Final answer:
Prejudice and discrimination against someone because of their age is known as ageism. It involves negative stereotypes and can affect both the young and old, leading to unfair treatment in various aspects of life, including healthcare and employment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prejudice against others because of their age, specifically against older adults, is known as ageism. This term refers to the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination towards individuals based solely on their age. Examples of ageist attitudes may include thinking that older adults are incompetent, physically weak, or unattractive. It is not limited to the elderly; younger people can also be subjected to ageism, with assumptions that they may be immature or irresponsible. Ageism can lead to various negative consequences, such as being denied access to health services, work opportunities, and can result in a significant impact on both mental and physical health. Culturally, some groups may offer more respect to the elderly, countering ageist attitudes.
Ageism is a societal issue affecting multiple domains, including the workplace, healthcare, and other aspects of daily living, and is recognized globally across different cultures. It is a form of discrimination that can be as harmful as racism or sexism and is an important concept to understand in the quest for equal treatment for all, regardless of age.