What disservice we place at the feet of others when we lament the passage of time and its dilatory effects on us. Our lack of understanding allows ageism — the disparate treatment or prejudice against people of particular age groups — to flourish. It’s not all ill-intended, but it can become habit-forming without us thinking about it much. Sometimes it manifests itself through our speech and at other times through our actions.

Baby talking to older adults without other health factors present is unfortunate. Condescension can be found in the tone of our conversations. One profe...