Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to emphasize how generativity among older people is related to the nature of the intergenerational interactions they experience. Specifically, the chapter discusses how smooth interactions between generations are important for the development of generativity and the continuation of altruistic behavior among older people in Asian cultures. After describing the interpersonal influences on the individual in Asian cultures compared with Western cultures, research on how interpersonal relationships with younger generations affect the development of generativity in older people is reviewed and discussed from the perspective of cultural differences in the development of generativity. In the final section, the importance of intergenerational relationships and interactions is illustrated by introducing an intervention study conducted in a child support program by seniors in Japan.