|
| |
Similar to the dynamics of
racism and sexism. It is a set of attitudes,
beliefs, and perceptions about the aging process and of people who have been
arbitrarily defined as no longer able to be productive because of advancing age, which
influence and direct one's interactions with elderly people. Ageism is the discrimination
and prejudice against elderly people based on mythologies about the aging process as well
as misconceptions about youth, well-rounded ignorance, and stereotypes. Some of the
stereotypes about the aged are: they generally have ill health, are conservative
politically, alienated, interpersonally and economically dependent, nonsexual, and are
physically separated from children. Ageism is structurally operative by enforcement of
mandatory retirement age.
| |
|
