Successful aging is a multidimensional construct, but there is no consensus regarding its components and operationalization. In previous research, many determinants and correlates of successful aging were examined, but research on the role of parenting and generativity or a concern for the welfare of the next generation, in the context of successful aging was rather scarce so far. Therefore, we conducted a study with the purpose of examining the relationship and contribution of parental satisfaction and generativity to successful aging of older parents. The subjects in the study were 444 older parents, 60 to 95 years old, from various parts of Croatia. Three dimensions of participants’ parental satisfaction were measured using one question for each. Generativity was examined by an adapted version of the Loyola Generativity Scale and successful aging by the Self-Rated Successful Aging Scale. Results have shown that subjects scored high on all three dimensions of parental satisfaction. Results on the successful aging scale correlated significantly with the examined dimensions of parental satisfaction and with generativity. Furthermore, results have shown that after controlling for sociodemographic variables, participants’ generativity and satisfaction with themselves as parents and with the relations they have with their adult children significantly contribute to successful aging. The findings of the study indicate the importance of generative concern for the next generation and one’s lasting contribution to society, as well as the importance of parental satisfaction of older parents for their successful adaptation to age related changes.

parental satisfaction, generativity, successful aging