Cindy S. Bergeman, Ph.D., a researcher and faculty member at the University of Notre Dame, will present insight into “Aging Successfully” at the annual Hesburgh Lecture at Newman University.
The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. It is free and open to the public.
Bergeman earned her doctorate in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University and is currently a professor of psychology and an associate vice president for research at the University of Notre Dame.
Bergeman’s research investigates the interplay among stress, resilience mechanisms and health and well-being outcomes in young, middle-aged and older adults. She uses multiple methods — annual questionnaires, in-depth interviews and daily assessments — to identify and describe the various pathways through which converging behavioral, psychological, environmental and social processes contribute to resilience and optimal functioning in later life.
The goal of her research, she said, is to understand why some individuals age more successfully than others. Bergeman’s work is funded by multiple research grants from the National Institute on Aging.
Bergeman said, “In our busy 24/7 world, we need to take time to understand the role that stress plays in our health and happiness — the how, the why and what we can do about it. The ultimate goal is a balanced life with time for work, relationships, relaxation and fun — plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head-on.”
The annual Hesburgh Lecture is co-sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of Wichita and Newman University.
