A study examined the perceptions, policies, and practices vis-a-vis older workers in American business today. The study population consisted of executives with senior responsibility for making human resource decisions at 400 companies. The companies were selected randomly, with 100 each belonging to one of four size groupings ranging from 50 to more than 1,000 employees. Older workers were generally perceived positively. They were particularly valued for their experience, knowledge, and work habits and attitudes. In most companies, the salary and health insurance costs of older workers were not seen as being higher than those of younger employees. There were some negative perceptions of older workers, however. These centered around issues of their flexibility, adaptability to technology, and aggressive spirit. Few if any signs of overt or systematic discrimination against older workers were found. Comparisons between programs deemed potentially effective and those actually implemented suggest that companies could be doing more to promote the full utilization of older workers, particularly in the areas of management commitment, employment/retirement policies, and training. It appeared that older workers do have a significant role in advancing their own cause within companies. Company size was much more significant than region or industry in terms of company attitudes and practices toward older workers. (MN)