Two UT Dallas public lectures will explore issues surrounding aging and life quality this month.
Aging Well: Creating a Vital Life is a collaboration between two UT Dallas centers: the Center for Vital Longevity and the Center for Values in Medicine, Science and Technology.
“Science, technology, and medicine give us the knowledge that has allowed us to live longer and longer lives, presenting new medical and social challenges,” said Dr. Matthew J. Brown, director of the Center for Values. “Rather than merely living longer, though, we also want to know how we can age well and extend the vitality of life. Our speakers will look at these questions from psychological, philosophical and policy perspectives.”
Laura L. Carstensen
The first presentation is Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Vital Longevity in Dallas. Dr. Laura L. Carstensen, founding director of Stanford Center on Longevity at Stanford University, will talk about the research discussed in her new book, A Long, Bright Future, which examines how myths and misconceptions about aging stop us from preparing for long, fulfilling and financially stable lives.
Carstensen has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, Stanford University’s Dean Award for Distinguished Teaching and The Richard Kalish Award for Innovative Research.
William B. Irvine
The series continues with a talk from Dr. William B. Irvine, professor of philosophy at Wright State University, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. on the UT Dallas campus. Irvine’s research focuses on issues at the borderline of traditional philosophy and practical life, such as ethical questions involved in finances and political aspects of parenting. His most recent book, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, explores the strategies for living developed by philosophers and religious thinkers.
Irvine is also the author of On Desire: Why We Want What We Want, a 2006 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Award.
The Center for Vital Longevity is in the Viceroy Building southwest of Love Field Airport, at 1600 Viceroy Drive, Suite 800, in Dallas.