In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green dives deep into the often elusive and much-needed state of sleep. Teaming up with the insightful Marie Sennett, they explore the common sleep issues that plague so many of you. With humor and relatability, Wendy sets the stage by asking how many listeners actually get a good night's sleep, revealing that many hands remain down. Marie shares her own nighttime struggles from her days as a civil rights attorney, illustrating just how stressful and chaotic life can be, and the toll it takes on our ability to rest.

As the conversation flows, Wendy and Marie unveil the science behind sleep cycles and the changes your bodies undergo as you age. They tackle how hormonal shifts can disrupt your sleep patterns, and Marie emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent sleep routine. You will learn about the four main sleep cycles, from light sleep to REM, and why each is vital for health and wellbeing. Marie advises on creating a calming sleep environment—think dark, cool, and peaceful—and offers tips for preparing the body for rest, such as gentle yoga stretches or winding down with soothing teas.

Filled with laughter and wisdom, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone wishing to reclaim their restful nights. Whether it's laying off the late-night TV or creating a sleep haven, Wendy and Marie equip you with everything you need to transform your approach to sleep. By the end, you’ll feel inspired to embrace restful nights and rejuvenated mornings, ready to tackle whatever life throws your way!

Takeaways:

• Myth buster! After 50, we still need seven to nine hours of sleep each night just like everyone else does.
• Setting a regular sleep schedule is essential for improving your sleep quality and overall health as you age.
• Sleep cycles are crucial; light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep all serve important functions in our health and well-being.
• Creating a calming sleep sanctuary can help improve your sleep quality, so keep your bedroom dark, cool, and clutter-free.
• Avoid screens and blue light before bed to help your brain wind down and prepare for sleep.
• Simple practices like yoga and meditation can significantly improve your sleep by reducing stress and anxiety.

Links referenced in this episode:

• You can email Marie at [email protected]
• Check out the podcast, Older Women & Friends
• Want to schedule your complimentary 30-minute chat? Let's talk!
• Email me anytime. [email protected]

In this episode, Wendy Green and Dr. Tom Gilliam turn the spotlight on our brains and how to keep them fit as we age. Wendy starts the episode with some banter about the holiday season and how many of us are feeling a bit more 'fluffy' after the Thanksgiving feast. But fear not!

Dr. Gilliam, who, by the way, retired at 81, lays down the science behind why exercise isn't just good for our bodies, but it’s also crucial for our brain health. He dives into the nitty-gritty of how our brains age and how physical activity can slow down that process.

From cardio to strength training, he explains why a mix of these activities is essential. Plus, he shares insights about those magical myokines, like irisin, which are like tiny superheroes for our brains, helping to build new connections and keep our memory intact. It's a mix of science and practical advice that leaves us feeling hopeful and ready to take action!

Takeaways:

• Learn how staying active can really help keep our brains sharp and healthy as we age, making exercise not just about the body but the mind too!
• We learned that activities like walking and gardening can boost brain health by increasing blood flow and stimulating the release of important proteins that protect our neurons.
• Dr. Tom Gilliam shares that resistance training is super important for older adults because it helps maintain muscle health, which is crucial for overall brain function and cognitive abilities as we grow older.
• Don't forget about task switching activities like yoga and tai chi; these not only keep us physically engaged but also improve our balance and cognitive function, making them a fun way to stay sharp!
• The conversation emphasizes that exercise isn't just for the young—it's never too late to start! Even if you begin in your 70s, you can still make a difference in your brain health and help slow cognitive decline.
• Lastly, we talk about how important it is to keep moving regularly. If you stop exercising, the benefits can fade away quickly, so let's keep the momentum going and stay active for our brains!

Links referenced in this episode:

To reach Tom with any questions, email him at [email protected]

Check out Older Women and Friends

Interested in a complimentary 30-minute coaching call? Book here.

Join the Boomer Banter Facebook page

Can Exercise Really Alter the Cognitive Structure in the Brain?

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode, listeners sent in deeply personal questions — and Wendy responds with honest, compassionate insight. From navigating friendships in your 70s, to handling retirement conversations at family gatherings, to ageism in the workplace, to fears about caregiving and widowhood, this episode goes straight into the real challenges we face as we age.

