Welcome

I write, teach, and study the wondrous complexity of human relationships in later life.

Would you like to join in? Feel free to comment on my blog or complete my survey on parenting adults; or, let’s talk about bringing a workshop or seminar to your school.

Why Study Love?

Love Stories of Later LifeWhy would a social worker study romantic love among older adults? Since the publication of my book, Love Stories of Later Life, I’ve faced this question more times than I can count. The most authentic answer might be, “Because I could.” I had tenure, and could afford to take the risk – which brings up an interesting digression into why the study of romance is a risky proposition. The more accurate response might be, “Because I wanted to.” I have always been fascinated by romance and wondered what late life might have to offer.  Read the full article (PDF).

Watch my interview: Faculty Facetime with Professor of Love

My Inaugural Professorial Lecture: Love Stories of Later Life
(If video does not run properly, try Firefox or Safari browser.)

Order my book: Love Stories of Later Life

Parenting Adults

What does it mean to be moms and dads when our children have grown? Is it wrong for adults to live with their parents? Should I expect my daughter to quit her job to take care of me in old age? Am I to blame when my adult children misbehave? Can adults and their parents just “be friends?”

These are just a few of the questions addressed in this new study of parenting (adults). Never before has parenting lasted so long; and never before have so many people faced the opportunities and challenges that stem from this new life stage. Unable to turn to the tried and true, most of us are navigating this stage without guide posts or road maps. In this project, my students and I are using narrative methods to map the territory of parenting in later life.

I would like to invite you to participate in an Internet survey that asks questions about: the meaning of parenthood in later life; your experiences, as either a parent or the child of a parent in later life; and the norms governing late-life parenting in your community.

Work in Progress

 

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