The Coming of Age

The Coming of Age (1970) by Simone de Beauvoir is a foundational text in gerontology that critiques society's negative view of old age, exploring its biological, historical, and cultural aspects. De Beauvoir argues that aging is treated as a problem, leading to the marginalization of the elderly, and calls for a new understanding that recognizes the elderly as individuals with value, not just as a burden. The book examines how different cultures and economic systems, particularly capitalism, strip the aged of status and purpose.