Originally published as a review of Erik Erikson's complete psychological theory, this book provides a context for Erikson's ideas - the identity crisis, the interdependence of history and life history, the life cycle, and the theory that maturity is not the end of psychological growth. This text covers the ninth stage - that of extreme old age. As human longevity increases, that stage is becoming of increasing importance. Joan Erikson, Erikson's wife, now in her 90s, guides the reader through the challenges of old age, extending Erik Erikson's vision of human development in its major phases.
A 1997 study studied this question.