Generative Acts: Family and Community Involvement of Older Australians

Abstract

The article adopts a developmental approach to successful human aging by exploring the concept of generativity in relation to a study of older Australians' lived experiences of involvement in the family and community. Qualitative data, collected through focus group interviews, were analyzed interpretively using recent developments in Erikson's theory of generativity as a framework. As a result, the present study contributes an in-depth understanding of the role of generative acts to the lives of older people. The data provide illustrative support for Erikson's contention of a generativity/stagnation crisis in later life. Involvement in the family and community is seen as a productive and generative activity, which promotes a positive experience of aging. Two further emergent themes are also explored. First, the experiences of study participants illustrate the reciprocal and cyclical nature of grand-generativity, and the importance of intergenerational relationships. Finally, the data contribute to our knowledge of cultural generativity, and in particular the passing on of cultural knowledge through narratives and modeling.

Generativity and Political Participation in Old Age: A Mixed Method Study of Spanish Elders Involved in Political Organisations

“…Hart et al 2001;Peterson and Duncan 1999), research on older people has been virtually non-existent. Some authors have highlighted the link between the wider concept of "civic engagement" and generativity in old age (Kleiber and Nimrod 2008;Villar and Serrat 2014a;Warburton et al 2006), but elders' political participation has not been systematically explored through the lens of generativity. To this end, the present study aims to explore older people's political participation, specifically participation through organisations, in relation to dimensions of generativity.…”

Comparing the psychosocial health of tattooed and non-tattooed women

“…Generativity as a marker of psychosocial health Erikson (1963) held the position that achieving generativity is predicated on mastering earlier developmental crises and thus, generative people are more likely to possess psychological strengths or 'virtues' (Peterson & Klohnen, 1995). Accordingly, generativity has acted as a marker of psychological health, with subsequent research reporting positive associations between generativity and subjective well-being (Ackerman, Zuroff, & Moskowitz, 2000), emotional stability (de St. Aubin & McAdams, 1995), optimised psychological recovery after cancer (Bellizzi, 2004) satisfaction with the process of ageing (Warburton, McLaughlin, & Pinsker, 2006) and a negative association with depression (McAdams et al, 1998). Consistent with their role as 'norm bearers', generative adults commit to transmitting normative practices (Peterson & Klohnen, 1995).…”

Strengthening Families Through Volunteerism: Integrating Family Volunteerism and Family Life Education

“…Adults in midlife need a sense of purpose and want to contribute to future generations (Okun & Michel, 2006;Piercy et al, 2011;Warburton, McLaughlin, & Pinsker, 2006). According to Jirovec (2005), volunteering allows older adults to continue or restore their caregiving roles.…”

“…According to Jirovec (2005), volunteering allows older adults to continue or restore their caregiving roles. By interacting with youth, older adults have the opportunity to articulate and demonstrate their culture, beliefs, and values Romer, 2001;Warburton et al, 2006). While adults engage in their own development, they can also help children face their crises and overcome obstacles by transmitting knowledge and providing resources.…”

“…As they were confronted with new situations and cultures, the participants learned to adapt while also sharing their own experiences with the recipients of the voluntary acts. Warburton et al (2006) also examined generativity via focus group interviews with 184 older Australians who were involved with their families or communities. The qualitative analysis revealed that participants believed being involved in one's family and community later in life allowed them to reflect and act on the need to give back by way of sharing experiences, knowledge, and other resources.…”