Joe Coughlin Stars on The Mel Robbins Podcast

by Niels Wu

Coughlin, left, standing with Robbins in the studio

AgeLab founding director Joe Coughlin was recently featured on an episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast. Each installment of the show follows Mel Robbins as she interviews experts about how to build a better life and dispenses advice that listeners can apply themselves.

During his episode, Dr. Coughlin discussed a sweeping range of AgeLab research topics including the 8,000 days framework, the Longevity Preparedness Index, and ongoing research around the experiences of family caregivers.

Lauren Cerino also appeared during the episode to dress Robbins in AGNES, or the Age Gain Now Empathy System, a simulation suit designed by the AgeLab to mimic age-related changes in the body and build empathy for the lived experience of older adults.

Cerino, kneeling, dressing Robbins in AGNES

“It really does because it puts into perspective the physical friction of just getting through the day,” Robbins said with the suit on. Later, during a series of exercises like lifting a basket of laundry or texting a photo to her husband, she described a feeling of “resignation” that helped her empathize with older people who might feel overwhelmed by products like cell phones that are not tailored to their needs.

Find the full episode here. It is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Behind the scenes in the studio


Researchers Mentioned
Joseph Coughlin
Lauren Cerino
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About the Author

Photo of Niels Wu
Niels Wu

Niels Wu is a Technical Associate at the MIT AgeLab where he researches the experiences of family caregivers, and how people make financial decisions across the lifespan. He co-coordinates the 85+ Lifestyle Leaders and Preparing for Longevity Advisory Network (PLAN) Panels, and co-manages the AgeLab's blog. Apart from his work at the AgeLab, Niels is pursuing a master's in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He earned his B.A. from Colby College where he studied Anthropology and Mathematics.

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