Question

Why the last stage of life is called 'second childishness'? Give reasons

Answer 1

In this poem, Shakespeare uses the phrase "second childishness" to refer to the way people are when they get old.  This used to be a very common euphemism for senility -- for the way that some people end up when they become old.

Some old people end up more or less like children.  They have less control over their emotions and are less inhibited.  This makes them act like children.  In extreme cases, they lose control of their bodies and need people to help them get dressed, wash themselves, etc.

Because some old people end up this way, the term is often used (not as much today) as a way of referring to old age.