202 Happiness Revisited with Jeff Golden

In EPISODE 202 OF GROWING OLDER LIVING YOUNGER  host Gillian Lockitch, and Jeff Golden discuss the complex relationship between happiness, health, and longevity, emphasizing that materialism does not enhance well-being. Despite economic growth, happiness levels have declined since the 1940s. Two years ago, in episode 136 I first spoke with Jeff Golden, author of Reclaiming the Sacred: Healing Our Relationships with Ourselves and the World, which won the Grand Prize at the Nautilus Book Awards. Since then, the world has continued to change in ways that affect our emotional, social, and even physical health. Today, Jeff joins me again to reflect on what has shifted in the past two years—both in the world and in his own perspective—and to share new insights on how we can cultivate happiness, connection, and purpose as we age.Golden highlights the importance of inner factors like self-worth and relationships over material possessions. He advocates for personal development, meditation, and gratitude practices to cultivate fulfillment. I share my experience with a personal development program that helps recognize and overcome negative self-judgments. Both of us stress the need for self-nourishment and the ripple effects of personal happiness on societal well-being. Episode Timeline: 0.01 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast 3:38 Recap of Previous Discussion and Current Context 8:57  Personal Responsibility and Social Fragmentation 14:52 Personal Development and Overcoming Saboteurs 20:32 Aging and the Importance of Self-Understanding 28:44 Navigating Digital Distractions and Cultivating Fulfillment 36:06 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Action Steps: Age is Just a Number Check out the Age is Just a Number A to Z 2025 Blogging Challenge Learn about Jeff Golden   www.reclaimingthesacred.net Schedule a  call with Dr. Gillian Lockitch.  Join the GOLY Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/growingolderlivingyounger