Lab Overview
In the broadest sense, our research focuses on the social, emotional, and cognitive processes that people use to adapt to life circumstances as they age. We study the ways in which motivation changes developmentally and how this relates to emotional processing and emotion regulation. The laboratory's research has increased understanding of emotions, attention, and memory in older adults. Our approach utilizes diverse methodologies ranging from laboratory experiments to field studies examining aspects of emotional functioning in day-to-day life.
Our lab often collaborates with the Stanford Center on Longevity, a research center that is dedicated to redesigning long life.
If you would like more information about the lab, feel free to contact us via email at stanfordlifespanlab@gmail.com.
Announcements
In the News
10/4/2024 - WSJ’s The Future of Everything: People Are Living Longer. Can Old Age Be an Opportunity?
8/20/2024 - Scientific American: Many Older People Maintain and Even Gain Cognitive Skills
7/23/2024 - WSJ: Biden’s Decision to Quit Feels Personal for Nation’s Older Citizens
7/19/2024 - The Connection on NPR WHYY: Redefining how we age
5/27/2024 - University of Rochester: 2024 Commencement Ceremony
Media
Laura Carstensen ’78 Remarks - 2024 Commencement Ceremony University of Rochester, May 2024
In this presentation, Dr. Carstensen discusses the implications of our rapidly expanding adult life-span. Dr. Carstensen explains the many factors that contribute to our increased life expectancy, as well as the ways in which we can improve health and well-being at advanced ages.
Alliance for Aging Research
Washington, DC, September 2016
Dr. Carstensen gives an acceptance speech for the Silver Innovator Award, presented to her by the Alliance for Aging Research organization. In her speech, she briefly details the newly released Sightlines Project as well as the motivations behind the project.
Older People Are Happier
TEDxWomen Conference, Dec 2011
Speaking about her research on aging and the positivity effect, Dr. Laura Carstensen was one of several experts asked to speak at the national TEDxWomen Conference, where she spoke alongside Barbara Walters, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and others. Her speech and presentations are now online for global viewing.
Stanford Center
On Longevity
Our lab often collaborates with the Stanford Center on Longevity, a research center that is dedicated to redesigning long life.