Terrie Moffitt, PhD, a renowned psychology professor at Duke University and leader of the Dunedin study, dives deep into the remarkable findings on aging from this long-term research tracking over 1,000 New Zealanders since 1972. She discusses how genetics and life experiences shape not just physical but mental health as well. Moffitt highlights the innovative Dunedin-PACE test for measuring biological aging, the significance of early life circumstances, and potential lifestyle interventions that could align biological and chronological ages.

In this discussion, guests Jay Belsky and Terrie Moffitt, both esteemed professors of human development and co-authors of The Origins of You, delve into how childhood experiences shape adult lives. They share fascinating insights from longitudinal studies on self-control and behavioral traits like aggressiveness and shyness. The conversation uncovers the lasting impact of childhood bullying, questions the assumptions stemming from the marshmallow experiment, and highlights the importance of early interventions in promoting positive outcomes.