“For the next generation” drives communities: generative concern and community participation among middle-aged and older adults

In Japan, rapid population aging and the weakening of local communities have heightened the importance of promoting community participation among middle-aged and older adults. To this end, it is necessary to examine the psychological factors that facilitate such engagement. The present study aimed to investigate the association between generative concern and community participation, specifically focusing on involvement in community activities and interactions with neighbors. An online survey was conducted with middle-aged and older Japanese adults, and data from 540 participants (aged 50–87) were analyzed. Results from generalized linear models indicated that individuals with higher levels of generative concern reported greater involvement in community activities and more frequent interactions with neighbors, even after controlling for loneliness and demographic variables. Furthermore, exploratory analyses focusing on the interaction between generative concern and employment status revealed that the association between generative concern and community participation was particularly strong among participants who were not employed. These findings suggest that generative concern may serve as a psychological resource that promotes community participation among middle-aged and older adults in Japan, compensating for the loss of social roles that often accompanies retirement.