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Generativity, aging and subjective well-being

Author

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  • Leonardo Becchetti

    (University of Rome Tor Vergata)

  • Davide Bellucci

    (University of Turin)

Abstract

We show that generativity, intended as the capacity of affecting positively other human lives, has a strong and significant effect on life sense and life satisfaction of individuals aged 50 and above. We define three generativity dimensions: individual generativity power, local generativity power and individual generativity in act. We find that generativity in act (both in its leisure and work dimensions) has a positive and significant effect on subjective well-being. The gross effect is, however, smaller than the net effect since generativity in act is negatively correlated with the internal locus of control (control over one’s own life). Our findings have strong policy implications since generativity affects consumption and saving choices of utility maximizing economic agents and policymakers may create consensus by building generative societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonardo Becchetti & Davide Bellucci, 2021. "Generativity, aging and subjective well-being," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 68(2), pages 141-184, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:inrvec:v:68:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s12232-020-00358-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s12232-020-00358-6
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    2. Sarvarubini Nainee & Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim & Masarah Mohamad Yusof, 2023. "Generativity and Subjective Wellbeing of Malaysian Old Adults: The Role of Gender and Living Arrangement," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Life satisfaction; Subjective well-being; Life sense; Generativity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • B21 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Microeconomics
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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