About this episode

Sonja Lyubomirsky discusses the importance of love and connection in achieving happiness during retirement.

Discern what you’ll retire to. Join our group program starting in April. Learn more here _________________________ What if the secret to happiness isn’t success or achievement — but simply feeling loved? In this episode, one of the world’s top researchers on happiness and well-being Sonja Lyubomirsky explains why connection, curiosity, and listening may be the most powerful ingredients for a fulfilling life — and a meaningful retirement. Her new book, co-authored with relationship scientist Dr. Harry Reis, is How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most —and it offers a surprising and practical roadmap for getting there. Key insights? When you want to feel more loved, don’t try to make yourself more lovable. Don’t try to change the other person. Instead, change the conversation. Go first. Make them feel loved—and watch what happens next. This conversation is full of wisdom for anyone planning for or navigating retirement—a life stage where relationships become the center of your world. Dr. Lyubomirsky talks about the vulnerability paradox, the three magic words everyone wants to hear, why older people are actually happier…

People in this episode

Host: Retirement Wisdom

Guest: Sonja Lyubomirsky

Topics covered

• happiness
• relationships
• retirement
• well-being
• personal development

Keywords

• happiness
• retirement
• relationships
• well-being
• personal growth
• vulnerability paradox
• life design

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of California, Riverside

Books & works: How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most

Places: Santa Monica, California

More episodes of The Retirement Wisdom Podcast

• The Caregiving Trap…in Retirement – Pamela D. Wilson · April 27, 2026 · 22 min
• The Grandparenting Blueprint – Richard Eyre (Part Two) · April 23, 2026 · 27 min
• The Grandparenting Blueprint – Linda & Richard Eyre (Part One) · April 20, 2026 · 34 min
• Eat Your Ice Cream – Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD · April 13, 2026 · 32 min
• How to Stay Sharp in Retirement – Dr. Majid Fotuhi · April 6, 2026 · 31 min
• What Do You Want Out of Life…in Retirement ? – Valerie Tiberius · March 30, 2026 · 24 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Retirement Wisdom Podcast podcast page.