The study is devoted to the old age as a specific period of life, conditioned culturally, politically, socially and economically and variable in history. On the basis of the status of the oldest members of a traditional family and the society the author points out changes in the life of seniors from the period of the industrial revolution to the present. The role of grandparents and retirement are perceived by the society and the state as two milestones changing the status of individuals within the family and within the population. On the other hand there is perception of self in the new life situation, personal experiencing the retirement age, life strategies and perception of aging in everyday life.