Aging at a Developmental Crossroad: The Case for Generativity in Later Life

Generativity is the task attached to middle-age in Erikson’s influential developmental theory. From this point of view, it has been defined as a concern for caring for and guiding the next generation and, in more general terms, for being productive and contributing to the well-being and improvement of families, communities and society as a whole. This chapter will first describe the concept of generativity, as it was proposed by Erikson, and how it was broadened by other authors. Second, it will review available evidence in relation to the impact of generativity on the aging older person and the social context in which generative activities take place, specifically in family and community contexts. Third, it will examine the ways in which generativity can also make sense in and be applied to older age groups, providing a conceptual framework that may enrich the concept of ‘aging well’, being complementary to other similar concepts such as successful aging and active aging. Finally, based on what is already known about generativity in later life, this chapter will suggest future lines of research to complete our understanding of generativity in later life.