THE GOLDEN YEARS, STAYING ACTIVE FOR LIFE

5) Active for Life and Giving Back (Ages 30+)

Erikson's Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation (Age 40-60)
Erikson's Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair (Ages 60 to the end of life)
LTAD Stage 7: Active for Life (Any Age)

Erikson Stage 7: Generativity vs Stagnation (Age 40-60)

Erikson's seventh stage is about contributing to the well-being of others and helping to develop the next generation. This is often expressed through parenting, mentoring, teaching, or community involvement. Erikson suggested that adults need to care for others in order to feel that their lives have purpose. If an adult is unable to move beyond self-interest, they may experience stagnation, feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. For many, this is a time when they realize that the most meaningful aspects of life come from giving back—whether to children, students, or communities.

Erickon Stage 8: Integrity vs Despair (60 to the end of life)

In the final stage of life, adults reflect on their past and assess whether they have lived a fulfilling life. A person who is content with their achievements and relationships will experience a sense of integrity, feeling at peace with their life’s journey. In contrast, those who harbor regret, unresolved issues, or a sense of missed opportunities may experience despair. As Erikson put it, “Just as a healthy child will not fear life, the healthy adult will not fear death." The goal is to reach a sense of closure and acceptance, recognizing that life, though finite, was lived with purpose.

LTAD Stage 7: Active for Life (Any Age)

The goal of long-term athlete development (LTAD) is to foster lifelong participation in physical activity. This stage encourages adults to remain active for health, happiness, and overall well-being, regardless of whether they are elite athletes. The concept of Active for Life promotes the idea that sports and physical activity should be a lifelong endeavor, contributing not just to physical fitness but also to mental and social health. As adults, staying active can lead to better overall health, increased longevity, and a higher quality of life. It's a holistic approach to well-being that extends beyond competitive sports and into everyday life.

“Sport for Life is a philosophy that stresses lifelong participation in sports and other activities. It’s not just for elite athletes, but for everyone who wants to promote better health and wellness.”

(Sport for Life, 2024)

Giving Back

By the time individuals reach adulthood, they have often mastered certain skills and accumulated a wealth of experience. At this point, many athletes feel compelled to pass on their knowledge to the next generation. Whether through coaching, mentoring, or becoming administrators, officials, or policy makers, former athletes often choose to "pay it forward." This phase of life is marked by a desire to contribute to others’ growth and success, sharing the lessons learned throughout their own careers.

In sports, this often manifests in roles such as coaching youth teams, volunteering in local sports organizations, or working with community outreach programs. Giving back is not just about teaching specific skills; it’s about instilling values of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and respect in younger generations.

Life Lessons

Being active for life is more than just about staying fit — it’s about cultivating a love for sports and physical activity that lasts a lifetime. The greatest gift we can give our children is the understanding that physical activity is an essential part of life. Through sports, children learn invaluable lessons about hard work, success, failure, and resilience. They learn how to set goals, overcome setbacks, and persist in the face of adversity.

Ultimately, sports teach children how to navigate the complexities of life. They learn to deal with defeat with dignity, accept criticism with grace, and handle success with humility. As William Arthur Ward once said:

“To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility – these are marks of maturity and graciousness.”

As parents, it’s important to foster these lessons in our children, not just in sports, but in life. We want them to develop the skills and mindset that will help them succeed, not just in their athletic endeavors, but in every challenge they face.

Parents, Things to Remember

While it’s natural to have dreams and aspirations for our children, it’s vital that we allow them to enjoy the moment and develop at their own pace. As parents, we must strike a balance between supporting our children's ambitions and allowing them to discover their own path.

Here are a few key things to remember:

Do Your Research: Before committing to a sport or team, research the organizations and their coaching philosophies. Understand their mission and how they support the development of young athletes.
Observe and Listen: Pay attention to your child’s enjoyment of their sport. Are they connecting with their teammates and coaches? Make sure they are having fun and developing a love for the game.
Stay Grounded in the Present: It’s easy to get caught up in the potential future success of your child, but remember to focus on the present moment. Support your child in enjoying their current experience, rather than projecting too far ahead.
Wear One Hat at a Time: Parents often wear many hats—mom, dad, coach, teacher, friend—but when it comes to supporting your child in their sport, it’s important to wear just one hat at a time. Be a parent, a spectator, and a cheerleader during competitions. Trying to coach from the sidelines or pushing your own agenda can create confusion and stress for your child. As a high-performance coach, I often hear from athletes that their favorite spectators are their grandparents—who simply show up to cheer them on and enjoy the game.

Conclusion

Staying active for life is not just about maintaining physical fitness, but about fostering a mindset that embraces continuous growth and learning. By staying active, we enhance our quality of life, improve our health, and contribute to our communities. Giving back through coaching, mentoring, or volunteering allows us to pass on the lessons we’ve learned and continue to make a positive impact on the next generation.

In the end, the ultimate goal is to live a life of integrity and fulfillment—one where we not only enjoy our achievements but also help others achieve theirs. As we move through the stages of life, the lessons we’ve learned in sport — resilience, discipline, and teamwork — remain valuable tools for living a purposeful and meaningful life.