Wendy also answers personal questions about her own fears, where she sees herself in a few years, and the best (and hardest) parts of her day. You’ll hear stories from her life, wisdom from widowed friends, and practical steps you can take today to build a more meaningful and connected next chapter.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is anyone else feeling what I’m feeling?” — this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Wanting connection is not neediness. It’s human.
• Friendship grows best when you pace yourself and allow reciprocity.
• Boundaries during holiday conversations protect your peace.
• Ageism and sexism are real — and they don’t diminish your worth.
• Caregiving looks different for everyone; compassion takes many forms.
• Widowhood is survivable, but not simple — community matters.
• Most money fears soften when you replace worry with action.
• You can choose what your next chapter looks like.
• Gratitude is powerful — especially at the end of a long day.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Wendy: https://calendly.com/boomer-banter/30minutes

Take the “What’s Keeping You Stuck?” Quiz: https://bit.ly/NotStuck-Renewed

Adrienne Berg’s podcast, The Ageless Traveler: https://agelesstraveler.com

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Did you enjoy this Q&A-style episode?

Let Wendy know — your feedback helps decide whether we do more episodes like this in the future.

Aging can sometimes feel like a never-ending game of dodgeball, where you’re dodging responsibilities, expectations, and the occasional existential crisis. But fear not! In Boomer Banter this week, we dive into the refreshing narrative of Christina Daves, who turned a broken foot into a new career path.

Yep, you heard that right. After retiring from a successful retail business, Christina found herself sidelined with a foot injury, leading her to invent fashionable boot accessories for medical boots; because who said healing couldn’t be stylish?

This episode is chock-full of inspiration, reminding us that sometimes life’s curveballs can lead to unexpected and fabulous opportunities. Christina shares her journey from retail burnout to becoming a publicity strategist, emphasizing that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. So grab your favorite beverage, or put on your walking shoes, and prepare to be motivated to tackle your own challenges with a smile and a sense of humor!

Takeaways:

• A broken foot can lead to unexpected reinvention and new opportunities in life.
• It's never too late to pivot and find purpose after a setback or career change.
• Real talk about aging well includes embracing challenges and finding inspiration in everyday moments.
• Asking questions is key; you never know what insights others might share about your journey.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Send me your questions for next week's show: [email protected]
• Check out Christina's website and show at christinadaves.com
• Try the What's Keeping you Stuck quiz: bit.ly/notstuck-renewed
• Listen to the Ageless Traveler Podcast agelesstraveler.com

Boomer Banter is back with another encouraging episode where we unpack the idea of ‘purpose’ in our lives.

Wendy Green, dives deep into why so many of us feel like we’re wandering around aimlessly, trying to find that elusive ‘why’ for getting up in the morning. She flips the script on purpose, suggesting that it’s not about hunting it down like a treasure map; instead, it’s about sitting back and letting it come to us.

Wendy shares her own life experiences—like the time she stood up for her son at school and how that led her to realize her knack for advocacy and encouragement. She also reflects on how her professional journey has shaped her understanding of purpose, moving from a corporate ladder-climber to a passionate coach and community builder. Throughout the episode, Wendy reminds us that purpose is often revealed in the little nudges and moments of inspiration that we encounter in our daily lives.

So, if you’re feeling confused about the idea of purpose, join Wendy as she shares how to tune into what really matters and let your purpose find you!

Takeaways:

• Purpose isn't some elusive treasure we must dig for; it finds us when we listen to the invitations.
• Listening to those little nudges in life is key, like when your gut tells you to take that one path, even if it's not the popular choice.
• It's okay to feel lost about your purpose; most of us haven't been handed a map, just a series of moments that guide us along the way.
• When you find yourself feeling most alive, that's often a hint that you're on the right path towards your purpose, so pay attention!
• Remember, your purpose can manifest in many forms, from advocating for your kids to nurturing a garden, so embrace all of it!

Links referenced in this episode:

• Take the What's Keeping You Stuck quiz
• Check out the Ageless Traveler podcast

Aging can feel like a wild ride, right? There’s so much chatter about how to do it ‘well’—drink water, exercise, or give up all the fun stuff like chocolate and wine. But let’s be real, all the 'shoulds' can get overwhelming.

