The author lived in the 1st century BC. C. He stood out for his oratory, legal training and public office.
In this brief book he discusses the inevitable arrival of old age as a stage of life that one must know how to live. He divides the difficulties encountered, to a greater or lesser extent, into four points. The first is the lack of activity, which is not total. He relates how he learned Greek in his old age; others have performed other tasks according to their situation. The second is the lack of physical vigor, which is undeniable, but not essential at that stage of life; what is lost in physical strength is gained in maturity. The third is the lack of pleasures, which he denies; the old man can appreciate other pleasures in moderation. The fourth is the proximity of death. He points out that he who has led a successful life does not wish to return to childhood. He quotes Pythagoras who affirms that man should not anticipate his death, but respect the natural order impressed by God. He seems to opt for a transcendent vision, although he affirms that he may be wrong. His view of old age is positive for several reasons; one is the respect for the elderly in antiquity. The other is because he is satisfied with how he has spent his life.
It would be possible to question some of the arguments he mentions; his personal situation was different from that of most of the inhabitants of his time. Nevertheless, the text as a whole is an occasion to reflect on a current lack of consideration; valuing youth should not mean undervaluing old age. Cicero never mentions that he felt he was a burden to anyone.