In this episode of Boomer Banter, Wendy Green sits down with Merilyn Simonds as she shares her heartwarming and enlightening friendship with the incredible Beth, who just happens to be 105 years old!

heir weekly walks over the past five years have blossomed into a treasure trove of stories, laughter, and life lessons that Merilyn lovingly chronicles in her book, "Walking With Beth: Conversations with my 100-year-old Friend." This isn't just a book about aging; it's a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the beautiful journey of living fully at any age. We explore how Beth, with her zest for life, continues to inspire Merilyn and everyone around her, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing passions and staying engaged with the world.

Merilyn recounts how their friendship blossomed during the pandemic, a time when connection felt more important than ever. Their conversations sparked deep reflections on life's challenges and joys, and we get to hear how Beth's perspective on life has shifted the way Merilyn views her own aging process. With humor and warmth, they discuss everything from the joy of art to the little things that keep us grounded in the present. Beth's approach to life—embracing creativity, staying active, and cultivating relationships—offers listeners a refreshing perspective on growing older.

As they meander through memories and lessons learned, Merilyn emphasizes the importance of keeping a forward-looking mindset, something Beth embodies. They touch on topics like how to find purpose in retirement, the significance of passion, and the necessity of surrounding oneself with positivity. This episode is for anyone looking to inject a little joy and inspiration into their lives.

Takeaways:

• Aging with intention means staying curious and engaged with life.
• Friendship can blossom at any age, as shown by Marilyn and Beth's inspiring walks.
• Living fully into your hundreds is about finding passion and nurturing it every day.
• It's essential to keep an eye on your health while also focusing on what brings you joy.
• We don't need to let age define us; instead, we can redefine how we view growing older.
• The stories and experiences we share with others can help us cope with life’s challenges.

Links referenced in this episode:

• merilynsimonds.com
• amazon.ca (the book is not available in the US, yet.)
• Take the What's Keeping You Stuck quiz