The role of generativity in successful aging for Alaska Native Elders

Introduction Generativity, the 7th stage of development in later life that refers to a time when personal resources are given to others and used to improve the quality of society. Generativity is teaching and leading the “Seventh Generation”

Changing roles of Elders The lifespan of AN Elders today continues to increase with improvements in health care technology and services. Longer lifespan may have a direct impact on the recognition and respect of Elders in rural communities (Baltes, Reese, & Lipsitt, 1980). How elders are viewed in society today is vastly different from the past.

Elders – “Keepers of the meaning” George Vaillant (1977) referred to generative individuals as the “keepers of the meaning.” – They seek to pass on the most valued traditions of a culture, to teach the most valued skills and outlooks, to impart wisdom, to foster the realization of human potential in future generations (de St. Aubin, McAdams, & Kim, 2004).

Generative Mismatch The large U.S. baby boom cohorts are at the point in the life course marked by the saliency of generativity. “Generative mismatch” (p. 610) occurs when older generations’ experiences and abilities to offer guidance fail to match the demands of the youth for new knowledge. The gap of knowledge between Elders and youth is growing rapidly with the advent of technology.

Generativity Generativity is a personal resource shared with others and is not used to eliminate the elders’ own stress and life events (Keyes & Ryff, 1998), but instead is used to improve the quality of society. The concept of Generativity also contributes to the elders’ quality of life and how they rate their health and well-being (Lewis, 2011).

Generativity Expressed in various forms – Being productive at work – Raising children – Involvement in community activities and organizations

Grand-generativity The various roles Elders play – Aging parent – Grandparent – Old friend – Advisor/mentor A mechanism for perpetuating wisdom, knowledge, and cultural values beyond their lives (also referred to as cultural generativity)

Nondalton, AK

Study Demographics 6 Aleut Elders (Naknek, Perryville) 19 Yup’ik Eskimo Elders (Dillingham, Manokotak, Togiak) 1 Athabascan woman (Nondalton) Men: 11 total (Aleut, Yup’ik) Women: 15 total (Aleut, Athabascan, Yup’ik) Age range: years old Average age: 73 years old

Togiak, AK

Generativity & Successful aging Opportunity to share knowledge of living a traditional lifestyle was an important aspect of aging successfully. One Elder shared: “Ones that like to give advice to others and help direct the right way by talking.” Another Elder shared: “As they age they like to share about awareness and acknowledge; what obstacles they are facing.”

Naknek, AK

Generativity & Successful aging Elders taught how to integrate traditional medicine and knowledge of Western medicine. Elders discussed their desire to share their knowledge of medicines through classes, or gatherings in the community

Perryville, AK

Generativity & successful aging Family, community, and culture are important parts of how Elders define successful aging. – They provide Elders with a sense of purpose – A role in their family and community – Opportunities to contribute to the health and well-being of their family and community

Dillingham, AK

Cultural Generativity Concerned with passing on traditions, values, and ways of knowing – As opposed to passing down practical skills through other forms of generativity Influenced by those who have come before us and those who will come after us

Words of the Elders One Elder shared how they share their knowledge with the youth: “Elders can have a class to show them how to build a harpoon, or the right way to put together a sled. Have more activities where elders can get out and about and show their skills.”

Manokotak, AK

Generativity & Culture Erikson (1980) believes stages of human development can be applied to any culture. – Cultures ask their children to learn certain skills to develop identity, boundaries, career, care for next generation All cultures attempt to achieve these goals for their children – Teaching others ensures the survival of culture, language, and community.

Indigenous “Cultural Generativity” Defined as any act of Elder where they are passing on: – traditional values – subsistence practices – Language – any other activity that preserves and passes on the culture of the family and community (Lewis, 2014).

How to encourage indigenous cultural generativity Elder/youth interactions – Classroom volunteering and cultural demonstrations Grandparents spending time with grandchildren – Friday night date night Grandparents teaching own adult children – Sharing recipes and traditional child rearing practices Ask Elders to share their stories and experiences

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