The article analyzes features of creating image of old age in youth#s notions based on perception of Russian proverbs about old age using psycho-semantic approach.

As a scale for semantic sphere construction the authors use categories describing features of old age image on the base of mental notions expressed in Russian proverbs about old age and old men. Old age image according to the younger#s notion differs depending on perception of image#s category characteristics which are presented as such semantic blocks: "old generation", "young generation", "I am in the present", "When I#ll be old". These blocks include cognitive, behaviour, emotional and motivational components and conceptual blocks: wisdom, stupidity, experience.

Key words: аging, gerontology, adaptive strategy, persons of the senior age groups, model.