Generative Concern; a Promising Health Promotion Component for Well-being of the Elderly in Galle, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Population of Sri Lanka is aging fast. Chronic diseases in the elderly have become a vital public health issue. Generativity, concern for teaching and nurturing the next generation, is identified as an important component of well-being of the elderly. This study assessed the generative concern in a sample of elders in Galle, and correlates of the construct.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an interviewer administered questionnaire in a sample of elders, aged 60 years and above in Galle. Loyola Generative Scale (LGS) and Kesslar 10 scale was used to assess generative concern and psychological stress respectively.

Results: A total of 208 elders were surveyed. The average age of the participants was 71 years (SD=7.5). The overall mean score of the LGS was 47.4 (SD=7.4). Generative concern was found to be higher among those elders whose spouse is alive (p<0.05), and among those who reported having had a secure income (p<0.05). About 39% of the participants were suffering from psychological distress. Generative concern was found not to be related to the level of psychological distress in this target group.

Discussion: The average LGS score of the elders in this sample is higher than that of elders in many countries where the figure was around 40. Thus, a majority of the elders in this target population seems to have a greater generative concern. There is a possibility, therefore to improve health and well-being of the elderly in the area by developing and implementing intergenerational social and community development programmes.