Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

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 fulfilledSo 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 BanterBoomer Banter websiteEmail me at wendy@heyboomer.bizThis 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: lyons@awetism.netTheresa 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

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

What if retirement isn't about winding down—it's about waking up?At 81, business mentor Patricia Noel Drain is living proof that your best work might still be ahead of you.This conversation is for anyone who knows they are not finished yet, but feels unclear about how to begin again.Key Highlights:Why traditional retirement does not work for everyoneHow your experience can guide your next chapter without starting from scratchThe idea that your gift is already your nicheWhy midlife and beyond can feel like a waking up, not a winding downThe Dr. Phil tape measure story and what it reveals about time and intentionWhy women often struggle to charge for their knowledge and how to set healthier boundariesAgeism, visibility, and owning your relevance at any ageGuestPatricia Noel Drain - Author of 14 books, business mentor, and host of the new podcast Women Entrepreneurs Over 50 Who Want to Work Less, Make More, Doing What They Love (launching January 7, 2026)Special offers mentioned:Patricia Noel Drain is offering 10 listeners a complimentary 15-minute Paradigm Strategy Session to help clarify what is next. Email Patricia at patricia@patriciadrain.com and let her know you heard about this offer on Boomer Banter. Learn more at https://www.patriciadrain.comWendy Green invites you to join the Boomer Banter Circle, a monthly virtual community for meaningful conversation about aging well. ($25/month) Join here: https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413Invitation to check out Wellness Wednesday, with host gerontologist, Sally Duplantier. These free and recorded webinars feature experts on topics about healthy aging. Visit MyZingLife.com to learn more.Bottom line: Midlife isn't the end of something—it's the beginning of your most authentic chapter.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 marie@mariesennettyoga.comCheck out the podcast, Older Women & FriendsWant to schedule your complimentary 30-minute chat? Let's talk! Email me anytime. wendy@heyboomer.bizThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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/30minutesTake the “What’s Keeping You Stuck?” Quiz: https://bit.ly/NotStuck-RenewedAdrienne Berg’s podcast, The Ageless Traveler: https://agelesstraveler.comWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUDid you enjoy this Q&A-style episode?Let Wendy know — your feedback helps decide whether we do more episodes like this in the future.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy