A prejudice whereby people are categorized and judged solely on the basis of their chronological age.

• A. Fictive Kin
• B. Social Convoy
• C. Elderspeak
• D. Ageism

Answer: (D)

Ageism is prejudice in which people are categorized and judged solely by their chronological age. It means treating individuals as if they must fit a stereotype because of how old they are, rather than recognizing their unique abilities, experiences, and worth. This bias can show up in attitudes, policies, and everyday interactions, leading to discrimination or undervaluing people based on being young or old. The other terms refer to different concepts: fictive kin are non-biological family-like relationships, a social convoy is the network of close relationships one travels through life with, and elderspeak is a way of talking to older adults. None of these describe bias issued strictly on age, which is the essence of ageism.