Challenging negative stereotypes and embracing strengths associated with aging

Challenging negative stereotypes and embracing strengths associated with aging

From The UC Irvine Podcast by University of California, Irvine

May 13, 2026 · 15 min

About this episode

Susan Charles discusses perceptions of aging and well-being in relation to Mental Health Awareness Month.

In 1949, Mental Health America established that each May would be recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for 2026 is “More Good Days, Together,” and it encourages everyone to think about what a “good day” looks like – for both ourselves and our communities. Here to share insight on that is Susan Charles, UC Irvine professor of psychology and nursing, who examines emotional processes across the adult lifespan. In this episode of The UC Irvine Podcast, she will discuss her award-winning findings on how people’s perceptions of good days – and their priorities – change as they grow older. The director of the Emotion Research Lab will also highlight several factors her team has learned contribute to well-being over the years and answer a common question: How do individuals know if they’re aging well? “The Day Is Close,” the music for this episode, was provided by The 126ers via the audio library in YouTube Studio.

People in this episode

Guest: Susan Charles

Topics covered

  • aging
  • mental health
  • emotional processes
  • well-being
  • perceptions of good days
  • psychology
  • nursing

Keywords

  • aging
  • mental health
  • well-being
  • emotional processes
  • good days
  • psychology
  • nursing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of California, Irvine, Mental Health America, The 126ers

Books & works: The Day Is Close

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