Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

Episode Overview: Experience a multifaceted exploration of aging, with Wendy Green leading the conversation alongside her guest Jeanette Leardi, a social gerontologist and author. The episode opens with a critical examination of how society often views older individuals as ‘the other,’ leading to a culture of fear and misunderstanding. Both Wendy and Jeanette stress that this perception is largely...

Episode Summary: In this heartwarming and enlightening episode of Boomer Banter , host Wendy Green and her guest, Stacey Colino delve into the profound bond between humans and dogs, exploring the manifold ways these loyal companions enrich our lives. Dive into the science behind the human-canine connection, the emotional and physical benefits of having a dog, and hear firsthand stories that showca...

Episode Description: Wendy Green and Dr. Liz Jenkins delve into the complexities of long-term relationships as we age, addressing the vital question of how to keep love alive amidst the challenges that come with aging. The conversation begins with the acknowledgment that relationships often face numerous hurdles, from financial stress to health issues, which can lead to feelings of disconnect. Dr....

Episode Description Navigating the complexities of parenting adult children can be challenging, often filled with unexpected tensions and disappointments. Wendy Green and her guest, Denise Gliwa, delve into the evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships as children transition into adulthood. They discuss the crucial shift from a parenting role to one of support and understanding, emphasizing...

Host, Wendy Green reflects on her harrowing experience during Hurricane Helene, which struck Greenville, South Carolina and Western North Carolina, and the challenges she faced in ensuring her family's safety and preparation. The discussion delves into the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly for older adults who may have unique needs and limitations. This episode serves as a wake-up...

The journey of healing through grief is not a linear path but a deeply personal and often unpredictable process. Wendy Green, host of Boomer Banter, explores this theme with guest Deborah Edgar, who shares her life story and the wisdom contained in her book "Good Grief." Deborah opens up about her challenging upbringing, the loss of her brother, and the trauma of losing her partner, John, during a...

Today we're discussing a critical topic—health screenings for older women. Joining us is Mary White, retired senior epidemiologist and adjunct professor at Emory Rollins School of Public Health. Mary brings over three decades of experience in disease prevention and cancer control. We explore the latest guidelines for colorectal and breast cancer screenings, considerations for women exposed to DES,...

Let’s be honest. As Boomers we never thought we would get old. We were the forever young generation. And the truth is, many of us are still vigorous, vital, involved individuals. But…the other truth is that arthritis is slowing us down. Knee and hip replacements are being talked about. We’ve lost friends and family members. We worry about whether we will out-live our money. At Boomer Banter, we ar...

Episode overview: Estate planning is complex. Administering an estate after someone passes can take over 500 hours, especially if the person who passed did not have things organized. In this episode, host Wendy Green gets into the complexities of estate planning and administering the estate with guest Adam Zuckerman. Adam is the founder of BuriedInWork. Together, they uncover the critical, often o...

Episode Overview: In the 200th episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green celebrates a significant milestone in the podcast's journey. Reflecting on four-and-a-half years of exploring aging well, Wendy shares the humble beginnings, growth phases, challenges, and lessons learned that have defined Boomer Banter. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the community of listeners who have inspired and...

Episode Overview: In today’s deeply thoughtful episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green sits down with Catherine Marienau, a retired professor and an advocate for Compassion & Choices. Together, they delve into one of the most sensitive yet crucial conversations we can have with our loved ones: planning for the end of life. Exploring everything from hospice and palliative care to death doula...

At your last physical, your doctor told you, "your blood pressure is too high," or "your A1C is too high," or "your cholesterol is too high." Then the doctor told you to cut back on sugar, salt, fats, or dairy. Add exercise to your life. You may have left the office with good intentions, but lifestyle changes are hard! In this episode of Boomer Banter, I sit down with wellness coach Jason Gootman,...

In this episode our host, Wendy Green, and her guest, Nancy Ruffner delve into the intricate world of patient advocacy and elder care. We begin with a personal story about the sudden passing of our host's stepfather, her mother's hospitalization with Covid, and the struggle she faced as her siblings were also struck by the virus, all in the same week. This story sets the stage for a deeper explora...

Episode Overview In this episode, guest, Heather Brooks emphasizes the importance of safe housing as a cornerstone of livability for aging individuals. She explores multiple factors including neighborhood settings, transportation, environmental considerations, social involvement, and quick access to emergency services. Heather delves into the challenges and expenses associated with maintaining hom...

Host Wendy Green sits down with acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Sky Bergman to pursue the heartwarming and transformative world of intergenerational connections. Inspired by her spirited grandmother who thrived well into her 100s, Bergman’s work sheds light on the incredible benefits of bridging generational gaps and combating the growing public health crisis of loneliness and isolation. This...

The new book, "Fearless Female Leaders." shares empowering stories of women of all ages, who are pursuing a purpose and a passion. In this episode, guest and author Kathy McAfee, shares her journey and mission to mentor and uplift others, particularly in the legacy phase of her career. With real-life stories of resilience and leadership, this episode is a tribute to women who refuse to let age def...

In this deeply introspective and enlightening episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green delves into the essence of True Wealth, exploring the four pillars that constitute a meaningful and fulfilling life: finance, health, joy, and love . With personal anecdotes and practical advice, Wendy sheds light on how these components interweave to create a life of substance beyond material success. Get rea...

This episode of Boomer Banter dives deep into the alarming rise of financial fraud targeting older adults. Join host Wendy Green and fraud expert Kathy Stokes from the AARP Fraud Watch Network as they unpack the sophisticated tactics scammers use, the emotional toll on victims, and essential steps for securing personal information. Wendy Green begins the episode by sharing her own near-miss with a...

As we live longer, the need to make our money last becomes increasingly important. In this insightful episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green is joined by the esteemed Richard Eisenberg, an unretired freelance writer and former managing editor of Next Avenue, to tackle the intricate world of longevity planning. We share practical advice for securing financial stability, and emphasize the need f...

In this episode of Boomer Banter, host Wendy Green and certified financial planner Justin Smith delve into the intricate process of selling your parent's home. This is an emotionally charged, multi-faceted issue that can significantly impact your family's financial future. From tax implications to long-term care planning and probate avoidance, they cover many aspects you need to consider for a sea...

Season 7, Episode 188 In this episode, host Wendy Green announces the transition from Hey, Boomer to Boomer Banter, a podcast focused on real talk about aging well. She shares the motivations behind the rebrand and the evolution of the podcast's mission. The mission still includes embracing a purpose and realizing we are not done yet. It is expanding to include ideas about how to live a long life...

Season 7: Episode 187 In our latest episode, host Wendy Green dives deep into the vital topic of stroke awareness, treatment, and prevention with our esteemed guest, Dr. Chris Favilla, a leading stroke neurologist. Here's why you should tune in: 🔹 **Recognize Stroke Symptoms with "BE FAST":** - **B**alance issues, **E**yesight changes, **F**acial droop, **A**rm weakness, **S**peech difficulties,...

Season 7, Episode 186 Join us as we dive deep into the world of Lyme disease, exploring its symptoms, controversies in treatment, and the crucial preventive measures to stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors. My guest, Dorothy Leland and I, shared personal stories to highlight the challenging journey of diagnosis and the resilience needed to manage this disease. This episode sheds light on th...

Season 7: Episode 185 Episode Overview: 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 fac...

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...