Ageism
Ageism
Ageism (pronounced: /ˈeɪdʒɪz(ə)m/) is a type of discrimination or prejudice that is based on a person's age. The term was coined in 1969 by Robert Neil Butler, an American gerontologist, to describe the systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old.
Etymology
The term "ageism" is a combination of the word "age" and the suffix "-ism", which denotes an action or process. The "-ism" suffix is often used in words that describe forms of discrimination or prejudice, such as racism or sexism.
Definition
Ageism can be defined as the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Ageism is widespread and an insidious practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults. For older people, ageism is an everyday challenge. Overlooked for employment, restricted from social services and stereotyped in the media, ageism marginalizes and excludes older people in their communities.
Related Terms
- Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
- Prejudice: Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
- Stereotype: A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
- Gerontology: The scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of old people.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ageism
- Wikipedia's article - Ageism
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