Wzrastająca reprezentacja osób starych w polskim społeczeństwie nie poprawia społecznego odbioru tej kategorii wieku, lecz powoduje upowszechnianie negatywnych stereotypów starości, a także intensyfikację zachowań ageistycznych. Konkretne metody przeciwdziałania czy też sposoby eliminowania muszą być wielotorowe i nie powiodą się bez zakrojonej na szeroką skalę edukacji społecznej w zakresie nieuchronności starzenia się i starości; bez wprowadzenia niezbędnych zmian legislacyjnych, bez włączenia problematyki stereotypizacji starości i ageizmu do systemu kształcenia osób zajmujących się zawodowo osobami starymi.

Among many demographic changes, one of the most evident now is the aging of the population, the consequences of which are increasingly leaving a mark on the directions of social policy. In connection with the aging of the population and positive aspects, manifestations of ageism, based on stereotypes and negative attitudes toward older people, are also more and more noticeable. Sometimes, these are discriminatory practices against older people encountered in the health sector, the labor market, public offices, and others. The research presented in the article aimed to identify age discrimination and its manifestations among older people. The purposive sampling technique was used to choose the research sample – the assumption was to examine active older people related to a large city who get involved and participate in various activities and projects carried out for them by nongovernmental organizations. The method of a diagnostic survey with a questionnaire, which included both closed and open-ended questions, was used in the research. The research was intended to help answer the following questions: do older people notice age discrimination, and have they experienced worse treatment because of their age? How many of the surveyed seniors experienced worse treatment and what forms (most often) did it take, and where did it happen?