Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

Ever wondered why sleep seems to elude us as we age? Well, grab your coffee, or maybe some herbal tea, because this week’s episode of Boomer Banter is all about sleep style and how it impacts our later years.I had a fabulous chat with Sally Duplantier, a super smart gerontologist who’s here to sprinkle some wisdom on our sleep struggles. We explored the fascinating world of sleep chronotypes – we’re talking Lions, Bears, Wolves, and Dolphins! Each one has its unique quirks and styles that can help us understand our sleep patterns better.Sally broke down the science behind sleep and aging, explaining how our bodies change and adapt. She effortlessly debunked common myths about aging and sleep, reminding us that it's completely normal to experience shifts in our sleep patterns as we grow older. We also talked about the importance of good sleep hygiene, like establishing a calming bedtime routine, and why it’s crucial for our mental and physical health.We delved into the importance of understanding our individual sleep needs and how to create an optimal sleep environment. Sally’s tips were practical, relatable, and sprinkled with a bit of humor that made the whole topic feel less daunting.So, if you’ve been tossing and turning at night or just want to learn how to better embrace sleep as a part of aging well, this episode is packed with all the insights you need to hit the hay with a smile!Links referenced in this episode:Join the Boomer Banter Circle communityTake the quiz to find out your sleep animalWomen Over 50 Entrepreneurs: Make More, Work Less, Do what you LoveWellness WednesdayMentioned in this episode:greenwoodcapital.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Feeling useful and finding friendships is critically important as we age, and today we're diving right into that! We’re chatting about how maintaining a sense of meaning and connecting with others can seriously boost our health and happiness. I’m excited to share two interactive training programs that I’ve been working on, designed to help folks discover what they have to offer and how to build those meaningful connections. We’re not just sitting around listening; we’re getting hands-on and having fun digging into these topics together. So, if you’re looking to feel more connected and useful in this chapter of life, stick around because we’ve got a lot to explore!Takeaways:Feeling useful and connected is critically important for our health and happiness as we age.Finding meaning and social connections directly impact our physical and mental health.Engaging in community and sharing experiences can significantly enhance life satisfaction.Links referenced in this episode:Boomer Banter websiteWomen Entrepreneurs Over 50: Making More, Working Less, Doing What you LoveThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

When a family faces the challenges of autism, every member can feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. In this heartfelt episode, Wendy Green and Theresa Lyons, Ph.D. discuss the crucial role grandparents play in supporting their grandchildren diagnosed with autism.With a focus on communication and understanding, Theresa shares her journey as both a scientist and a parent, highlighting the emotional and practical hurdles families encounter. The episode emphasizes that grandparents should come from a place of curiosity rather than certainty—it's about asking the right questions, like how they can provide help without overstepping boundaries.Theresa explains the importance of recognizing the spectrum of autism, detailing how different children exhibit diverse behaviors and needs. By offering insights into how grandparents can observe changes and share concerns effectively, the conversation provides tools for building stronger family connections.Wendy and Theresa’s warm banter, filled with relatable anecdotes and practical advice, turns a daunting subject into a manageable conversation. They encourage listeners to embrace love and support as the guiding principles in navigating the complexities of autism within families.Takeaways:Grandparents should approach conversations about autism with curiosity and compassion to foster better understanding.Understanding the spectrum of autism helps in knowing the diverse needs of grandchildren diagnosed with it.It's crucial for grandparents to learn about autism to effectively support their stressed adult children.Links referenced in this episode:Email Theresa at: [email protected] Lyon's website awetism.netAn additional resource: https://navigatingawetism.com/Mentioned in this episode:greenwoodcapital.comThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Wendy Green’s chat with Meg Groff on Boomer Banter is a must-listen for anyone who thinks that their time for making a difference has passed. Meg's journey from a 37-year-old law student to an impactful attorney is nothing short of inspiring. As she shares her experiences of helping people escape domestic violence situations, she sheds light on the gaps in our legal system—especially regarding child safety in custody arrangements. The episode also touches on the myths surrounding domestic violence, such as the idea that it's a private matter or that only certain demographics experience it. Through laughter and serious discourse, Meg’s passion shines through, making it clear that she’s not just a lawyer; she’s a warrior for justice. Her advocacy for Kayden's Law highlights the necessity of systemic changes to protect children from dangerous custody scenarios. This episode serves as a rallying cry for activism at any age, encouraging all of us to keep fighting for what’s right, no matter when we start. Meg’s story proves that it’s never too late to make an impact—and that every voice matters in the fight for justice.Takeaways:Meg Groff is an advocate for justice, and at 82-years-old she is still championing laws to protect children in custody disputes.Her journey from being a struggling student to saving lives is truly inspiring and motivating.Domestic violence is a serious societal issue that needs more awareness and understanding, not dismissive attitudes.It is Never Too Late to make a difference. You can find ways to get involved.Links referenced in this episode:meggroff.comNational Family Violence Law CenterNational Safe Parents OrganizationKayden's Law, officially known as the Keeping Children Safe from Family Violence ActWellness Wednesday with Sally DuplantierThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Aging can feel like a wild ride, right? One minute you’re bopping along, feeling youthful and vibrant, and the next you’re staring at a reflection that’s more ‘who is that?’ than ‘hey, look at me!’ In this episode of Boomer Banter, we dive deep into why that happens and how our brains evolve as we age, gaining wisdom and emotional stability. Our host, Wendy Green, shares some sage words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. about keeping hope alive through the disappointments that life throws at us. She gets real about the stories we tell ourselves as we age and how those narratives can shape our self-image. We explore the positivity effect, which is all about how our brains get better at focusing on what matters and letting go of the trivial as we grow older. Imagine trading in that pesky anxiety for a newfound sense of calm and perspective; sounds pretty sweet, right? Wendy encourages us to reframe our self-talk and focus on how we feel rather than how we look. So, the next time you catch a glimpse in the mirror, remember: it's not just about the wrinkles; it’s about the wisdom behind them!Takeaways:Aging can bring about changes in our self-image, but it doesn't have to be negative as we gain perspective and wisdom from our experiences.Our brains evolve as we age, enhancing our emotional regulation and patience, allowing for a more thoughtful response to life's challenges.The stories we tell ourselves about aging often come from societal influences, but we can choose to redefine our self-image positively.As we grow older, it's crucial to focus on how we live and what we value in ourselves, rather than just how we look.Links referenced in this episode:Learn all about Wendy's coaching at heyboomer.bizSchedule a complimentary Discovery Call with WendyThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy