Ageism

Negative views of aging are pervasive and pernicious, and arise, in part, from a failure to recognize the heterogeneity of the older adult population. Many people, at various ages, view the aging process pejoratively, thereby exaggerating the declines associated with growing older, Ageism also may entail unfair treatment toward older people, often manifest as neglect and exclusion. The consequences of ageism are notable, including accelerated declines in biological, psychological, and social functioning as well as ignoring or minimizing the intellectual and creative potential of older adults. To counter negative views of growing older, examples of late life genius and creative endeavor are profiled.