Abstract

This study explored how grit, a psychological resource in midlife, promotes successful aging by supporting social generativity. We also examined whether the presence of meaning in life(POM) moderates the mediating effect of social generativity. In this study, 420 middle-aged adults(M=57.85, SD=4.5), all of whom were married and had children, completed a self-reported questionnaire. After controlling for gender, socioeconomic status, and physical health status, the results showed significant positive direct and mediating effects of social generativity on the relationship between grit and successful aging in midlife on all pathways. Additionally, we found that POM moderated the mediating effect of social generativity. These findings suggest that the greater the perceived meaningfulness of life in midlife, the greater the influence of social generativity in mediating grit and successful aging. This study is significant in that it sheds light on the dynamics of psychological resources that may support successful aging in middle adulthood and longevity.