As you age, is your life (and practice) stagnating, losing meaning?
As human beings we naturally crave connection and companionship. As our life slows down and work becomes less important, space opens, and we may question our meaning moving forward.
For many ‘work’ occupies a large place in their day/life and once this role is relinquished significant questioning may arise as to …’now what’ or ‘who am I now’?
Many years ago a colleague introduced me to the work of Erik Erikson, an American psychoanalyst who coined the phrase ‘identity crisis’. Erikson was known for his theory on psychosocial development and despite lacking a university degree became one of most eminent psychologists of the 20th century.
Erikson’s theory states as we move through life there are seven stages of development. Between the ages of 40-65 is the 6th stage, generativity versus stagnation. Contributing to society and doing things to promote future generations are important at this stage.
People who take responsibility are more likely to feel empowered and in control of their lives and destiny.
Key characteristics of generativity include:
- Developing long lasting relationships with family.
- Making meaningful commitments to other people.
- Mentoring others using your life skills.
- Contributing to the next generation.
Some characteristics of stagnation include:
- Being self-centred.
- Failing to get involved with others.
- Minimal effort to improve the self.
- Placing one’s concerns above all else.
There are health benefits of generativity
- Research suggests that generativity provides:
- Greater motivation to initiate and maintain healthy behaviours as people feel the power to pursue healthy activities.
- Increased diligence to make health decisions and regularly attend to healthcare needs.
- Enhanced self-satisfaction and with life in general from living a life of consequence and joy.
- More positive relationships with adults, in parenting or in the lives of others.
- Greater productivity through an active, participatory role in the community and wider world.
- Factors that contribute to generativity:
- A sense of pride in families, children, relatives.
- Feeling part of something that is larger than the self.
- Participating in social organisations, providing feelings of inclusion.
- Taking responsibility for life and ongoing choices.
You can improve generativity
- There are many ways to improve during this stage including:
- Participation in community: taking part in community projects, getting involved in support groups.
- Assuming responsibilities: looking for new ways to take on new roles or improving some aspect of your household.
- Learning new skills: learning a new skill and then sharing this skill with others.
- Volunteering: making a difference in the lives of others.
- People who have positive relationships with others, good quality health, and a sense of control over their lives often feel more productive and satisfied.
The risks of stagnation
When people fail to achieve generativity, it impacts on how the later years of their life evolve including:
- Reduced cognitive function: less active engagement is associated with weaker cognitive function later in life, with an increasing risk of depression and becoming vulnerable.
- Poorer health: those with a sense of stagnation face worse health due to less motivation to look after themselves, fewer healthcare routines.
- Lower quality relationships: poorer social connections occur as people get older and social relationships play an important part in healthy aging.
- Decreased life satisfaction: people are less likely to feel satisfied with their life and to look at life with regret, a sense of boredom.
How to reduce stagnation
- Those who suffer from poor health, poor relationships, and feel they have no control over their fate are more likely to experience feelings of stagnation. There are ways to feel more productive including:
- Exploring a new hobby - finding a new passion is a great way to feel more creative and inspired.
- Learning something new - acquiring and then applying new skills can help you feel more productive.
- Finding new sources of inspiration - seeking out things to feel inspired so as to build motivation to approach new things.
- Looking for new opportunities - looking for new ways to feel challenged, useful.
- Finding ways to combat stagnation can help people stay more active, engaged, and satisfied with life as they age.
Yoga Therapy is an approach to understand how your thinking, choices and lifestyle to date have impacted your life situation.
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Stress reduction - Yoga Therapy offers a range of techniques to reduce unremitting stress, anxiety, mood changes. It is more than just managing your symptoms; we discuss and explore how lifestyle changes are possible both in the short and long term.
- Personalised involvement - It can be tough dealing with ongoing change alone. A Yoga Therapist works closely with you to discover what works for you, what suits you and what you will enjoy. Yoga Therapy develops a personalised plan of safe and effective practices with you.
- Safe gentle practices - Movement is medicine for the mind. Yoga Therapy addresses physical function including mobility, balance, coordination, that are appropriate and relevant to your age and condition.
- Empowerment - You are empowered to be active in managing your health, learning techniques to bring into your daily life. Yoga Therapy engages you in practices for a positive outlook, improved self-esteem, and enhanced quality of life, regardless of your age and health.
