Title: How Does Ageism Impact More Than Just Older Adults?
Headings: How Does Ageism Impact More Than Just Older Adults?
How Does Ageism Impact More Than Just Older Adults?
Stereotypes That Contribute to Ageism
Just How Common Is Ageism?
How to Combat Ageism

Content: 1 ﻿ Similar to racism and sexism, ageism involves holding negative stereotypes about people of different ages. The term ageism was first used by gerontologist Robert N. Butler to describe the discrimination of older adults. 2 ﻿ Today, the term is often applied to any type of age-based discrimination, whether it involves prejudice against children, teenagers, adults, or senior citizens. Manifestations of ageism are frequently cited in workplace situations, where it can lead to pay disparities or difficulty finding employment. Younger adults may have difficulty finding jobs and receive lower pay due to their perceived lack of experience, while older adults may have problems achieving promotions, finding new work, and changing careers. 3 ﻿
Stereotypes That Contribute to Ageism
Researchers Susan Fiske has suggested that stereotypes about older people often relate to how younger people expect them to behave. 4 ﻿
The first stereotype she described relates to succession. Younger people often assume that older individuals have "had their turn," and should make way for the younger generations.​
The second stereotype relates to what Fiske refers to as consumption. Younger people frequently feel that limited resources should be spent on themselves rather than on older adults. Finally, young people also hold stereotypes about the identity of older adults.