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The challenges of aging in today's culture

Anxiety
Connecting in the Aging of Anxiety

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on November 18, 2012

In this age of anxiety, there seems to be, after all, a deep yearning for genuine human connection and real-life interaction devoid of electronic distraction. The question is, will future generations have the capacity to attain it and sustain it?

In this age of anxiety, there seems to be, after all, a deep yearning for genuine human connection and real-life interaction devoid of electronic distraction. The question is, will future generations have the capacity to attain it and sustain it?

Adolescence
What Should Parents Do When Kids Break The Law?

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on November 10, 2012

How do we know when normal teen acting-out is a preamble to something far more sinister? Is it our parental responsibility to expose our children's suspicious activity and turn them over to authorities, or do we defend and protect them at all costs? Most important, are there things parents can -- and should -- do to avoid this dangerous trajectory?

How do we know when normal teen acting-out is a preamble to something far more sinister? Is it our parental responsibility to expose our children's suspicious activity and turn them over to authorities, or do we defend and protect them at all costs? Most important, are there things parents can -- and should -- do to avoid this dangerous trajectory?

Menopause
More Myths About Menopause

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on October 31, 2012

With huge numbers of women currently facing menopause, you would think there would be more clarity about it all. But confusion and fear continue to fuel women's concerns.

With huge numbers of women currently facing menopause, you would think there would be more clarity about it all. But confusion and fear continue to fuel women's concerns.

Media
The Role of Role Models: Large Small or Any Size

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on October 24, 2012

So what does it mean to be a good female role model in contemporary culture? Besides the obvious—being strong, smart, powerful and independent—is it the woman who transforms herself, gets into shape and loses weight, or the one who rebels and doesn't care?

So what does it mean to be a good female role model in contemporary culture? Besides the obvious—being strong, smart, powerful and independent—is it the woman who transforms herself, gets into shape and loses weight, or the one who rebels and doesn't care?

Menopause
'The 2nd Talk' that Women Aren't Having

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on October 20, 2012

Some may not remember when menstruation was called "the curse." But it wasn't that long ago when it was considered a taboo topic. Now, women are quite nonchalant about their periods -- teens even call it their "friend." We've come a long way, so isn't it time to shift cultural attitudes about the second major transition in a woman's life?

Some may not remember when menstruation was called "the curse." But it wasn't that long ago when it was considered a taboo topic. Now, women are quite nonchalant about their periods -- teens even call it their "friend." We've come a long way, so isn't it time to shift cultural attitudes about the second major transition in a woman's life?

Aging
The 'Over-Stuffed' Sandwich Generation

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on October 3, 2012

We hear a lot about Baby Boomers reinventing themselves—searching for new meaning, new mates and new adventures—yet increasing evidence suggests many are staying right at home caring for their children, grandchildren and even their own parents.

We hear a lot about Baby Boomers reinventing themselves—searching for new meaning, new mates and new adventures—yet increasing evidence suggests many are staying right at home caring for their children, grandchildren and even their own parents.

ADHD
When is More Not Always Better?

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on September 18, 2012

When do advances in science enable us to do more, but alter the quality of our lives so that we ultimately have less?

When do advances in science enable us to do more, but alter the quality of our lives so that we ultimately have less?

Body Image
Some Women Try 'Mirror Fasting'

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on September 11, 2012

Mirror fasting involves abstaining from looking at one's reflection for a set period of time. Is it a helpful behavior modification technique for people who struggle with their body image, or is it an avoidance tactic?

Mirror fasting involves abstaining from looking at one's reflection for a set period of time. Is it a helpful behavior modification technique for people who struggle with their body image, or is it an avoidance tactic?

Pornography
Internet Porn and Body Image

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on September 4, 2012

How does the changing landscape of internet porn influence the way young teens view their maturing bodies? And how does it shape their perspective on what is arousing?

How does the changing landscape of internet porn influence the way young teens view their maturing bodies? And how does it shape their perspective on what is arousing?

Bullying
Does Our Youth View Aging as An Illness?

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on August 17, 2012

Justin Beiber's comment about Prince William's thinning hair riled Brits, when he suggested he use Propecia, saying, "I just don't know why he doesn't just get those things, those products." Many took offense, wondering Gen X and Yers view aging as an illness that needs to be fixed.

Justin Beiber's comment about Prince William's thinning hair riled Brits, when he suggested he use Propecia, saying, "I just don't know why he doesn't just get those things, those products." Many took offense, wondering Gen X and Yers view aging as an illness that needs to be fixed.

Bullying
When Plastic Surgery is Used as a Solution to Bullying

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on August 8, 2012

Bullying in on the minds of many and is a serious concern with lasting impact. We generally think of it as a psychological issue, but now it seems it has become a physical one, as well.

Bullying in on the minds of many and is a serious concern with lasting impact. We generally think of it as a psychological issue, but now it seems it has become a physical one, as well.

Aging
Women Can Be Their Own Worst Critics

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on July 31, 2012

Why are women's looks so often a topic of fascination — and criticism — even among women themselves? We seem so ready to judge the choices our fellow sisters make, from how we handle our relationships, children and careers, to how we deal with our aging appearance.

Why are women's looks so often a topic of fascination — and criticism — even among women themselves? We seem so ready to judge the choices our fellow sisters make, from how we handle our relationships, children and careers, to how we deal with our aging appearance.

Aging
The Secret to Aging Well – Not Keeping It a Secret!

Vivian Diller Ph.D. on May 14, 2012

One thing that continues to surprise me is how shocked people (especially other women) seem when I admit my age. With such frequent public displays of midlife success — think Streep at 62 on the cover of Vogue or Madonna at 53 performing during this year's Super Bowl — you would think that a woman's age need no longer be kept secret.

One thing that continues to surprise me is how shocked people (especially other women) seem when I admit my age. With such frequent public displays of midlife success — think Streep at 62 on the cover of Vogue or Madonna at 53 performing during this year's Super Bowl — you would think that a woman's age need no longer be kept secret.