After 46 years of marriage, David and Deborah Batson still seem to be doing one of the most important things right: enjoying life together. From raising two daughters and building meaningful careers to traveling, spending time with grandchildren, and continuing to learn new things, their retirement years are anything but quiet. Their story is one of love, friendship, health, curiosity, and the kind of intentional living that reminds us this stage of life can be full of freedom, purpose, and plenty to look forward to.

BOOM!: You’ve been married for 46 years. Looking back, what first drew you to each other, and what has kept your relationship strong through the decades?

Deborah: When we met, David had to pursue me for a few weeks, but we both saw someone who was marriage material and who would make a good long-time partner based on our values. What drew me to David at first was how his friends truly loved him, and after getting to know him, I realized he was a people person. He had a friendly nature and a great sense of humor, and I made sure he loved Jesus.

We were married five years before we decided to start a family, so we had plenty of time to enjoy one another and feel like we could fully support children without any financial stress.

Our lives have been very busy, full of life and with changes that have only made things better. Never boring! We raised two wonderful daughters whom we are so proud of! They married very good matches, and we are blessed to have three grands!

BOOM!: One thing that stands out to me is how much you genuinely enjoy being together. What are some of your favorite ways to spend time as a couple these days?

Deborah: I’ll admit, once the last child left the nest, it was hard for me because I had been so involved with our two daughters. I was their Girl Scout leader for 15 years, volunteered at their school, was immersed in church, dance, and more.

I was very intentional about focusing on David and enjoying our time as empty nesters, so I made a bucket list. The first thing on the list was to stay at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear for my 50th birthday.

Since then, our bucket list has grown and overflowed, and we work hard to scratch things off the list and add more to it. We love traveling together, especially cruising, and particularly exploring our amazing state of Alabama. We have had season tickets to Troy University’s football games since our eldest daughter attended there, and where her sister followed later. We love kayaking, attending concerts, and going out to eat. We both love cooking, and thankfully, David loves to shop for groceries.

BOOM!: Deborah, you mentioned that one of the secrets to this stage of life is always having something to look forward to. Why has that become so important to you?

Deborah: Having something to look forward to is so important! What a motivator for beach wear and the physical activities I get us into…lol! Such a good reason to watch what you eat and get in that daily exercise.

A trip gets me in planning mode – which I love! Gets my creative juices flowing. Having something to look forward to activates “happy” hormones that not only increase your longevity, but your quality of life. Hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. So it’s great for your well-being for sure!

BOOM!: David, you spent more than 30 years with the Alabama Home Builders Association. Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

David: Yes, I enjoyed working for 31 years in the Alabama Home Builders Association’s insurance program.

In my younger days, I worked for several home builders gaining construction experience, then went on to work for several insurance companies, one of whom transferred me to Montgomery from my hometown of Lanett, AL.

I was working as a commercial insurance underwriter when the opportunity arose with the Home Builders – which combined both of my career interests. I’m proud that in the early years of their insurance program, I was instrumental in establishing the underwriting and marketing that led to the success of the program that continues today.

BOOM!: Deborah, you built a photography business that spanned more than two decades. What did photography teach you about people and life?

Deborah: It taught me that if you treat people well and offer them a good product, you not only have repeat customers, but you get the best advertising – which is word of mouth.

I truly loved my customers, and saw so many grow up right before my camera lens. I got to do something I loved, enjoyed my customers, and was able to set my own hours and spend time with our two daughters – which was like a gift from heaven!

BOOM!: You’ve said you intentionally make health a priority. What habits have helped you stay active and healthy while many people your age begin slowing down?

Deborah: My health journey began early. I was fortunate to buy the book, “Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit” by Adell Davis for a college speech class. I was working at a health spa in my hometown at the time, so I was very interested in the subject of health.

Because of the knowledge I gained and the perceptions I formed about diet, nutrition, and how the vitamins and minerals in our food work together in specific ways for our health, my ideas have not swayed towards the diet fads popular at any given time.

David has always kidded me that I would eat anything if it’s good for me – and he’s pretty much exactly right. One of my favorite things to do is research nutrition. Teas have been added to my list since retiring. One day I hope to have a beautiful room in my house dedicated to teas.

Daily movement is important – especially as you age! Motion is lotion to your joints and fascia. And I really don’t buy skin care products, unless they are natural – like tallow.

BOOM!: Deborah, you joked that you “work on him” when it comes to health. What role does accountability play in a strong marriage?

Deborah: It’s funny but true! He does appreciate the health aspect that I bring to our relationship, but I know he still has to have his goodies…lol! It does help to have a motivated partner who cares about your health and wants you to stay strong and able to use your abilities for as long as possible.

We are fortunate to live in a “walking” neighborhood. You can easily walk three miles and see so many neighbors out walking at any given time of day. We are also members of the Wetumpka Y, which helps with accountability.

BOOM!: One thing I love is that you give each other space to fully enjoy what brings the other joy. How did you learn that lesson, and why has it been important to your marriage?

