Ep 41. The Wisdom to Age Well: A Conversation with Dr. Monika Ardelt

2025-06-03

In this episode of New People, New Ways, we welcome Dr. Monika Ardelt—renowned sociologist, wisdom researcher, and pioneer in the study of spiritual aging. Dr. Ardelt is Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida and the creator of the widely used Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS). Her work explores what it means to live and die well, offering deep insights into the roles of wisdom, spirituality, and meaning throughout the human life span. Dr. Ardelt brings decades of research and personal reflection i...

In this episode of New People, New Ways, we welcome Dr. Monika Ardelt—renowned sociologist, wisdom researcher, and pioneer in the study of spiritual aging. Dr. Ardelt is Professor of Sociology at the University of Florida and the creator of the widely used Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS). Her work explores what it means to live and die well, offering deep insights into the roles of wisdom, spirituality, and meaning throughout the human life span.

Dr. Ardelt brings decades of research and personal reflection into a rich conversation that connects seamlessly with the Fresh Expressions movement. Together, we explore questions of aging in community, spiritual development across the life course, and how a Wesleyan imagination might embrace wisdom as a communal practice—not just an individual virtue.

She is also co-editor of Faith and Well-Being in Late Life, a landmark interdisciplinary volume that links spiritual traditions to evidence-based practices for human flourishing.

Learn more about her work and the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale here
Explore her co-edited book: Faith and Well-Being in Late Life

About New People // New Ways

What does a distinctly Wesleyan, Spirit-led movement that reaches people neglected by the church look like? Join the Fresh Expressions Florida team as they explore missional mischief-making with everyday people who are cultivating Christian communities of love and grace that serve those outside the typical church.

Hosted by Michael Adam Beck and Jessica Taylor, New People // New Ways is a show in partnership with Fresh Expressions Florida of the Florida United Methodist Church and Fresh Expressions UM from Path 1 at UMC Discipleship Ministries. Tune in if you desire to reach new people in new places and through new ways!

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