Final answer:
Age affects contrast requirements, which can be problematic in the workplace by affecting job performance, particularly for older adults. Ageism can also lead to negative stereotypes, affecting both young and older workers during job applications and in their general work experience. Workplaces can improve lighting, provide regular skills training, and foster an inclusive culture to address these issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Age affects an individual's ability to distinguish contrast, and this change typically worsens as one gets older. For instance, older adults may require more light to read the same material that younger adults can read with less light. In the workplace, this can pose significant challenges, especially in roles that require fine visual discrimination or where lighting conditions are suboptimal. This could result in difficulties in performing job duties efficiently and accurately, thereby affecting productivity and safety.
Indeed, ageism can manifest in various forms in the workplace. It affects not just older adults, who may be unfairly seen as less competent or adaptable, but younger adults too, who can be viewed as inexperienced or unreliable. When it comes to applying for a position like a sales clerk, these prejudices can significantly disadvantage both younger and older applicants, regardless of their actual capabilities.
To mitigate such age-related issues and prejudices, workplaces can take action by ensuring proper lighting, offering training to keep skills updated, and fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity in age alongside other demographic factors. It's also important to actively counteract stereotypes by promoting intergenerational interaction and mentoring, which can help to build understanding and respect across different age groups.