Redefining Aging: How Wendy Green Found Her Purpose After 60 and Helps Others Do the Same

What does it really mean to age well? In a society that often equates aging with decline and where aging often comes with misconceptions and limiting beliefs, Wendy Green is flipping the script. She is proving that life after 60 can be vibrant, fulfilling, and deeply meaningful. Forget the outdated stereotypes—aging isn’t about slowing down, it’s about showing up for yourself in new and empowering ways.

At 71, Wendy is living proof that the second (or even third) act of life can be the most exciting. She’s a certified coach, sought-after speaker, and host of the podcast Boomer Banter: Real Talk About Aging Well, where she creates space for candid conversations about the realities and rewards of growing older. But she didn’t start here. From a long-standing career in technology to stepping into the unexpected world of podcasting during the pandemic, Wendy’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and a powerful commitment to helping others find purpose in their next chapter.

In this inspiring episode of Living Ageless and Bold with host Christina Daves, Wendy opens up about her transition into coaching, the birth of her podcast, and the four essential pillars she believes are key to aging well: financial literacy, relationships, purpose, and mental and physical health.

Whether you’re entering retirement, navigating life changes, or simply asking “what’s next?”—this post dives into their enlightening conversation and offers valuable, real-world insights to help you embrace the aging process with confidence, curiosity, and courage.

Wendy’s Unexpected Leap into Podcasting

Podcasting wasn’t even on Wendy Green’s radar. Her background was in technology, training, and development—far from the media world. However, the pivot came after she transitioned into life coaching and the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

Having once served as the president of her local Rotary Club, Wendy had gained comfort with being in front of a camera. When lockdowns hit and uncertainty loomed, especially for people over 50 facing job losses, Wendy saw an urgent need to inspire hope. Instead of a podcast, she started with Facebook Lives, reaching out to friends and inviting them to talk. As she learned more about live streaming and how to turn audio into podcast content, her platform grew.

Five years later, Boomer Banter streams live weekly on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and its audio is shared across podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. The show has evolved from storytelling to a robust resource with real-life advice for aging well.

Facing the Fear: Wendy’s First Episode

Wendy’s very first episode was a solo show. She spoke directly to baby boomers, encouraging them not to give up despite the pandemic’s challenges. “We’re not done,” she emphasized. “Remember when we were young, we believed we could change the world. Why don’t we believe that anymore?”

The second episode featured her first guest—a woman whose younger brother had been accidentally shot. This tragic event led her to advocate for gun safety. From that early point, Wendy made it clear that her show would cover a wide range of issues relevant to her audience.

Four Pillars of Aging Well

Wendy has since structured her podcast content around four essential pillars: financial literacy, relationships, purpose, and physical and mental health. Each one reflects not just expert advice, but also real stories and actionable steps for those looking to thrive in the later stages of life.

1. Financial Literacy: Beyond the Numbers

While most people speak to financial advisors about whether they can retire, Wendy stresses the importance of also considering how they want to live. Lifestyle choices matter. For example, one of her recent guests discussed luxury budget travel, offering practical tips on how to enjoy comfort without breaking the bank. Wendy humorously notes, “We don’t want to sleep on the ground anymore, but we don’t need the Four Seasons either.”

She believes in making smart financial choices that align with one’s lifestyle and long-term vision, whether that means glamping, finding cheap flights, or planning a sustainable retirement.

2. Relationships and Combatting Loneliness

Loneliness is a growing concern among older adults, particularly those who have lost spouses or long-time friends. Wendy, who is 71, speaks candidly about her mother who lives in a 50+ community and the social cliques that can form there. Making new friends in older age can feel like navigating high school all over again.

Her advice? Start small. Know yourself first. What do you enjoy? If you love books, join a book club. If you enjoy walking, find someone to walk with. Attend cultural events. Smile and say hello. A small gesture can open the door to meaningful connections.

She also emphasizes the importance of intergenerational friendships. Wendy herself has friends 20 years her junior and finds it enriching to engage with people from different age groups.

3. Rediscovering Purpose: The Heart of the Next Chapter

Purpose is perhaps the most crucial pillar of Wendy’s philosophy. After all, what gets you out of bed in the morning? Wendy explains that as people age and experience limitations—physical, emotional, or circumstantial—the question of “Why am I still here?” often arises.

