Ageism

[Page 38]Ageism broadly is defined as prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination against people based on perceptions about their age group. Most commonly, however, discussion of ageism centers around prejudice against those perceived as old. In contrast, evidence about older adults’ health and age-related changes belies many ageist stereotypes. Nevertheless, older adults often face ageism and other threats (e.g., sexism, heterosexism, racism, and classism) to their productivity, well-being, and adjustment in the aging process. With the growing numbers of diverse and aging people in the United States, there are increasing demands for more informed and effective psychological practice with older adults. Such practice requires an understanding of intersecting influences related to gender biases. This entry explains the incongruity of ageist bias with facts and the effect of ...