Final answer:
Elderly Americans, despite facing discrimination and ageism, hold the potential for considerable political power due to their high voter turnout and numbers. Their situation reflects broader historical patterns where oppressed groups have leveraged economic opportunities to combat discrimination, but systemic change is necessary to fully address such issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that elderly Americans wield little political power or influence is not entirely accurate. Despite societal changes like industrialization and modernization, which have affected the prestige and influence of the elderly, their significant numbers offer potential political clout, especially because they tend to have high voter turnout rates. The political power of elderly Americans can be real if mobilized effectively, as seen in policies that cater to their interests.
Older adults also face challenges such as ageism, financial insecurity, and the risk of elder abuse. However, comparing their situation with the history of oppressed groups and how they navigated through market economies shows that economic agency can offer a means of counteracting discrimination. Nonetheless, without systemic support and social change, discrimination cannot be fully eradicated, as evidenced by the historical persistence of racial discrimination despite economic freedom.