"In addition, age, by itself, is not an impairment." |
A near universal goal/purpose of human life is the pursuit of survival.
As we age our physical/mental processes seem to wax until maturity, thenceforward they begin a decay often characterized as "disability".
Traditionally disabilities have been variously categorized; e.g., sensory, mobility, mental, etc. Ageing was not a separate category from various sensory/memory diminutions but merely the vehicle for their onset.
One prominent differentiation among disabilities is along the "visible/hidden" axis. Often we say "but she doesn't look disabled". Ageing is usually (absent surgical/cosmetic intervention) a visible disability carrying levels of stigma/stereotyping that vary among cultures.
The person experiencing ageing (practically everybody!) becomes the recipient of positive ("I hope when I'm your age I'm as sharp as you") and negative ("don't you think you should quit driving?") cliches as well as offers of assistance ("let me get that for you").
Because of such factors, we experience the stigma of disability and its attendant exclusions - even without apparent physical handicaps.