Title: Ageism | Encyclopedia.com
Headings: 
Ageism
AGEISM
Stereotypes about age and older persons
Why ageism exists in American culture
The role of the media in supporting ageism
The evolution of ageism
Ways to reduce ageism
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ageism
ageism

Content: They do not recognize that individual characteristics vary greatly and also change over time. Stereotypes about age and older persons
Ageism appears in many forms. A few examples illustrate how the behavior of an older person is described in an ageist manner, where the same behavior by a younger person is explained without stereotypes. When older people forget someone's name, they are viewed as senile. When a younger person fails to recall a name, we usually say he or she has a faulty memory. When an older person complains about life or a particular incident, they are called cranky and difficult, while a younger person may just be seen as being critical. If an older person has trouble hearing, she is dismissed as "getting old," rather than having difficulty with her hearing. Children also can hold negative stereotypes about older people. Some young children equate aging with being sick, unfulfilled, unhappy, or dying. Older people also face stereotypes on the job.