Our research program represents an analysis of the interface between emotion and cognition, and how emotion-cognition interactions relate to and underlie complex social behavior. We investigate these processes within a life-span context – focusing on an important vulnerable segment of society, namely older adults. As such, we seek to understand the psychological losses that occur as we age but with an eye equally toward the strengths from which we can draw in later life. Our ultimate hope is to discover practical means by which quality of life can be enhanced at all stages of life.