Ageism
Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age. It often manifests in assumptions about abilities, roles, or behaviors, particularly toward older adults, but can also affect younger people.
Ageism can lead to marginalization, limited opportunities, and unequal treatment in areas like employment, healthcare, and social interactions. In gerontology, addressing ageism is critical to promoting respect, inclusion, and equitable treatment across all ages, thereby improving the quality of life and social participation for aging populations.