Booming Bites Weekly: September 29, 2025

In this week's Booming Bites, we look at how to break through a retirement spending freeze and embrace everyday joys, why lifelong social connections matter, how giving back can make for an inspiring and purposeful encore, new research reframing how we think about aging, and the tough but vital conversations around driving and dementia.

2 min read.

Breaking the Retirement Spending Freeze: Learning to Enjoy Some Everyday Extravagances

When we retire, if we planned well it can place us in the fortunate position to shift from saving to spending the money we worked so hard to accumulate. However, many people find it surprisingly difficult to start spending what they’ve spent a lifetime saving. Booming Encore's Founder, Susan Williams, is going to try and change this.
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Lifetime Social Ties Add Healthy Aging

A long-term Cornell study reveals strong friendships and family bonds throughout life are powerful shields against mental decline, physical frailty, and loneliness.
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Living Your Best Encore: Gemma Raeburn Baynes

In our latest "Living Your Best Encore" series, Gemma Raeburn Baynes shows what it looks like to live richly in retirement: purpose, creativity, community, and unabashed passion.
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Flipping the Script on Aging: Declining Well-Being Is Not Inevitable

New research suggests that while many expect decline in later years, well-being can hold steady—or even improve—when people remain engaged, adaptable, and hopeful.
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How to Discuss With a Parent Affected by Dementia About Discontinuing Driving

One of the hardest conversations families face: knowing when driving is no longer safe for their parents. This article offers compassionate advice and practical steps for navigating autonomy, risk, and care.
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Longevity Tip of the Week

Cultivate small daily moments of joy. Whether it’s savoring a favorite drink, calling a friend, or creating something, regular positive rituals can build emotional resilience and that’s deeply connected to longevity.

Here's to living your best booming encore!