In this episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green invites Yvonne Marchese to chat about something way more fun: play and self-acceptance. They both agree that as we age, we need to toss aside the heavy ‘shoulds’ and embrace the lighter side of life. Yvonne, a vibrant spirit herself, believes that rediscovering our playful selves is not just a joy but a necessity for healthy aging. She shares her journey of moving from feeling overwhelmed by societal expectations to finding joy in simple pleasures. With laughter and a few heartfelt moments, they remind us all that aging doesn’t mean we stop playing. It’s about finding what brings us joy and embracing it, whether it’s roller skating or just enjoying a good, dark chocolate bar. This episode is a breath of fresh air, filled with relatable stories and practical tips on how to keep that spark alive as we age. Let’s play!

Takeaways:

• Aging can feel overwhelming with all the advice we hear about living well, but it's important to take a break and have fun.
• Self-acceptance and playfulness are crucial in navigating the challenges of aging, so let’s embrace them!
• Yvonne Marchese shares that being playful is beneficial as we age, and it can help rediscover our spark.
• We should question ageist beliefs and stories we've told ourselves about getting older to allow for personal growth and reinvention.

Links referenced in this episode:

Find the Late Bloomer Living website here.

Explore all that the Ageless Traveler has to offer.

Check out the 'What's Keeping You Stuck' quiz.

Find the National Institute of Play here.

Greenwood Capital

Learn more about Greenwood Capital or find resources at www.GreenwoodCapital.com. Boomer Banter is sponsored in part by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. As a fiduciary firm,

Greenwood Capital is obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with this arrangement. The host of “Boomer Banter”, Wendy Green, is a client of Greenwood Capital, and her show “Boomer Banter” has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.

In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green sits down with Merilyn Simonds as she shares her heartwarming and enlightening friendship with the incredible Beth, who just happens to be 105 years old!

heir weekly walks over the past five years have blossomed into a treasure trove of stories, laughter, and life lessons that Merilyn lovingly chronicles in her book, "Walking With Beth: Conversations with my 100-year-old Friend." This isn't just a book about aging; it's a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the beautiful journey of living fully at any age. We explore how Beth, with her zest for life, continues to inspire Merilyn and everyone around her, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing passions and staying engaged with the world.

Merilyn recounts how their friendship blossomed during the pandemic, a time when connection felt more important than ever. Their conversations sparked deep reflections on life's challenges and joys, and we get to hear how Beth's perspective on life has shifted the way Merilyn views her own aging process. With humor and warmth, they discuss everything from the joy of art to the little things that keep us grounded in the present. Beth's approach to life—embracing creativity, staying active, and cultivating relationships—offers listeners a refreshing perspective on growing older.

As they meander through memories and lessons learned, Merilyn emphasizes the importance of keeping a forward-looking mindset, something Beth embodies. They touch on topics like how to find purpose in retirement, the significance of passion, and the necessity of surrounding oneself with positivity. This episode is for anyone looking to inject a little joy and inspiration into their lives.

Takeaways:

• Aging with intention means staying curious and engaged with life.
• Friendship can blossom at any age, as shown by Marilyn and Beth's inspiring walks.
• Living fully into your hundreds is about finding passion and nurturing it every day.
• It's essential to keep an eye on your health while also focusing on what brings you joy.
• We don't need to let age define us; instead, we can redefine how we view growing older.
• The stories and experiences we share with others can help us cope with life’s challenges.

Links referenced in this episode:

• merilynsimonds.com
• amazon.ca (the book is not available in the US, yet.)
• Take the What's Keeping You Stuck quiz

So, here’s a thought: how do we navigate our relationship with all the stuff we’ve got lying around?

Today I will share my thoughts about just that! The episode is packed with nostalgia as I reflect on cherished items that tell stories. I mean, who doesn’t have a favorite childhood book or a stuffed animal they can't forget?

But as we get older, we find ourselves surrounded by more objects than we need. It can feel overwhelming, right? It’s like having a mini museum of our lives. We even ponder what our kids will want when we’re gone. It’s a delicate dance of holding on and letting go.

Throughout this episode, I emphasize that it’s not about the things but about the connections they represent. Let’s face it, those memories and feelings are what really last.

Join me as I navigate this sentimental landscape and give you some ideas about what’s worth keeping and what’s just taking up space!

