Release date is 2021-10-14

The youth of old age -- The history of old age -- Literature by and on the aged -- Statistics of old age and its care -- Medical views and treatment of old age -- The contributions of biology and physiology -- Report on questionnaire returns -- Some conclusions -- The psychology of death.

Turgut Dincer, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

"Senescence, the Last Half of Life" by G. Stanley Hall is a scholarly examination of old age and its psychological implications, written in the early 20th century. The book presents an in-depth analysis of both the historical perceptions and the psychological transitions experienced during the later stages of life, particularly senescence. Using a variety of perspectives, including those from different cultures and historical periods, Hall aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of aging, seeking to challenge prevalent misconceptions about old age. The opening of the work introduces the author’s intentions and motivations for writing about old age, highlighting his own experiences and reflections as he transitions into this life stage. Hall discusses the five main stages of life, emphasizing the psychological importance of recognizing and adapting to the changes that come with aging. He notes the collective cultural perceptions of old age, critiques the incapacitating biases associated with it, and shares personal insights garnered from his professional and life experiences. Additionally, Hall acknowledges a growing need for a better understanding of gerontology as society becomes increasingly populated by older individuals, setting the stage for his exploration of how older adults can find purpose and fulfillment in their later years. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: United States: D. Appleton and Company, 1922