Experiencing old age in ancient Rome

the long version

"Today we are aware of ageing as an issue that affects us all, whether we are elderly ourselves or not. Getting old challenges us as individuals and as societies - physically and economically, intellectually and culturally. Karen Cokayne explores how the physical, intellectual and emotional implications of the ageing process were dealt with by the people of ancient Rome, and asks how individual Romans experienced and responded to old age." "Philosophical and medical theories of old age from the ancient world are used to examine and explain ideas on the causes, nature and consequence of physiological decline. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary material - written sources, including satirical and theatrical writings, inscriptions, and visual evidence - the study brings into focus universal concerns such as decline in outward appearance, geriatric illness, memory loss, senility, the formation of character over the course of life, the status and role of the old, sexuality and family relationships." "This book will be invaluable as a resource and introduction for those studying the social history of the ancient world."--Jacket.