The Search for Meaning After Age 50

Innovating Life and Looking Forward.

Resilience
The Surprise Mindset

Elaine Dundon on April 15, 2026

A Surprise Mindset is a mental attitude that you can develop to be more open to new, unexpected experiences and to find deeper meaning in those experiences.

A Surprise Mindset is a mental attitude that you can develop to be more open to new, unexpected experiences and to find deeper meaning in those experiences.

Self-Help
It’s Time to Create Your Meaning List

Elaine Dundon on January 17, 2026

Creating a "Meaning List" instead of lists of tasks or goals may reveal new insights into what is truly important to you.

Creating a "Meaning List" instead of lists of tasks or goals may reveal new insights into what is truly important to you.

Artificial Intelligence
With AI, This Time Is Different

Elaine Dundon on August 14, 2025

Personal Perspective: We are moving at high speed into a programmed world in which AI will change our way of life, leaving behind many of the aspects of what makes us human.

Personal Perspective: We are moving at high speed into a programmed world in which AI will change our way of life, leaving behind many of the aspects of what makes us human.

Aging
Longevity and Meaning

Elaine Dundon on February 24, 2025

Do you want to live a long life or a long, meaningful life? Reflect upon “How do I find deeper meaning in my aging journey?” not “How do I keep myself alive until I am 100?”

Do you want to live a long life or a long, meaningful life? Reflect upon “How do I find deeper meaning in my aging journey?” not “How do I keep myself alive until I am 100?”

Environment
Lobsters and the Meaning of Life

Elaine Dundon on September 1, 2024

A lobster receives signals that it's time to molt and transition to a larger shell that will enable its growth. Are you ignoring similar signals or instincts?

A lobster receives signals that it's time to molt and transition to a larger shell that will enable its growth. Are you ignoring similar signals or instincts?

Bias
Finding Meaning in the Natural Process of Aging

Elaine Dundon on June 6, 2024

Aging, in many respects, is a self-fulfilling prophecy: The more we are told we are old, the more we believe we are. And the older we feel we are, the older we act.

Aging, in many respects, is a self-fulfilling prophecy: The more we are told we are old, the more we believe we are. And the older we feel we are, the older we act.

Authenticity
Thinking About Food Through the Lens of Authenticity

Elaine Dundon on December 13, 2023

Many people know which foods are healthy and which are not. However, the majority of Americans are overweight or obese. So why do we keep choosing the unhealthy options?

Many people know which foods are healthy and which are not. However, the majority of Americans are overweight or obese. So why do we keep choosing the unhealthy options?

Fear
Finding Meaning in the Mayhem

Elaine Dundon on July 25, 2023

Try these three practices to cope with disruption and mayhem in order to find deeper meaning in your life.

Try these three practices to cope with disruption and mayhem in order to find deeper meaning in your life.

Resilience
Reject Rejection in 3 Steps

Elaine Dundon on May 12, 2023

Finding the deeper meaning in rejection can strengthen your resilience to confront life’s challenges. Follow this simple formula for building resilience.

Finding the deeper meaning in rejection can strengthen your resilience to confront life’s challenges. Follow this simple formula for building resilience.

Relationships
The Simple Lesson of the Echo

Elaine Dundon on January 8, 2023

Our life can be a reflection of what we think, say, and do... so be careful with your thoughts, words, and actions.

Our life can be a reflection of what we think, say, and do... so be careful with your thoughts, words, and actions.

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Magazine
May 2026 magazine cover
May 2026
The Best Ways to Begin Again

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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