OLDER ADULT’S SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF GENERATIVITY AND THEIR DAILY ACTIVITY IN JAPAN

Abstract

Japanese policy on community health promotion has become focused on intergenerational reciprocity. However, the role of intergenerational awareness in older adults’ health and their activities requires more community-based research and practice. This study examines how Japanese elderly’s self-perceptions of generativity and their daily activities are related. A survey was conducted in two towns in the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2016 as a baseline study of the research project promoting generativity through intergenerational programs. The survey was mailed to 3,000 randomly selected community-dwelling adults between age 65 and 84 in each town and 2,230 in total were analyzed for this study. Daily activities were measured by Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC) which consists of 13 items (Yes or No answer with total score range from 0 to 13). The scale measures instrumental ADLs, intellectual activities and social engagement activities. Self-perception of generativity was measured by a modified Japanese version of the Hopkins Generativity Index. The scale consists of 3 subscale scores with a total score range from 12 to 72. A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict TMIG-IC from generativity scale, education, age, sex, and region. TMIG-IC (M=11.57, SD=1.53), Generativity scale (M=34.36, SD=10.22). The overall regression model was significant, F(5,2224)=151.70, p<.001, with an R2 of .254. Generativity scale (β=.43, P<.001) was the most influential predictor, followed by sex (β=.261, P<.001) and age (β=-.075,P<.001), education. Region was a not significant predictor. For every 1 point increase in the generativity scale, TMIG-IC increases by .065.