Generativity among older adults who became disabled early in life: Helping oneself through contributing to others

Generativity in later life, defined as older adult's concern for contributing to others and to society, has been associated with increased quality of life in later life and explored mainly among healthy, independent, community-dwelling older adults. This study explored the presence, nature and significance of generative concerns among older adults who became physically disabled in middle age or earlier. Thirty-two people (20 women, 12 men) aged over 60 and living with physical limitations for a minimum of 20 years were interviewed about their contributions to others and how they were influenced by the experience of living with physical disability. Responses were thematically analyzed. Almost all participants described at least one manifestation of generativity. We identified four main themes: (a) parenting and grandparenting; (c) activism and participation in disability-related organizations; (b) being a role model for younger generations; and (d) self-care as maintaining autonomy. Disability is present in virtually all of the participants' contributions, mostly as a theme that is the object of the contribution or as a circumstance that molds it. The findings showed an expanded understanding of generativity, which includes everyday activities and self-care aspects that are not generally considered in typical mid-life generativity. Most contributions intertwine future-focused actions for others and present-oriented self-enhancement. Our results suggest that generativity is possible among older adults with disability. It serves as a pathway for discovering meaning in disability (and in life) through the development of others and yourself.