True or False: The perception of aging and the elderly is universally positive across all cultures, as societies tend to value the wisdom and experience of older individuals equally.

The statement is false because the perception of aging and the elderly varies greatly across different cultures. In some societies, older individuals are highly respected for their wisdom and life experiences, often seen as leaders or mentors. However, in other cultures, youthfulness is prized, and older people may be viewed as less relevant or even a burden. For example, in many Western cultures, there is a strong focus on staying young, which can lead to negative stereotypes about aging. This difference shows that while some cultures value the elderly, others may not see them in the same positive light.