Raging and the symbolic representations of the elderly have been creative stimuli for artworks, literature, and the performing arts since their inception. The topic has been treated in a picturesque, delicate, and fancy way in classical antiquity, the Renaissance, the Modern Era, and especially the Gothic movements, illuminated by great authors who have reached the sources of creation in old age. The way in which they have analysed the differences in the psychological and mental structure of the growing population at the biological level, and how they created their works, provides a very valuable source of data for modern gerontology. The purpose of this text is to present the state of knowledge on these issues and to synthesise this data.
The gerontological interest in these issues is part of a research project addressing the issue of old age as a total and health problem. The ageing of the population and the demographic decline associated with this phenomenon have brought this topic not only to the researcher but also to the centre of many debates, reflections, and studies. Old age in contemporary society of Western type is increasingly seen as a social problem. From an early age, man develops and maintains conflicting thoughts, often pejorative and hostile, towards old age and the elderly, which may lead to social relations of violence, discrimination, disrespect, and exclusion. Yet, the elderly are major consumers and spend more of their time in leisure activities.