Welcome back to the Late Boomers Podcast! We’re Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins , and we’re thrilled you’re joining us for another episode dedicated to helping you reinvent your health and well-being at any age.

In Episode 294, we dive into a topic affecting every single one of us: environmental toxins and what “clean living” really means. With so many buzzwords organic, natural, chemical-free it can be overwhelming to distinguish helpful tips from clever marketing. That’s why we invited Amy Hartshorn, founder of Green Living Now and veteran advocate for non-toxic living, to demystify how to make healthier choices that fit our real lives.

For over 34 years, Amy Hartshorn has been at the forefront of teaching practical, approachable ways to reduce toxins in our homes, food, and daily routines. As co-owner of a certified organic farm in Vermont, she brings a hands-on perspective on what really matters in food, soil, and consumer safety.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How marketing labels like “natural” and “wild-caught” can be misleading
• Ways to prioritize your food budget for the biggest health impact
• The truth about greenwashing and how to read between the lines on packaging
• Easy first steps to reduce toxins in your home without spending a fortune
• The importance of soil health, indoor air quality, and what families should know about furniture, fragrances, and plastics
• The healing power of nature and community, as seen in Amy’s transformative retreats

• Perfection isn’t the goal: Small, steady improvements like swapping out a scented laundry detergent for fragrance-free can make a real difference (09:00, 41:08).
• Not all labels are created equal: “Natural” is a meaningless term, and “wild-caught” is only trustworthy if certified by credible organizations like the MSC (10:07, 44:51).
• Start with high-impact swaps: If organic isn’t in the budget for everything, focus on the “Dirty Dozen” produce and prioritize organic meat and dairy for the biggest benefit (15:14).
• Fragrances are hidden toxins: Remove air fresheners, plugins, and heavily scented products from your home for an easy, impactful win (28:01, 41:08).
• Read ingredient lists, not just claims: The real story about what you’re buying is on the back of the label (25:39).
• Our choices matter: Every dollar spent sends a message about what we value, and we wield more power as consumers than we sometimes realize (24:10).
• Community and nature heal: Amy Hartshorn shares moving stories of how farm retreats and horse therapy have changed lives, showing that holistic change goes beyond our shopping carts (32:07).

If today’s conversation made you think twice about air freshener, food labels, or what’s lurking in your cleaning supply closet, share this episode with a friend or family member who’d benefit from a more informed approach to healthier living.

We’d love for you to subscribe to The Late Boomers Podcast wherever you listen don’t miss future conversations with experts who help you live your best next chapter.

Check out more resources from Amy Hartshorn on greenlivingnow.com, and find her podcast, Green Living Now, for deeper dives and practical guidance.

Leave us a review, connect on YouTube, and remember every step towards cleaner living counts, no matter when you start.

It’s never too late to rethink what’s possible!

— Cathy & Merry

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Welcome to another episode of Late Boomers! We’re your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and we’re thrilled you’re joining us on this journey of reinvention, connection, and growth at every stage of life.

In this episode, we dive deep into the foundations of thriving, lasting relationships with our insightful guests, Bruce Chalmer and Judy Alexander, co-hosts of the “Couples Therapy in Seven Words” podcast. Bruce Chalmer, an experienced couples therapist and author of several books including “The Passion Paradox,” joins us alongside Judy Alexander, retired educator, author, and “the real person” on their podcast. Together, they blend wisdom from decades of helping couples and add a generous dose of real-world humor and humanity.

We explore everything from surviving betrayal, rekindling passion, and navigating intimacy in long-term relationships, to how faith, kindness, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths can help couples not just survive challenges but come out even stronger.

