Identify a social research problem and construct a research question to focus the inquiry. Contextualise and justify the significance of this inquiry. Word limit: 1,000 words (+/- 10% excluding...

Ageism- a cause of loss of valuable potential in society
Introduction
One of the most serious forms of social discrimination today is Ageism. Ageism has a serious negative impact on the self-esteem and wellbeing of older individuals. Stereotypes about age are incorporated quite early in youth with the society reinforcing these concepts through community attitude and media. The main victims of this age discrimination are the elderly who are advancing in age and becoming more and more reliable on others for their needs. As the world population continues to age and grow in demography, is it really wise to allow such a huge population, that is filled with talent and potential to simple go waste? This forms the basis of my research question that explores how Ageism is causing loss of valuable potential in society. A large portion of retired and unemployed older people are still capable of contributing to society. However, ageist attitude and ageism has made many of them give up contribution and retire to grow old, dependant and unproductive.
Research Context and Problem
Ageism can be described as discrimination and prejudice against a particular age group with a focus on seniors (McHugh, 2003). It is a practice that involves applying false stereotypes to the elderly and results in the changing the way a person treats older people when it comes to their value and their contribution to society . Human beings make the mistake of categorizing things and this often leads to creation of incorrect stereotypes regarding such groups in the form of general perception about the entire group of people.  This is a big mistake since the ageing population cannot be generalized as it comprises of a highly diversified group of people. However, stereotype against the aged still continues with common perceptions about them being weak, dependent, powerless, burdensome and needing of care. Their faculties are considered below normal...