Best:** In addressing the fourth agreement, Wendy stresses on doing our best without self-judgment or regret, focusing on progress and self-compassion.

1. Words carry the power to shape our reality, so it is crucial to be mindful of our self-talk and the dialogue we share with others, especially in matters related to aging and life transitions.
2. Reframing “I need to” into “I want to” can profoundly change our perspective and motivate us to action.
3. Our beliefs become our thoughts. Our thoughts become our words. Our words become our actions. Our actions become our habits. Our habits become our values. Our values become our destiny

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Season 7: Episode 179

Join us for a laughter-filled, and caring journey into the heart of retirement with our delightful guest, Mary Kay Fleming – a retired psychology professor turned award-winning humor writer. In this episode, aptly titled "Husband Underfoot," we plunge into the shift that happens when retirement comes knocking. Discover the lighter side of stepping into the golden years alongside someone who has done it with grace, humor, and a flair for writing that tickles the funny bone.

**Embrace New Paths**: Retirement can surprise you. Be open to newfound passions and support your partner's exploration, just as Mary Kay’s husband found joy in poetry.

**Communicate and Compromise**: Successfully navigating life with a partner underfoot means talking openly about expectations and finding a balance that works for both of you.

**Find Your Own Joy**: Retirement is deeply personal. Like our guest Mary Kay, let this chapter be defined by self-fulfillment, purposeful engagement, and maintaining strong friendships.

1. Retiring does not mean losing one's identity; it's an opportunity to redefine it.
2. It's important to maintain individual interests and social networks in retirement.
3. Plan your retirement on your own terms, if possible and allow space for adjustment.

Connect with Mary Kay Fleming:

Discover more of Mary Kay's delightful humor by visiting her author page at https://authory.com/MaryKFlemming

Email her at [email protected]

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Be sure to leave a comment, like, and subscribe to Hey, Boomer! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who might find it uplifting or insightful. Keep the conversation going by following us on our social media platforms, and don't miss our insightful episodes each week!

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Hey, Boomer website: https://heyboomer.biz

Season 7: Episode 178

In this episode, host Wendy Green is joined by guest Suzy Rosenstein, a master certified life coach who specializes in helping women over 50 craft meaningful lives full of purpose. Together, they delve into the rich tapestry of family traditions, exploring how these practices can provide stability, joy, and a sense of belonging, while also acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that arise as families evolve and blend new elements into their shared experiences. Whether you're holding onto treasured childhood customs, integrating new ones, or creating your own traditions from scratch, this episode promises insights into making the most of these practices in midlife and beyond.

**Embrace Blended Traditions**: Learn from Suzy how creating a mix of old and new traditions, like her celebrated guacamole on nacho nights, can bring joy and connectedness to family gatherings.

**Big Dogs and Big Decisions:** At the age of 50, Suzy was inspired to bring a large dog into her life, rekindling the warmth of her childhood memories.

**Big reveal: Join Wendy & Suzy at the end of the month for a Boomer Believer Zoom meet. Sign up at https://buymeacoffee.com/HeyBoomer0413

1. Family traditions offer stability and sentimental value, impacting resilience and personal growth.
2. Blending traditions involves intentional thinking and planning, focusing on how we want to feel in the future.
3. Appreciating what others bring to family traditions and honoring memories is crucial after the loss of a loved one.
4. It's important to create and adapt traditions to keep them meaningful as family dynamics change.

Connect with Suzy on her website: https://suzyrosenstein.com You will find links to both of her podcasts on her website.

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Season 7: Episode 177

On this insightful episode of Hey, Boomer!, we delve into a topic that's gaining more attention as our demographic evolves: "Grey Divorce." Host Wendy Green warmly welcomes Dr. Elinor Robin, an expert in mediation and licensed mental health counselor, to guide us through the nuanced process of late-in-life divorce.

As divorce rates among those 65 and older have tripled since 1990, this discussion is more relevant than ever. Dr. Robin brings her wealth of experience from TheDivorceCoachInstitute.com and AFriendlyDivorce.com to explore the benefits of mediation, the role of a divorce coach, and the critical aspects of navigating a smooth transition into post-divorce life.

From the financial particulars to the emotional complexities, this episode is packed with invaluable advice for those considering or going through a grey divorce. Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to handle these significant life changes with grace and confidence.

**Understanding Mediation:** Mediation gives couples the power to negotiate together, fostering control over personal decisions.

**Knowing Your Finances:** Dr. Robin stresses the necessity of comprehensive knowledge of financial assets and debts.

**Communication is Key:** Emphasized throughout the discussion is the importance of clear communication and trust between partners, especially during mediation.

**Preparation for Post-Divorce:** Post-divorce logistics like wills, estates, and trusts are considered crucial for those over 50 embarking on this new life chapter.

1. Discover the advantages of mediation in reducing conflict and legal costs.
2. Discover the advantages of mediation in reducing conflict and legal costs.
3. Hear about the importance of consulting attorneys specializing in wills, estates, and trusts post-divorce.
4. Recognize the value of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, their limitations, and the importance of updating them.

Contact Dr. Elinor Robin through her websites:

AFriendlyDivorce.com

TheDivorceCoachInstitute.com

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Support the show and become a Boomer Believer or join the Boomer Banter community. Go to buymeacoffee.com/HeyBoomer0413

Check out the Hey, Boomer website at heyboomer.biz

Season 7: Episode 176

In this episode, host Wendy Green is joined by Ellen Belk, a leading expert in dementia care and a seasoned long-distance caregiver herself. Together, they delve into the complexities and challenges of taking care of aging parents from afar. Ellen shares her personal journey of managing her parents' healthcare needs across state lines, the importance of building a local support system, and the critical importance of being proactive.

Whether you're a current or future long-distance caregiver, this episode is packed with practical tips, heartwarming stories, and valuable resources to help you navigate the intricate path of eldercare with confidence and compassion.

**Ellen's Personal Story:** Ellen Belk delves into her transition into healthcare following 9/11 and her personal experience stepping into the role of a long-distance caregiver for her parents.

**Medical Access and Challenges:** The discussion touches on the critical aspect of accessing medical records and how you need to get clearance with every doctor your parent or relative uses, so you can get the information you will need.

**Building Local Support:** Ellen shares the struggle to build a support team in her parents' community, highlighting the lack of familial assistance and the valuable resource of Area Agencies on Aging.

**Practical Caregiving Tips:** Ellen imparts practical advice on elder care, emphasizing the importance of home safety, seeking outside services, and managing the emotional toll of caregiving.

1. Home Safety: Inspect your elder's living environment for hazards and take measures to ensure it is safe and accessible.
2. Self-Care: Give yourself grace as a caregiver and be open to offloading tasks to professionals or outside services when necessary.
3. Proactiveness: It's essential to be proactive, whether in making safety adjustments in the home or handling legal and financial affairs before a crisis strikes.
4. Strong Support System: Having a support system is crucial - this might include professionals, community services, or understanding friends.

Keep In Mind, Inc: Ellen's website with dementia training and resources.

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