Lessons from Planaria: Persistence in Science and Life
In my 1960s college days, I was lucky enough to observe live flatworms (planaria) under microscopes. They are incredibly cute, with two big eyes on the tops of their triangular…
Artificial intelligence (AI) and an 80-year old’s guilty pleasures
It’s coming fast. Artificial intelligence will bring about social changes on the order of the Industrial Revolution: “fueling rapid urbanization, a growing middle class, and increased consumer access to goods….severe…
Sharing Narratives
I’ve been thinking a lot about narratives. It’s not just because of today’s political debates about the “truth” of the tragic death in Minneapolis. Narratives are unique to the individual…
The Silence of the Season
Tonight is Christmas Eve and there is only silence in our home. As is true for many seniors, we are outside the hubbub of the holiday itself. Our children are…
Embracing Aging: Key Reflections on Happiness and Connection
I recently celebrated my 80th birthday with a dozen friends from our senior community. As we reflected on our lives, their shared wisdom about aging well wasn't just heartwarming—it aligned…
Celebrating 80 years!
My upcoming 80th birthday is likely my last major milestone birthday. The NIH predicts that a white woman who is 80 today will likely live only another 7-9 years. Reaching…
Is it time to retire?
“It’s time to retire” I announced to my friend today. Although I retired from my career almost 20 years ago, I’ve stayed stressed, busy and fulfilled with unpaid volunteer responsibilities.…