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Generativity in Later-Life: The Interplay Between Retirement Status and Human, Social, and Financial Capital
Natalee Hung1, Yu-Chih Chen1,2, Rebecca M P Choy Yung3
1Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
Journal of Gerontological Social Work
|May 15, 2023
Summary
Retirement status influences how older adults experience generativity. While financial resources matter for those working, retired individuals prioritize transmitting knowledge, with social support being key for all.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Aging
- Psychology of Aging
Background:
- Generativity is a key aspect of healthy aging, influenced by societal expectations.
- The impact of retirement status on generativity drivers remains underexplored.
- Understanding these drivers is crucial for supporting older adults' well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how retirement status interacts with financial, human, and social capital to influence generativity in later life.
- To identify specific capital types that predict generativity among working and retired older adults.
- To inform policies supporting healthy retirement transitions.
Main Methods:
- Online survey of adults aged 45+ in Hong Kong.
- Linear regression models stratified by employment status (working vs. retired).
- Analysis of financial (income, assets, satisfaction), human (education, health), and social capitals (engagement).
Main Results:
- For working adults, generativity correlated with capitals supporting material provision.
- For retired adults, generativity linked to capitals enabling knowledge and experience transmission.
- Close social network support was the strongest predictor for both groups.
Conclusions:
- Retirement status shapes the cultural demands influencing older adults' sense of contribution.
- Financial capital is more relevant for generativity when working, while human and social capital are key for transmission in retirement.
- Targeted interventions can support generativity across different retirement pathways.
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