• Forgiveness After Betrayal: Bruce Chalmer reminds us that healing from betrayal is possible, but it’s not guaranteed or easy it requires immense courage and honest engagement (02:35).
• Betrayal Beyond Infidelity: Betrayal in relationships isn’t just about sex it can involve finances, addiction, and emotional wounds between friends, siblings, and partners (03:26).
• The Truth About Communication: Most relationship issues aren't really about how we communicate; they’re about what we’re communicating hurt, mistrust, or contempt (05:41).
• The Seven-Word Formula: “Be kind, don’t panic, and have faith.” This powerful mantra underpins lasting relationships and guides partners through life’s inevitable obstacles (04:35, 26:45).
• Stability vs. Intimacy: All couples need both stability (reliability, predictability) and intimacy (honesty, aliveness) but these can sometimes feel at odds. The key is learning to tolerate anxiety and embrace honest vulnerability (12:27).
• Practical Tools for Rekindling Connection: Emotional openness, respect, and humor matter. Judy Alexander also shares her unique creative journey into biblical erotica, showing that reinvention can spice up relationships at any age (20:36).
• Sacred, Good, and Plain Old Sex: The distinctions between different kinds of sexual experiences as relationships mature, good sex adds intimacy; sacred sex adds meaning and connection to something bigger (35:09).
• Sexual Fulfillment at Any Age: True sexual and emotional connection often reaches its peak in our 60s and 70s, thanks to maturity, communication, and creativity not just hormones or acrobatics (42:03).

We hope you found today’s episode as inspiring and practical as we did! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with one friend who could use a dose of hope, humor, and wisdom in their relationships. Don’t forget to subscribe to Late Boomers wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

For more from Bruce Chalmer and Judy Alexander, check out their podcast “Couples Therapy in Seven Words,” Bruce’s website, or Judy’s book “The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible” (as Laria Zilber).

Remember, it’s never too late to grow, to connect, and to create the life and relationships you truly want.

Thank you for listening. It means the world to us. See you next time on Late Boomers!

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Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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We’re Cathy and Merry, and welcome to another thoughtful, lively episode of Late Boomers! Today we’re diving into a topic that affects so many older adults, but often remains undiscussed: why does appetite decrease as we age, and what can we do about it?

Inspired by an AARP Bulletin article, “Why Aren’t I Hungry?”, we explore the real-life effects of losing your appetite and thirst later in life. We share personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and the science behind changing eating habits, all with our signature Late Boomers flair!

Whether you or someone you love has noticed eating less, skipping meals, or simply not feeling as thirsty anymore, this episode is for you. We break down why these changes happen, what warning signs to look for, and actionable advice for staying healthy and energized at any age.

• Why Appetite Changes with Age: Our metabolism naturally slows down, hormones shift, and senses of taste and smell can decline, making food less appealing. Medications, dental and digestive issues, and even loneliness can all contribute to a reduced desire to eat 02:04, 04:12, 06:09.
• The Hidden Danger of Dehydration: As we grow older, our thirst signals weaken, putting us at risk for dehydration which can mimic other health problems or even cause dangerous falls 01:20, 17:06, 18:20.
• Social Eating Matters: Sharing meals with friends and family can help restore the enjoyment of food and encourage healthier eating and hydration habits 07:26, 30:09.
• Protein & Muscle Health: Maintaining muscle mass is crucial so adequate daily protein and strength training are both essential. From collagen and protein powders to Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, we share our protein-boosting hacks 11:53, 13:42.
• Smart Hydration Strategies: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Build in water breaks throughout your day, especially first thing in the morning, and remember that certain fruits, veggies, and even soups can help you stay hydrated 19:01, 22:35.
• Listening to Your Body: Unintentional weight loss and persistent low appetite aren’t just a “normal part of aging.” Talk to your doctor if you notice ongoing changes in appetite, taste, or hydration levels it could be a sign of something deeper 24:47, 31:59.

If you found today’s episode helpful, please share it with at least one friend or family member who might benefit from these insights. Make sure to subscribe to Late Boomers on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode filled with healthy aging tips and real-life inspiration.

And remember what we always say:

It’s never too late to think and rethink what’s possible!

Stay healthy, stay hydrated, and keep living your Late Boomer life to the fullest!

Cathy & Merry

Mentioned in this episode:

Late Boomers is part of the eWomenPodcastNetwork.

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