The Benefits of Gratitude

The Benefits of Gratitude

I hadn’t thought about Dr. Robert Emmons in a long time, but a few weeks ago, a New York Times article referred to a psychology colleague who is doing some fascinating research on the topic of gratitude. Emmons, a social psychologist at the University of...
Preventing Dementia

Preventing Dementia

Jonathan and I were recently in a meeting with the chairpersons of the departments of Neurology from both the University of Chicago and Northwestern medical centers. We were struck by the fact that, although they mentioned a future for medication, both of their...
Kindness

Kindness

This is one of my two favorite t-shirts (the other has a dog and a cat sitting side-by side, under the word “Peace”).  When I wear it, it gets its share of smiles and even the occasional comment – usually something like “Yeah, random acts of kindness!”.   But no one...
Friendship in Older Adults

Friendship in Older Adults

I recently flew up to Minnesota for a long girlfriend weekend with my best friend, Kate.  My family and friends joke that her name is actually My Best Friend Kate because I never refer to her any other way.  MBF Kate and I have been friends since graduate school,...