Deborah: Yes, I’ve been witness to smothering relationships, and also ones that encourage each other to have their own thing they love, without guilt, compromise, or tit for tat, or strings attached. You can strike a balance without keeping score.

There have been times when I certainly have been the beneficiary of pursuing what I enjoy, way more than David has, and he has had his era too. It’s an ebb and flow. A time for everything, without feeling jealous or left out. Root for one another instead.

However, we have many common interests and values. It’s definitely a good balance.

BOOM!: Many people stop trying new things as they get older. You seem to be doing the opposite. How important is it to keep learning and discovering new things as we age?

Deborah: Trying new things – no matter how small- is like gold for our brains. It’s been proven to be one of the best anti-aging things we can do.

Our grands love games – all kinds. So I’m always on the lookout for new ones at the thrift store. We may play five different games with them in a row in one sitting.

I downloaded a game on my phone called Pokémon Go. It’s a great challenge, gives you points for walking, and I can have very excited conversations with the grands about Pokémon.

Last year, I learned how to make yogurt and kefir from raw goat’s milk. David is always looking up new recipes to prepare. So many things to learn and be excited about.

BOOM!: Retirement is often portrayed as slowing down, but your lives seem very full. What has surprised you most about retirement?

Deborah: I know I definitely had that perception about retirement – until we were retired! We love the freedom of doing what we want, pretty much when we want. We are enjoying it very much!

Being retired, we are able to visit his active 95-year-old mother in Auburn once a week, and take her out to eat and shopping.

BOOM!: Between caring for aging parents, handling family responsibilities, and helping loved ones navigate difficult seasons, what has this stage of life taught you about aging with grace?

Deborah: To me, it comes down to focus on your health – and you can’t start too early! If you get hurt or have an illness, everything STOPS! Then getting better becomes the priority.

Your connections to God, family, and friends- even strangers- are highly important for your well-being. As you age, you really see how the quality of your connections can make or break you.

BOOM!: Deborah, from raising butterflies and photographing grandchildren to exploring your family history through Ancestry, which of your current hobbies has surprised you the most and why?

Deborah: Honestly, how much my awe and curiosity have grown as I’ve aged. We have the time to reflect and really put things in perspective and what’s important.

Hobbies are one of those important things. They inspire creativity, purpose and fun! We love going everywhere – whether it’s history-based, entertainment-based, or everything in between.

I discovered “Disney Bounding” several years ago – which is all about the outfit. I really didn’t think at this age I’d be concerned with cute outfits, but it’s fun putting them together!

David joined a golf league. I think he and I are both surprised by how much he’s enjoyed it and by how committed he has remained to it.

BOOM!: You clearly adore your grandchildren. What do you hope they learn from watching the way you live your lives?

Deborah: They are already pretty vocal about it. Even at their young ages, they are saying they want to be “retired” when they grow up!

We have a grandparent’s membership at the zoo, so they can go anytime with us that they want. They love going there. So yes, they notice we have time for them, even though they’ve only known us when we were retired. We would have made time regardless of whether we were working or not, but it’s so nice not to be tied to a job at this stage – at least for us!

BOOM!: After many years in Wetumpka and the River Region, what do you love most about this community and the life you’ve built here?

Deborah: It’s been the best thing we ever did! The home is really too big for us now, but the grands wouldn’t have it any other way. They love it here.

We chose such a wonderful neighborhood to build in, and have made so many friends in this town.

We moved to Montgomery in 1980 soon after we married, and had two homes there – one that we built, and thoroughly enjoyed living there. But we definitely like the small town feel of Wetumpka. It’s such a wonderful place to raise and family and to retire in.

BOOM!: For BOOM readers who are entering retirement or approaching this season of life, what advice would you give about making these years some of the best years yet?

Deborah: Well, as we know, times are changing fast. It’s up to us to preserve skills and knowledge and pass them on so they’re not lost. And we need to learn new skills and gain new knowledge from the younger generations.

The less negative talk and thinking, the more room we have for a beautiful, productive life, filled with people we love. I’m excited about the future!

Quick Take with David & Deborah

Favorite way to spend a free afternoon? Planning our next trip.

Favorite date night activity? Dinner and a concert.

Favorite vacation you’ve taken together? So hard! Every one of them feels like a favorite! We couldn’t decide!

A trip still on your bucket list? Wyoming Natural Springs

Favorite restaurant in the River Region? Grove Station in Wetumpka

One thing the grandchildren call you? Fun

A hobby you’ve picked up later in life? David’s is golf. Mine is ukulele.

Something people would be surprised to know about you? David plays drums (we have a set). Deborah loves crazy roller coasters.

One word that describes this season of life? Freedom

What are you looking forward to next? Remodeling our home.Quick Take

We thank Deborah and David for sharing their story with us! If you know someone who would make a great cover profile, please email jason@riverregionboom.com.