Cato Maior de Senectute with Introduction and Notes

"Cato Maior de Senectute" by Marcus Tullius Cicero is a deep exploration of growing older, framed as a conversation from the 1st century BC. The story uses Cato the Elder to share uplifting ideas about aging, easing concerns about the later stages of life. Cicero starts by explaining that he wants to help his friend Atticus feel better about getting older. By way of a discussion with Scipio and Laelius, Cato insists that growing old can be a time of respect, knowledge, and happiness. Cato mentions historical and philosophical examples to show that older people can still be useful and enjoy life. The story suggests that a positive mindset is key to a good experience of growing older, setting aside the idea that it is only difficult or sad.