Construction Begins on Montgomery Botanical Gardens New Pedestrian Entrance
“I can’t find the Montgomery Botanical Gardens”! “I don’t see a sign for the gardens on Forest Avenue!”. Those have been repeated messages from potential visitors to our beautiful gardens. It is both sad and frustrating that there has been no sign to identify the...
America at Its Best Starts With Us
Every July, we’re reminded how bold and beautiful this grand experiment called America really is. And like any work in progress, we carry both the weight of our flaws and the hope of our potential. We’ve never been perfect—but that’s never been the point. We...
How to Advocate for Yourself at Doctor’s Appointments
Visiting the doctor can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex medical concerns or unfamiliar terminology. As we age, it becomes even more important to take an active role in our healthcare to ensure we receive the best possible treatment. Advocating for yourself at...
Is Bone Density Loss Real? What Every Woman Over 50 Should Know
As women enter their mid-50s and beyond, conversations around bone health tend to grow louder—and for good reason. You’ve probably heard about osteoporosis, maybe even had a friend who broke a bone from what seemed like a minor fall, or been told to get a...
Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Sport in America and Why You’ll Love It
If you’ve been hearing the buzz about pickleball and wondering what all the excitement is about, you’re not alone. From neighborhood courts to recreation centers, this paddle sport is sweeping the country—and it’s especially popular among adults 50 and older. Whether you’re looking to stay...
Let’s Start a Brunch Club!
If you are like me, you are up for brunch any time of the year, not just for special occasions. The best part about brunch, other than the food of course, is that the timing of brunch allows you to schedule a midday event that...
Cover Profile: Dale Kocher
Dale Kocher reflects on a life marked by love, faith, and purpose. From his humble beginnings in Eclectic, Alabama, to a 40-year career in corporate insurance, Dale’s story is one of steady growth and deep transformation. He opens up about discovering a personal relationship with...
Show and Tell
I was thinking about trying something I hadn’t done in 60-something years: a “Show and Tell” column of assorted items collected through my BOOMerhood. Let’s get started! ITEM 1– The May issue of BOOM had been out for a couple of days when my “war”...
Smart Shopping from Your Sofa: Online Tips for Savvy Seniors
Let’s be honest—online shopping is no longer a “young person’s thing.” Seniors have embraced it in growing numbers, and for good reason. It’s convenient, it saves time, and it often beats digging through aisles under harsh fluorescent lights. But even if you’ve dabbled in ordering...
To Clingmans Dome in the Smokies
Some consider the spiraling observation tower perched atop the Great Smoky Mountains a concrete blemish overlooking the pristine landscape of the nation’s most visited National Park that welcomed some 13 million guests in 2023. Eyesore or not, we made the half-mile uphill trek last summer...
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
My designer wife Cindy must have been channeling Birmingham Botanical Gardens during the weeks leading up to a special Mother’s Day event. She was working diligently to create a beautiful tablescape complete with a hand-crafted bouquet of crepe paper flowers that looked so real they...
Helping Widows and Widowers Move Forward on Their Own
The loss of a spouse can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, especially if it was unexpected. The stress of handling all the legal and financial issues can be overwhelming, even for women or men who are financially savvy. Widows are one of the fastest...
Weekend Getaways to Rekindle Your Friendship and Reignite the Spark
No matter how long you and your partner have been together, nurturing your relationship is essential to maintaining and strengthening your bond and ultimately, keeping the friendship and romance alive. So consider some of the following fun weekend getaways to revitalize your friendship and reignite...
Stay Curious, Stay Sharp: The Joy of Lifelong Learning
You’ve earned your wisdom. You’ve built a life full of stories, skills, and experience. But here’s the best-kept secret of aging well: you’re not done learning — not even close. In fact, continuing to learn — whether it’s diving into local history, picking up Spanish,...
Planning For Your Future (Part 2): Transferring Assets at Death and The Revocable Living Trust
In “Planning for Your Future Part 1” which appeared in the April 2025 Boom Magazine various documents were mentioned that, depending on your situation, may be beneficial when planning and preparing for your future and your beneficiaries. Most people believe that their will dictates how...