Laura Carstensen

Laura Carstensen is a prominent psychologist known for her work on aging and human development. She is the founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity and has advanced our understanding of how people experience life as they grow older. Carstensen’s research highlights the “socioemotional selectivity theory,” which suggests that as people age, they prioritize meaningful relationships and experiences, leading to greater emotional well-being. Her insights emphasize that aging can bring positive changes in perspectives and priorities, challenging common stereotypes about old age.