Episode Details

Australians are wealthier, healthier and living longer than previous generations, so why are we becoming less happy?

Why are younger Australians now among the least happy people in the country?

And have expensive housing, social media and our constant desire for more turned the Australian dream into a treadmill we can never escape?

Today, Simon Kuestenmacher and I explore Australia's growing happiness paradox, why economic progress is no longer translating into greater life satisfaction, and what the demographic data tells us about the people who are struggling most.

We'll also discuss whether governments should be trying to make us happier, or whether happiness ultimately remains an individual responsibility.

By the end of today's show, you'll have a clearer understanding of why so many Australians feel worse despite having more, and what this could mean for our communities, workplaces, housing markets and political future.

Takeaways

• Rising wealth does not guarantee greater happiness in Australia

• Extra income delivers smaller emotional benefits in affluent societies

• Younger Australians face greater housing and lifestyle expectations

• Rising property values benefit owners but disadvantage younger households

• Social media intensifies comparison, envy, outrage, and dissatisfaction

• Digital contact cannot fully replace meaningful face-to-face relationships

• Longer commutes reduce time available for community and family

• One-person households can increase isolation and weaken social connection

• Consumer purchases provide temporary satisfaction through the hedonic treadmill

• Wellbeing depends heavily on purpose, freedom, relationships, and control

Chapters

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