Seniorzy w świecie urządzonym przez młodych i dla młodych. Społeczne i kulturowe konstruowanie roli osoby starszej we współczesnym świecie

Aging and being old are among those phenomena which nowadays are perceived solely negatively. The image of this life stage is based mainly on stereotypes and beliefs created by and for young people, for whom youth is much more valuable. This results in social and cultural discrimination of mature people (ageism). The article, based on analysis of various texts, provides background on involvement and participation of active elderly people in society (age group of 50 years and more) and difficulties they encounter in many aspects of their life due to the negative image of aging and old age. It also points out necessary changes to the perception of this period in human life - both for individual- and society-level.