[Generative potential in advanced age. Sociological intergenerational considerations of an old topic]

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Sociology

Background:

• Generativity, initially linked to middle age, is now applied to later-life development.
• Previous research lacks clear distinctions regarding life stages (e.g., retirement) and generational concepts.
• Understanding generativity across diverse aging experiences is crucial for developmental psychology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how the concept of generativity evolves across different stages of later life.
• To differentiate generativity based on distinct generational frameworks (family, societal, welfare).
• To analyze the structural and normative aspects of generativity in various contexts of aging.

Main Methods:

• A stage-oriented approach, referencing Margret Baltes's theories, was employed.
• A generational approach was used to explore different concepts of generations.
• Analysis focused on the changing dimensions of generativity with aging.

Main Results:

• Generativity dimensions shift with aging: younger retired individuals exhibit more active generativity.
• Fragile and dependent older adults show more passive and compensating generativity.
• Generativity within family generations is supported by social norms.

Conclusions:

• Generativity's expression varies significantly based on an individual's stage of later life and dependency level.
• Societal and welfare generativity represent unstructured or anomic developmental tasks.
• Further research is needed to understand the normative underpinnings of broader societal generativity.