ON OLD AGE I: A CONVERSATION WITH JOAN ERIKSON AT 90

1995 (39 min) $125.   ISBN: 1-891340-52-2       [Available with Spanish Subtitles]

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Finding herself in the 8^th Stage of the Erikson life cycle, Joan Erikson realizes that it does not adequately reflect the reality she and her husband, Erik Erikson, are now living.  Because she felt that their writings on aging were misleading, Mrs. Erikson asked for this film to be made to correct them.  In it she wisely reflects on the challenges and the pleasures of being old and the awareness of death’s proximity.  Very articulate and endearing, Mrs. Erikson combines her personal experiences with research about aging.

Film content:

            The Eight Stage Life Cycle of Erik Erikson

                        The flaws in the original conception of the 8^th Stage

                        The 8^th Stage redefined

            Practical issues of aging

            Retirement

            Dementia

            Facing Death

Visuals: The film is largely a filmed interview with Mrs. Erikson.  It also includes, however, supportive live action film sequences:

                        A weaving depicting the Erikson Eight Stage Life Cycle

                        Illustrative film of people at the various stages of the life cycle

                        Archival photos of Joan and Erik Erikson

Consultant: 

Joan Erikson was a professional dancer, artist and writer.  She also worked as an art therapist with mental health patients.  She edited her husband’s early books and collaborated with him on later ones as well as writing some independently.  Especially notable are VITAL INVOLVEMENT IN OLD AGE and THE LIFE CYCLE COMPLETED.  Joan Erikson died in 1997 at the age of 95.

Related Davidson Films productions:

ON OLD AGE 2: A CONVERSATION WITH JOAN ERIKSON AT 92

ERIK ERIKSON: A LIFE’S WORK 

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