adulthood. Erik Erikson, a German-born American psychologist and psychoanalyst suggested in his concept of generativity that procreation and caring / guiding children are manifestations of this psychodynamic urge. He later expanded this concept to indicate that when individuals get older, the tendency expands to caring for the community, the society and the environment. He called this“ grand- generativity,” which essentially is one’ s effort to leave a lasting legacy. There is ample evidence showing that one’ s urges to give and contribute are connected to well-being. R. Ranzijn called it“ productive aging.” The sad part is that if you talk to older adults whose physical abilities are compromised, many find themselves doubting their ability to pursue their generativity goals. Support them!

We are blessed to live at a time when society has awakened to the fact that older adults, by virtue of their long lives and experiences, bring with them wisdom, values, philosophies and insight that give them a capacity to be better members of society. And, they can

open our eyes to life’ s mysteries. But not many, especially the youth, have discovered that. If given the chance and supported, older adults really do want to stay connected and to engage with the world. They are passionate and keen about the younger generations and they care enough to wish for a better world for them. Contrary to what they think,“ Grandpa does know what is going on” and understands social issues and in many instances, more than the younger generation.

We need to recognize that older adults don’ t choose to be passive, that many of them wish to be active participants in life; that they too want to( albeit secretly in some cases) reach their potential. It is not an accident that Colonel Sanders launched Kentucky Fried Chicken in his 70s, or that the oldest person in the presidential office was 77 years old( President Ronald Reagan), or that this year’ s oldest Super Bowl volunteer is 85 years old. Our older adult population is trying to send a strong message and it is time for us to listen!

So, let’ s start a revolution— let’ s push for an“ age friendly” environment, an“ age-appreciative” community— and pave the way for all of us to be able to“ age with an attitude,” reach our potential, and leave a legacy that truly represents the self we wish others to know!

Sources:

Baltes, P. B., Lindenberger, U., & Staudinger, U. M.( 1996). Lifespan theory in developmental psychology.

In R. M. Lerner( Ed.), Theoretical models of human development. New York: Wiley.

Elsesser, S.( 2017). Super Bowl’ s oldest volunteer is 85 and still living life. Palm Beach Post

Ranzijn, R. The potential of older adults to enhance community quality of life: Links between positive

Psychology and productive aging.( 2002) Ageing International, Spring; Vol. 27, No 2. 30-35

Adam

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