gerontophobia

[juh-ron-tuh-foh-bee-uh]

noun

1. an irrational or disproportionate fear of old age, especially of growing old.

2. a fear of, disdain for, or aversion to old people.

Other Word Forms

• gerontophobic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerontophobia¹

First recorded in 1975–80; geronto- + -phobia

Example Sentences

Such “gerontophobia” is harmful because we internalize it.

From New York Times