Like racism or sexism, ageism is discrimination, and it is rooted in prejudice based on age. You can steer clear of ageism by 1) Avoiding seeing coworkers through a lens of their age. Instead focus on their ability, potential, productivity, and impact. 2) Being aware of how older and younger persons are negatively depicted on television. This exercise will help inoculate you and reverse age bias. 3) Considering that by 2020, 67 percent of those who are 64-74 years old will be working. This trend may well include you. 4) Being a "change agent." Speak up when you witness language or behaviors that perpetuate ageism. 5) Living with awareness so you can make choices - ageism is everywhere and engrained in culture. You will find it in comic strips, bedtime stories, and product advertising, because it has been overlooked and accepted for centuries.