The article examines the theoretical aspects related to understanding the psychosocial characteristics of an elderly person, highlights the main stages of psychological aging, as well as the characterological changes that older people undergo in the process of transition to a new stage of life with retirement. Using the example of activities in the medical school of the city of Bratsk, it was found that the aging process for each person proceeds individually and significantly depends on what kind of lifestyle everyone leads after the end of active work, what preferences and value orientations he formed in the course of life. It was found that the self-realization of elderly people in retirement is associated with various types of old age, and for their successful adaptation in retirement it is necessary to organize activities aimed at maintaining their physical, mental, social and creative activity within the framework of the functioning of the Higher national School.