Old age in the Dark Ages: the status of old age during the early Middle Ages
Chris Gilleard
ABSTRACT This paper reviews the position of old age in societies post-Roman Europe, from fifth to 10th centuries. Drawing on both primary and secondary literary material sources period, I suggest that living beyond 60 years was an uncommon experience throughout early Middle Ages. Not only achieving a minority experience, it seems have been particularly concentrated among senior clergy. This, together with growing importance Christian Church as institution stabilised society, decline urban its attendant culture leisure literacy, transformation kinship into symbolic ‘family under God’ contributed more favourable status for age, or at least one older men. based not so much upon accumulation wealth privilege, but moral worth stage life. The Ages, so-called ‘Dark Ages’, this respect relatively distinctive period history age. With all around instability future uncertain often threatening, survival rare frequently revered attainment.
Ageing & Society