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Associations Between Generativity and Social Asymmetry among Older Adults in Japan

Ong, Anthony D; Graham, Eileen K; Jackson, Kathryn; Atherton, Olivia E; Luo, Jing; Willroth, Emily C; Beck, Emorie D; ... Steptoe, Andrew; + view all (2023) Associations Between Generativity and Social Asymmetry among Older Adults in Japan. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , Article gbad183. 10.1093/geronb/gbad183.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Loneliness and social isolation are major public health concerns among older adults in Japan. Generativity, the concern for and commitment to future generations, may buffer older adults from loneliness. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between generativity and social asymmetry (the discrepancy between social isolation and loneliness) among older adults in Japan. METHODS: Data were from two waves (2008 and 2012) of the Midlife in Japan (MIDJA) survey, a nationally representative longitudinal study of 645 adults aged 30-79 residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Generativity was measured using the six-item Loyola Generativity Scale. Social asymmetry was computed as the residual score from regressing loneliness onto social isolation. RESULTS: Higher generativity levels were associated with lower social asymmetry scores (B=-0.21, SE=0.04), but generativity change across waves did not predict social asymmetry four years later (B=-0.04, SE=0.06). DISCUSSION: Generativity may play a protective role in buffering older adults from the adverse effects of social isolation on loneliness. Promoting generativity among older adults may be a potential intervention strategy to reduce loneliness and improve well-being in aging populations in Japan.

Type: Article
Title: Associations Between Generativity and Social Asymmetry among Older Adults in Japan
Location: United States
DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad183
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbad183
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Generativity, Japan, Loneliness, Older Adults, Social Asymmetry, Social Isolation
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > Institute of Epidemiology and Health > Behavioural Science and Health
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10184797
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