Takeaways:

• This episode dives into the important connections we have with our belongings, reflecting our past and memories.
• Aging well involves navigating our relationships with both people and the things we hold dear.
• The episode emphasizes that it’s not the objects that matter, but the memories and feelings attached to them.
• Let's chat with our kids about what they really want from our collections; you might be surprised!
• Letting go of items can be tough, but it can also make space for new memories and connections.

Links referenced in this episode:

• “What’s Keeping You Stuck?” quiz
• Late Bloomer Living Podcast

Wendy Green, the delightful host of Boomer Banter, dives deep into the heart of familial connection in this episode with Tammy Cohen, a passionate author, entrepreneur and mother. Tammy shares her journey of writing text messages to her three sons during the pandemic, which began as a means to communicate amidst uncertainty. But these weren’t just ordinary texts; they evolved into a heartfelt collection that conveyed love, wisdom, and support. Through their chat, Wendy and Tammy explore the essence of these messages, reflecting on how they serve as a bridge between generations. A big theme here is that life is full of gifts, even in tough times, and Tammy’s story illustrates how we can transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth and connection.

Tammy’s book, “Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with your Kids,” is not really about parenting; it’s about self-discovery and the importance of nurturing relationships with our loved ones. She emphasizes that these texts were a way for her to share what she learned about gratitude, resilience, and self-worth. The conversation highlights how Tammy’s introspective journey led her to a deeper understanding of herself, and how that in turn allowed her to foster a more profound connection with her sons. It’s a beautiful reminder that our vulnerabilities can become strengths, and that love is a language that transcends generations.

Throughout their lively exchange, Wendy and Tammy sprinkle in humor and relatable anecdotes, making the conversation feel like a cozy chat between friends. They discuss the reality of parenting & grandparenting in the digital age, where reaching out via text is often more effective than traditional methods. The episode is both uplifting and informative, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys of connection and communication with their families, while also reminding us that it’s never too late to start sharing love and wisdom.

Takeaways:

• During COVID, Tammy started sending her sons daily text messages filled with love and wisdom.
• The journey of self-discovery can lead to profound connections with loved ones through simple messages.
• Connecting with loved ones is something we all need.
• Aging well means always learning, staying connected with loved ones, and taking care of your health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• What's Keeping you Stuck?
• tammyjcohen.com

We’re celebrating our 250th episode with a focus on travel and connection today!

Our guest, Talek Nantes, is all about blending adventure with purpose, showing us how traveling can be an opportunity to build relationships and give back. She’s got this fantastic initiative called Bras for Babes, where she brings essentials to women in Cuba. We chat about how you can still travel and make an impact, no matter your age. So if you’ve ever thought about hitting the road with a purpose, grab a comfy seat and get ready to be inspired!

Takeaways:

• Traveling is not just about seeing new places, it's also about connecting with people and communities, which enriches our lives and theirs.
• Aging well means having a sense of purpose, staying active, and forming meaningful relationships with others, especially as we grow older.
• Talek's Bras for Babes initiative highlights how simple donations can have a huge impact on people's lives, especially in places like Cuba.
• Travel can help us learn new things about ourselves and the world; we're never too old to explore and grow, no matter our age!
• Building relationships during travel is key; it makes experiences more memorable and fulfilling, creating bonds that last long after the trip ends.
• Finding purpose in travel, like giving back through donations, can transform our journeys into meaningful adventures that we cherish forever.

Links referenced in this episode:

• travelswithtalek.com - Subscribe to her blog and download 101 Travel Tips ebook
• Check out the Late Bloomer Living podcast.
• Wondering why you are stuck, feeling adrift, unsure about what to do next? Check out the What's Keeping You Stuck quiz, and find out your "Stuck Type."
• Learn more about Greenwood Capital or find resources at www.GreenwoodCapital.com. Boomer Banter is sponsored in part by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC. Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm with offices in Greenville and Greenwood, SC. As a fiduciary firm,

Greenwood Capital is obligated to disclose any potential conflicts of interest with this arrangement. The host of “Boomer Banter”, Wendy Green, is a client of Greenwood Capital, and her show “Boomer Banter” has been compensated for her testimonial through Greenwood Capital’s sponsorship. Greenwood Capital is a Legacy sponsor at the stated rate of $2,600 for the 2025 calendar year.