Life expectancy is higher than it has been for most of history in the US, so many populations have become much older on average. Ageism, like racism and sexism, is discrimination and prejudice against individuals with certain identity traits, which is old age in this case. Author Robert N. Butler coined the term "ageism" in 1969, and he said it occurs on both individual and institutional levels. Stereotypes, mistrust, lack of empathy or understanding, and discrimination based on age are all forms of ageism. Ageism not only harms the elderly, but it also harms those who are journeying into adulthood. Studies have shown that people who think negatively of getting older have poorer health and tend to live shorter. By knocking down the pillars of ageism, these problems could be fixed with overwhelming results in America.