Introduction. The process of adaptation to old age and old age determines the individual attitude to one’s own life and social attitude. The stereotypical perception of an older man is both positive and negative. The identification of individual attitudes and factors that correlate with them, is an important step to understanding and improving relationships between generations. Aim. The aim of the research was to assess the perception of old age by adults and the elderly. Material and methods. The study involved 111 people. Among them, 54 individuals were under the age of 60 and 57 persons over 60. The selection of participants in trials was held at random. To assess attitudes towards elderly the author used Kogan’s Attitudes toward Old People Scale. The tool used for the assessment of self-esteem was the SES scale (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Results. Statistical analysis shows that there is a correlation between the attitude towards the elderly and age. It also shows the relationship between self-esteem (SES) and perceptions of old age (KAOP scale). However, the analysis does not indicate a link between the subjects’ attitude and their marital status, place of residence and education. Conclusions. The attitude to aging in the test group was positive, but at a low level. The perception of old age affects age. Older people see old age better.

Key words: ageism, elderly.