Ageism is a term used to describe the stereotyping and prejudice against individuals or groups because of their age. Robert N. Butler, an American gerontologist, created the term in 1969 to describe the discrimination against seniors. The concept is not limited to advanced age but also includes discrimination against children and teenagers by discounting their ideas because of their youth. Subsidiary forms of ageism include adultism, jeunism, gerontocracy, and adultcentricism.

In employment, ageism affects both younger and older workers. Minimum wage laws allow for employers to pay lower wages to younger workers. This age-based tiered wage system allows older workers to generally earn more than younger workers. Although younger workers have difficulty securing high wages, older workers face problems in hiring and promotions. It is also common for firms to lay off older workers first, or to encourage early retirement. In a study done by Texas A&M University, it was found that companies are 40% more likely to interview a younger job applicant than an older one.

Fortunately, ageism, as it exists in the United States, is not a universal phenomenon. In many societies, older members of society are often valued and revered more. Three factors hypothesized to contribute to the development of ageism in a society are the place of death as a natural part of life, the valuation of youth, and the view of productivity of the elder members of society. In societies like Japan, where death is considered to be a natural part of the life cycle, older citizens are respected. In contrast, in a society where extreme value is placed on youth, older people are not honored.

Ageism is perpetuated in subtle ways in American culture. Small examples from popular culture include birthday cards which decry another year and the colloquial phrases in our everyday conversations such as "old geezer" or "dirty old man" which create a negative image of the aged. A common misconception about older people is that they are in a state of mental, physical, and sexual decline. This is generally untrue, as the majority of older people are happy, healthy, and interested in continuing to engage in sexual activity. In a culture obsessed with youth, age is often associated with a diminishing beauty as well. One trip to the cosmetics aisle at a grocery store reveals the cultural obsession with looking young and remaining wrinkle free. Blatant claims of "anti-aging" abilities cover facial lotion bottles and justify a huge mark up in price. But the real price we pay for youthful looking skin is a culture permeated with ageism.