Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

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:

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:

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:

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:

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: