Public Lectures

Stein Public Lecture: Navigating Grief: What the Science of Resilience Teaches about Adaptation to Loss

Danielle K. Glorioso, LCSW, explores the complex nature of grief, emphasizing that it is a lifelong, evolving response to loss rather than something to "get over." She explains the differences between acute grief, integrated grief, and prolonged grief disorder, highlighting how factors like attachment, personal history, and circumstances of death can influence the grieving process. Glorioso outlines how prolonged grief can impair daily functioning and discusses effective treatments, including a structured therapy program that facilitates adaptation. She also examines resilience as a skill that can be strengthened through emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, social support, and meaning-making. Drawing on both professional expertise and personal loss, Glorioso offers practical strategies for coping, supporting others, and finding hope while honoring the memory of loved ones.

Stein Public Lecture: Intermittent Fasting: A Strategy To Prevent Cardiometabolic Diseases And Promote Healthy Aging

Michael J. Wilkinson, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.N.L.A., explores the science and clinical evidence behind intermittent fasting and its role in promoting cardiometabolic health. He explains how aligning eating patterns with the body's natural circadian rhythms can improve weight, blood pressure, glucose regulation, and other risk factors, especially in individuals with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Wilkinson highlights promising results from time-restricted eating studies conducted in collaboration with UC San Diego and the Salk Institute, where narrowing the daily eating window led to improved metabolic markers and potential benefits beyond weight loss. He also outlines practical tips for safely adopting this lifestyle approach and stresses the importance of ongoing research.

Stein Public Lecture: Mindfulness-Based Mental Training to Enhance Well-Being and Healthy Aging

Fadel Zeidan, Ph.D., discusses the science of mindfulness and how meditation can change the brain. He explains what happens in the brain during stress, how mindfulness helps us become more self-aware, and why it's important to pay attention on purpose. Zeidan shares easy ways to bring mindfulness into daily life, even in small moments. The video includes guided meditations led by Zeidan. Viewers can follow along as he teaches simple breathing techniques and short practices designed to build focus and calm the nervous system. Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, this program offers useful tools backed by science.

Stein Public Lecture: Decoding the Dark Side of the Human Genome: How Ancient Viruses Shape Aging

Michael J. Corley, Ph.D., explores groundbreaking research on aging, the role of ancient viruses in our DNA, and the impact of the gut microbiome on longevity. Corley discusses how stress, diet, and exercise influence our genetic health, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors and our biological systems. The conversation also touches on individualized treatment strategies and the exciting potential of microbiome science in aging research.

Stein Public Lecture: Social Connection and Healthy Aging

Colin Depp delves into the critical role of social connections in our well-being, particularly in the context of aging. Depp explores the impacts of digital versus in-person interactions, the influence of cultural differences on social needs, and the potential health benefits of both deep and superficial connections. Depp also discusses the challenges of loneliness, the effects of grief, and offers practical daily practices to strengthen social ties.

Stein Public Lecture: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disparities Among Black, White, and Filipino Women: What's Fat Got to Do with It?

Maria Rosario (Happy) G. Araneta, Ph.D., M.P.H., highlights the significant impact of prenatal and childhood malnutrition on later health outcomes, including coronary heart disease and diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of physical activity, strength training, and the need for inclusive research to address health disparities. Future research directions include understanding cognitive impairment related to diabetes and developing effective interventions for diverse populations.

Stein Public Lecture: Can We Avoid Cognitive Decline with Age?

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Join Sarah Banks, Ph.D., a leading expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, for an in-depth exploration of the latest research on cognitive decline. This comprehensive program delves into the science behind brain health, covering key factors such as exercise, diet, sleep, social engagement, vascular health, hearing loss, and inflammation. Learn how each of these elements contributes to cognitive function and discover actionable steps you can take to protect your brain health. Stay informed and proactive about maintaining cognitive function as you age with insights from cutting-edge research.

Stein Public Lecture: Daily Changes in Skin Temperature, Finding Risk Factors in the Data

Benjamin Smarr Ph.D. discusses wearable tech in health research, stressing community engagement in data sharing. He explores sensors tracking temperature, heart rate, and more, noting the importance of naps for health. Smarr addresses reliability, access, and the link between sleep and conditions like dementia.

Stein Public Lecture: What Do We Know About How to Foster Mental Wellbeing as We Age? by Dr. Barton Palmer

Explore aging's impact on well-being with Barton Palmer, Ph.D. Learn how resilience, optimism, and social connections shape happiness in later life. Discover practical interventions like mindfulness and value-driven actions. Understand the role of positive psychology and spirituality. Delve into adapting interventions for cognitive changes. Gain valuable insights into navigating challenges and fostering well-being as we age.

Stein Public Lecture: What Can Geroscience Teach Us About Health Longevity by Dr. Anthony Molina

Aging research has come a long way in the past few decades, and scientists are now starting to understand the biology of aging. Anthony J.A. Molina, Ph.D. shares the latest findings in the field of geroscience, or the study of how to delay the onset of age-related diseases and extend healthy lifespan.

Stein Public Lecture: Global Healthy Aging - A Review of Efforts to Support Healthy Aging From Around the World by Dr. Alison Moore

The world's population is aging. How can we improve the lives of older people, their families, and their communities? Alison A. Moore, M.D., UC San Diego, shares the impacts of studying healthy aging globally. From the World Health Organization (WHO) to the UN and locally in San Diego, learn how the world community is studying aging to improve health, equity, longevity and more.