What is generativity?
Generativity is a psychological concept that refers to theconcern and commitment to guiding the next generation and contributing to the well-being of society through the transmission of knowledge, values and culture.
This concept appears in the stage of middle adulthood, where people often focus on leaving a legacy, whether through raising children, working, participating in the community or any activity that involves a significant and lasting contribution to future generations.
Generativity in old age
Developing generativity is considered crucial for well-being andpersonal satisfaction in middle adulthood and old age.
During old age, people maintain the same focus as in middle adulthood. In old age, generativity may take more reflective and less physical forms, but it remains an important source of meaning and personal satisfaction.
Generativity is manifested in old age in many ways:
Mentoring and tutoring
Older adults often take on mentoring roles, offering conversations about their experience and knowledge to young people, whether in family, educational or professional contexts.
Volunteering and community participation
Many older adults engage in volunteer activities, participating in charities, community groups, or social causes, which allows them to continue to contribute meaningfully to society.
Transmission of wisdom and traditions
Old age is a period in which many people focus on passing on family stories, cultural traditions and values to younger generations, helping to preserve cultural and family heritage.
Writing and artistic creation
Some older adults devote themselves to writing memoirs, poetry, or creating works of art, using these forms of expression to leave a lasting legacy. The sociocultural animation activities for seniors is a great idea.
Family care
Although their roles may change, many older adults continueto play important roles within their families, whether caring for grandchildren, supporting their adult children, or providing advice and emotional support.
Social and political activism
Some older adults become involved in activism, advocating for social, political or environmental changes, using their time and experience to influence causes they consider important for the future.
Commitment to generativity in old age not only benefits society, but also provides individuals with a sense of purpose and connection, which is crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being.
The feeling of continuing to be useful and having a positive impact can improve quality of life and contribute to a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction at this stage of life.
How to promote the development of generativity in older people?
In care of the elderly we have to keep in mind the development of generativity. This involves creating opportunities and environments that allow them to continue feeling useful and valued. Here we leave you some strategies to promote generativity in older people:
Encourage mentoring and tutoring
- Mentoring programs: Create programs where older people can share their experience and knowledge with young people in schools, universities or work environments.
- Intergenerational support networks: Facilitate the creation of networks where elders can offer mentoring in various areas, from professional skills to life advice. Intergenerational workshops are a good meeting point for creating mentoring spaces.
Promote volunteering
- Community volunteering: Provide opportunities for older people to participate in volunteering activities in charities, hospitals, schools, etc. It is important to ensure that volunteer activities are accessible and appropriate for the physical and emotional capabilities of older people.
- Oral history projects: Start projects where elders can share and document their life stories and experiences for future generations.
- Cultural and family events: Organize events where elders can share cultural traditions, family recipes, and historical stories with their families and the community.
Support artistic creation and writing
- Classes and workshops: Offer writing, art, music, and other forms of creative expression workshops adapted for seniors. A good example is the activities offered in the neighborhood civic centers, where in addition to promoting creative expression the elderly are encouraged to interact among equals.
- Publication and exhibition: Create opportunities for older people to publish their works or exhibit their artistic creations in the community.
Support in raising grandchildren
Offering active roles in the family to our elders, making them an active part of family decisions and the daily life of the family itself.
Facilitate access to education
Provide training in the use of digital technologies so that seniors can stay connected and participate in generative activities online. In this way we help to eliminate or partially correct the digital gap for older people.
Benefits of generativity in old age
As we have mentioned, a good development of generativity implies multiple benefits in older people, impacting their emotional, psychological and social well-being.
Generativity impacts older people on many scales, it gives them objectives and goals related to maintaining daily motivation, they present a renewed purpose with future generations and with themselves. In addition, improves emotional well-being, reduces the tendency toward unwanted loneliness so prevalent in this population group, reducing the rate of depression and anxiety and increasing personal satisfaction by achieving generative goals.
The improved self-esteem, the feeling of identity and the recognition for good personal work are important aspects that the development of generativity in old age provides to older people.
A good development of generativity in old age not only enriches the lives of older people, but also benefits society in general, creating a more connected and supportive community.
