Living Well: Epistolary Messages to Young People as a Manifestation of the Generativity of the War Generation and the Baby Boomers of Poland

Generativity can be understood as a conglomerate of psychosocial traits focused on concern for ensuring a good future for future generations. In a qualitative study based on an inductive analysis of 36 letters written by people aged 60-93, ways of expressing generativity through the transmission of experience, wisdom and concern for a good life to younger generations were identified. The analysis focuses on the intergenerational transmission of reflections and values regarding the “good life” to younger generations. Its goal is to sensitize them to issues relevant from the perspective of those at the end of their lives. The results of the study underscore that letters are a form of expression of generativity by older people. At the forefront of the message is the need to share wisdom and values that seniors consider essential to “living well” in the context of their own experience. The letters are dominated by reflections on the meaning of life, working on one's self and engagement in one's life, seeking joy in life, the importance of relationships with others, and the need to cultivate well-being and attentiveness to daily experiences.