What term describes the prejudice and discrimination against individuals based on their age, particularly older adults?

The term that describes prejudice and discrimination against individuals based on their age, especially older adults, is "ageism. " Ageism involves negative attitudes and stereotypes about people because they are older, which can lead to unfair treatment in areas like employment, healthcare, and social interactions. For example, if an employer decides not to hire someone simply because they are over 60, that is an example of ageism. This kind of discrimination can harm older adults by limiting their opportunities and affecting their self-esteem. Understanding ageism is important because it encourages us to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their age.