A Gift of Elder Adulthood
4-weeks (first 4) | Unavailable
Elder Adulthood (75 years+) is often viewed exclusively through the lens of
diminishment, both physical and mental, but this lens doesn't tell the whole story. More
disposable free time and the awareness of "more yesterdays than tomorrows" most often encourage an inner journey where the focus is on crucial psychological and
spiritual tasks. Before exploring this journey, the course will examine the issue of
psychological identity, a reality far deeper than self-concept.
This course is a combination of class lecture and discussion. The course content is
shaped by the findings of psychology, especially psychodynamic and developmental.
The limited class lectures will highlight the findings of developmental psychology,
notably, that of Erik Erikson. Adult learners bring a richness and wisdom to any new
learning situation. This will be incorporated through discussion of readings. The course
intends to provide some language and concepts that could enable learners to make
sense of the pulls and pushes of later adulthood.
Jean Flannelly
Jean Flannelly, a Sister of Charity of New York, is a clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. from
Fordham University; a theologian, holding a Masters of Theological Studies from Weston School of Theology; and a spiritual director. She received a certificate from the non-denominational Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction in Tucson. Most of her wide-ranging training was spent in academic settings, preparing women and men for ministry, both lay and ordained. During this time, she became more sensitive to the need to separate the psychological and the spiritual; however, though their dynamics differ, their separation can never be complete.