Inequalities Related ,to Aging
In previous chapters. we have seen how prejudice and discrimination may be directed toward individuals based on ascribed characteristics-such as race/ethnicity or gender-over which they have no control. The same holds true for ag
Ageism
Stereotypes regarding older persons reinforce ageism. defined in Chapter 4 as prejudice and discrimination against people on the ass of age, particularly against older persons. Ageism against older persons is rooted in the assumption that people become attractive. unintelligent. asexual. unemployable. and mentally incompetent as they grow older. Ageism is reinforced by stereotypes, whereby people have narrow. fixed images of certain gr One Sided Added and exaggerated images of older people are tied repeatedly in everyday life. Older persons are often stereotyped as thinking and moving slowly; as being bound to themselves~s ND their past. unable to change and grow; as being unable to move often moving often moving backward. They are viewed as narky. sickly. and lacking in social value; as egocentric and demanding; as shallow. enfeebled. aimless. and absentminded.
