Generativity

"If the task of young adults is to create biological heirs, the task of old age is to create social heirs." George Vaillant

Erik Erickson coined the term 'generativity' to describe moving from a focus on oneself to a focus on a broader social radius, giving to the community and to the larger world.  This aspect of 'giving back' is a central component of successful aging.  As caregivers for someone with dementia, we certainly give to that individual, and perhaps that does not allow us time to give in a larger sense.  One reason I write this blog is to 'give back' reliable and helpful information from my years of psychological training and experience to assist anyone dealing with a stressful life situation.  In what ways do you care for and guide the next generation or the larger world?