Ageism in Society and Its Health Impact.

Abstract

Ageism is an increasingly recognized form of cognitive bias involving stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed toward people on the basis of their age. Age-based bias influences how medicine is practiced and can result in profoundly negative but avoidable health outcomes. Awareness and education regarding ageism and its manifestations can improve the ability to identify and mitigate ageism. As this Viewpoint describes, radiologists are well situated to be part of the solution in addressing ageism.