Senescence, the Last Half of Life

A sweeping exploration of the final chapters of human life, this work brings together voices from every corner of civilization—children, scholars, savages, Christians, pagans, and scientists alike—to examine how societies have understood aging and mortality. Drawing on anthropology, biology, philosophy, and psychology, the author maps the transition from the vigor of middle life into the quieter, often misunderstood phases of senescence and old age. The narrative balances broad cultural surveys with incisive analysis, offering readers a panoramic view of the myths, anxieties, and truths that have shaped our attitudes toward the later years.

Rooted in a lifetime of psychological research on childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, the author now turns the lens inward, sharing personal observations while acknowledging the limits of a first‑hand perspective. The book seeks to lay a foundation for a more humane and accurate science of aging, inviting thoughtful readers to reconsider the nature, needs, and potential of life’s final half.