by Mark Driskill, LICSW-S, CJFS Lead Clinician

For the past several years, I’ve paid attention to articles and news stories about the Blue Zones—geographic areas of the world where many people live exceptionally long lives and have a lower incidence of chronic illness. Researchers have found several characteristics common to these long-lived, healthy communities, including strong social connections and a sense of purpose.

This led me to think about a counseling client I’ll call George. He has several grandchildren whom he adores and tries to spend as much time with as possible. His grandchildren range from toddlers to teenagers, and they’re busy with school and a variety of activities. Still, it’s important to George to be present in their lives as much as he can.

George’s love for his grandchildren clearly gives him both social connection and a sense of purpose. It allows him to influence the next generation of his family with the values that matter to him. It gives him the chance to learn new things and to see the world through his grandchildren’s eyes. And it gives him the satisfaction of believing his life has made the world a better place.

In 1950, a psychoanalyst named Erik Erikson called this concept generativity. Erikson described generativity as “a concern for establishing and guiding the next generation.” He also suggested that people contribute to the next generation through caring, teaching, and engaging in creative work that benefits society. In a sense, generativity involves answering the question: “Can I make my life count?”

No matter what our paid job may have been, generativity can be expressed by contributing to the growth and development of others—not only grandchildren—through activities such as volunteering, mentoring, or supporting efforts that benefit future generations. Generativity can help people feel they are leaving a legacy, even if they can’t afford to fund a scholarship or donate to a foundation.

Generativity asks questions like: “Do I try to pass along the knowledge I’ve gained through my experiences?” or “Do I have a responsibility to improve the neighborhood in which I live?”Erikson described generativity as so important that he included it as one of the eight stages of human psychosocial development—each stage playing a role in healthy personality development.

So where do you find opportunities for generativity in your own life? Maybe you don’t have grandchildren—but can you stay on the lookout for ways to build meaningful social connection and cultivate a sense of purpose?

Additional Ways to Create Generativity

If you’re looking for practical, everyday ways to build generativity, here are a few:

• Mentor someone informally: Offer support to a younger coworker, a new neighbor, a student, or someone starting a new chapter.
• Volunteer consistently (not just once): Ongoing commitment—like tutoring, delivering meals, or supporting a community program—often creates deeper relationships and impact.
• Share your skills: Teach a class, lead a workshop, or offer “how-to” help (budgeting, cooking, home repair, job interviewing, technology).
• Be a steady adult presence: Support a child or teen through coaching, youth groups, foster mentoring, or simply being the “safe person” who shows up.
• Create something that lasts: Write down family stories, record recipes and traditions, build a small community project, or contribute art, writing, or music that reflects your values.
• Strengthen community ties: Start a neighborhood check-in, help organize a block gathering, or create a small support network for people who are isolated.
• Advocate in practical ways: Join a board, show up at community meetings, help improve a local school or park, or support a cause with time and leadership.
• Pass along what you’ve learned: Share hard-won lessons—about resilience, relationships, work, grief, or health—in a thoughtful, humble way.

At its core, I’m reminded that living well isn’t only about physical health—it’s also deeply tied to connection and meaning. I may not be able to control every part of life, but I can choose how I show up for other people. Whether it’s through grandchildren like George, or through mentoring, volunteering, creating, and simply being present, generativity gives me a way to invest in the next generation and feel that my life matters. Legacy doesn’t have to be something grand or expensive; it’s often built quietly, over time, through the values I pass on and the lives I touch.

If you’re are conteplating what your legacy will be, talking with a professional can help. Reach out to our CJFS counseling team to get connected with support that meets you where you are. We accept Medicare and most insurance plans and offer a sliding scale for private pay clients, ensuring that access is available to everyone. Call 205.879.3438 to learn more.

If you are interested in getting involved by volunteering for one of our programs, contact Caleigh Alevy, or 205-278-7101.