The Role of Generativity in Later Life in the Case of Productive Activities: Does the Type of Active Aging Activity Matter?

Abstract

Active aging has been associated with both personal and social benefits. However, active aging encompasses a broad range of activities, including self-oriented and community-oriented ones. The aim of this study was to explore to what extent generativity is a key factor in differentiating between both types of activity, and to contribute to the theoretical and methodological literature on generativity as a multidimensional concept relevant to later life participation in certain activities related to an active style of living. A sample of 549 older adults who engaged in two types of self-oriented activity (leisure activities and students of University of the Third Age programs) and two types of community-oriented activity (formal volunteering and political activism) participated in this study. Following a mixed-method strategy, we administered several qualitative and quantitative measures of generativity, including generative concern, generative goals, and perceived cultural demand. Our results showed that participants who engaged in self-oriented and community-oriented activities differed on all dimensions of generativity. Differences in generativity were particularly high regarding cultural demand and future generative goals, which were far more frequently mentioned by political activists and volunteers than by university of the third age students and those pursuing leisure activities. Overall, our findings suggest that generativity plays a role in older adults’ participation in some (but not all) active aging activities in later life, and that our understanding of generativity in later life gains from a multidimensional assessment of the concept.

Spanish Older LGBT+ Adults: Satisfaction with Life and Generativity

“…In addition, research supports that generativity is enhanced by the participation and engagement in society, including formal (by volunteering in charities or activism/advocacy) and informal (such as helping neighbours or co-workers, or caring for relatives) involvement (Pinazo-Hernandis et al, 2022). Our participants who are daily involved in social activities experience higher generativity and satisfaction with life, which has been associated to healthy and active aging (WHO, 2020).…”

The influence of generativity on purpose in life is mediated by social support and moderated by prefrontal functional connectivity in at-risk older adults

“…The literature suggests that generativity remains stable or even increases in older adulthood (Isaacowitz, 2021). Importantly, generativity is associated with life satisfaction, well-being, participation in productive activities, self-efficacy, and physical health (Doerwald et al, 2021; Gruenewald et al, 2012; Pinazo-Hernandis et al, 2023; Wiktorowicz et al, 2022).…”

Neurobehavioral Mechanisms Influencing the Association Between Generativity, the Desire to Promote Well-Being of Younger Generations, and Purpose in Life in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Prior studies have shown that generativity remains stable or even increases in older adulthood ( Isaacowitz, 2021 ). Moreover, it is associated with life satisfaction, well-being, participation in productive activities, self-efficacy, and physical health ( Gruenewald et al, 2012 ; Pinazo-Hernandis et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Intergenerational relationships are thought to play a pivotal role in providing older adults with multifaceted support that contributes to a heightened social identity and purpose ( Rossi et al, 2014 ). Older adults high in generativity are more likely to participate in community-oriented compared to self-oriented activities ( Pinazo-Hernandis et al, 2023 ), broadening opportunities for building and maintaining supportive social relationships. Moreover, there appears to be a reciprocal relationship between giving and receiving social support in intergenerational relationships.…”