Wendy believes purpose doesn’t need to be monumental. It could be organizing family photos, passing down recipes, or volunteering at a library like her 95-year-old mother. “It has to be something that lights you up,” she says. Her own purpose came full circle: podcasting, coaching, and even guiding others to discover what’s next.

This resonated with Christina Daves, the podcast host, who found her way back to writing after many years. Inspired by the podcast and the stories she’d heard, Christina rekindled a joy from her twenties and is now getting paid to write again at age 58.

4. Physical and Mental Health: The Foundation of Vitality

Wendy underscores the link between mobility and mental well-being. “Movement is everything,” she says. Even five to ten minutes of walking each hour can boost serotonin levels and improve mood. Her show has featured inspiring stories, including people in their 60s who overcame depression by training for marathons.

She also touches on diet, mindfulness, and overall wellness, though she avoids deep dives into controversial areas like supplements. Instead, she highlights sustainable habits like eating well, staying active, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Christina shared a deeply personal story about her husband’s cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the role that optimism played in his recovery. All of his doctors praised his mindset, affirming Wendy’s point: mental health and attitude significantly affect physical outcomes.

Wendy’s Personal Life: A Legacy of Resilience and Reinvention

One of the most heartfelt moments in the conversation came when Wendy spoke about her 95-year-old mother—a woman who continues to inspire her every day. Despite the recent loss of her second husband and the natural limitations that come with age, her mother remains deeply engaged with life. She still works in the library, attends local events, and participates in weekly chair exercise classes.

Wendy shared how her mother occasionally questions what lies ahead at this stage in life, asking, “What do I have to look forward to?”—a vulnerable and honest reflection that many can relate to. But even with those doubts, her actions speak volumes. She chooses to keep moving, to stay connected, and to show up.

Wendy’s admiration for her mother is unmistakable. She sees in her a living example of what it means to keep going, no matter your age or circumstances. It’s this quiet strength and ongoing pursuit of purpose that has shaped Wendy’s own journey. Her mother’s resilience has not only influenced Wendy’s mindset—it’s become a model for how to live boldly, age agelessly, and continue evolving, one step at a time.

The Next Chapter Blueprint: Coaching with Wendy

Wendy has also channeled her experience into coaching. Her signature program, The Next Chapter Blueprint, is a six-week roadmap designed to help people figure out who they are now and what they want to do next. It’s especially valuable for those transitioning out of full-time work who suddenly find themselves with more free time and less structure.

She helps her clients answer key questions: What brings you joy? What volunteer work might fulfill you? Do you want to start a small business or pursue a hobby? Wendy guides them in building a fulfilling lifestyle that reflects their new reality.

Wisdom from Wendy: What She Would Tell Her Younger Self

When asked what she would tell her younger self, Wendy didn’t hesitate. Her advice was simple but deeply meaningful:
“Stay open. Stay curious. One door closes, another opens. But if you’re not staying curious, you might not see that open door. Be brave. Walk through the door.”

It’s a message that echoes throughout her story. Wendy spoke about how easily we can miss opportunities when we’re focused on what’s lost rather than what might be next. She believes that curiosity is what keeps us moving forward—and that bravery isn’t always about bold, sweeping moves. Sometimes it’s just having the courage to take the next step.

Her own journey reflects this philosophy. Instead of letting uncertainty define her, she used it as a chance to explore, learn, and grow. That mindset helped her turn a period of pause into a launchpad for reinvention. For Wendy, curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a tool. One that allows you to see possibility where others might see endings.

Aging is Not the End, It’s the Beginning

Wendy Green’s story is a testament to reinvention, resilience, and the power of purpose. Whether she’s streaming her weekly podcast, coaching clients through life transitions, or inspiring others with her mother’s example, Wendy is living proof that aging well is entirely possible—and joyful.

For anyone feeling lost in the “what now?” phase of life, Wendy offers both a roadmap and a reminder: It’s never too late to matter. It’s never too late to connect. And it’s never too late to begin again.

To connect with Wendy Green, visit heyboomer.biz or tune into Boomer Banter on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Watch her full episode here,