This booklet examines aging, exposing various stereotypes and biases and describing the truth about aging. These topics are discussed: (1) the absence of older adults from printed and aduiovisual materials and the need to ensure that elderly persons be visible in all communications; (2) societal myths that deny older persons their individuality; (3) biases about the physical health of older adults and the reality of the self-sufficiency of the vast majority; (4) economic conditions of older adults (debunking the myths that older adults have nothing to contribute and live on food stamps); (5) stereotypes about the activity levels of older persons and the dynamic process of growth and development in older adults; (6) family, friend, and love relationships of older adults; and (7) the accumulated experiences of older adults which are markedly different from those of younger persons. The next section lists 10 recommendations to help avoid ageism and supplant it with a realistic portrait of growing old. The impact of words is discussed and examples of biased word passages are given. Stereotyped depictions of old age are cited and alternative depictions are described. Practical suggestions are made for presenting materials in a manner which will accommodate the visual and audiovisual handicaps older persons may have. (ABL)