Ageism, the third great “ism”“Ageism has been called the supreme prejudice, the ultimate discrimination, the cruelest rejection,” Stein (unpublished). We as a people have largely defeated racism and sexism, but we have allowed the third great “ism” to go unchallenged. “This widely practiced prejudice has been going on for generations and is known as ageism” (Palmore, Erdman, Ballagh (1999). By definition, according to Webster's Dictionary, it is discrimination against people of a certain age group. The ageism includes both positive aspects affect and a negative connotation with any age group. It is predominantly seen as a reflection on the elderly. The positive aspects of ageism on the elderly include medical care, discounts and tax breaks older people are inferior and social stigma and discrimination in the labor market due to age. Although “isms” are often viewed in a negative light, ageism offers some positive aspects to aging 'affordability of national health insurance (Medicare) and discrimination in favor of the elderly' (Palmore, Erdman, Ballagh, (1999). The elderly have enjoyed the benefits of their age group for years. The treatment is known as positive ageism. Medicare is the predominant force in positive ageism because older adults tend to receive greater government support with services and privileges resulting from Social Security benefits and tax exemption of Social Security benefits (Palmore, Erdman, Ballagh (1999). Medicare will provide payments and services to seniors and veterans for the use of nursing homes and assisted living averaging seven thousand dollars per month per individual... middle of the paper... This small job does not provide him with sufficient income to allow him to be treated in a hospital, so he is forced to sit to earn a living The positive and negative aspects of aging shape the world based on how we perceive older people. This big “ism” should be addressed and put to rest once and for all. To defeat this stereotypical prejudice the population must act. It can be as simple as ensuring that older people receive the appropriate services or support from research on aging to improve understanding of the limitations and capabilities that we all have. we may have to face one day. Individuals should make an effort to respect and recognize that these people have an impact and a vital role in society. People should take a step back and remember that it could be their sister, mother, brother and one day it could be them who suffer this prejudice..