Aging and Economics

This chapter focuses on the myths and stereotypes of aging that have existed since the 1970s when they were first defined and explained by Dr. Robert Butler in his Pulitzer Prize winning book “Why Survive: Being Old America”. Dr. Butler coined the term ageism, and the myths and stereotypes that he defined nearly 50 years ago still exist despite huge advances in lifestyle, life expectancy and general activities. These myths and stereotypes have social and economic consequences that ripple throughout a country’s entire activities.