Generativity and the Continuum of Suffering and Flourishing in Later Life

Abstract

Although much of the work on generativity has taken place in the context of a lifespan perspective, the authors focus their work on the idea that generativity in later life is a cultural construct deeply connected to the notions of suffering and flourishing. A lifetime of experiences and social marginalization in old age can contribute to the experience of suffering in later life through malignant social positioning, social death, loss of self, and loss of status. The ability to flourish, which includes purpose, meaningfulness, connectedness, and social belonging, is influenced by opportunities which may be limited as one ages. Rather than through a dichotomous lens of negative or positive states of being (suffering vs. not suffering, flourishing vs. non-flourishing), the authors view one’s position in later life as existing on a continuum influenced by generativity. This chapter explores the construct of later life in the context of suffering and flourishing, with generativity as a major influence. The authors have developed a conceptual diagram and examples to illustrate how generativity may operate to move one closer toward flourishing, or, through its absence, towards suffering. The importance is stressed of considering the multifaceted ways that experiences of individuals and groups are shaped.