Legacyproject.human.cornell.edu
Posted by: Christine Bulson
Karl Pillemer, a professor of human development at Cornell University began the Legacy Project eight years ago. He and his researchers have interviewed more than 1,500 people over seventy. They were asked about life experiences, both positive and negative, and how these experiences have enriched their life. The answers, some with video, are divided by broad topics – love and marriage, raising children, health, living with loss, etc. Dr. Pillemer just published a book on the interviews, 30 Lessons for Living (2011, Hudson Street Press). Anyone may add lessons to the site by clicking on “Give Your Advice.” Although the project has interviewed people over 70, anyone is encouraged to ask friends and relatives questions such as “what are the most important lessons you have learned?”, “What advice might you give to others about growing older?” As 2012 begins here are two resolutions you might keep – regarding child rearing – “Abandon perfection” and thinking of aging – “Accept it.”
