A college level unit which investigates stereotypes of aging in the United States is described. The three-class unit serves as an introduction to the study of social gerontology. Its purpose is to address issues of negative stereotypes of old age reinforced by the media and by our cultural roots; the lack of knowledge about the normal changes that occur with age; and the special responsibility of the media to portray an informative and realistic picture of all groups and life stages. During the first class, students define and discuss commonly accepted stereotypes. Class two focuses on how the media reinforces negative stereotypes in children's books, popular magazine cartoons and advertisements, short stories, television, films, and poetry. Students analyze slides of magazine advertisements to determine projected images, reinforced stereotypes, and implied messages about old age and discuss how the message could be written to portray a more realistic image. The final class period is a presentation of the factual realities of aging. Emphasis is placed on the diverse realities of old age in the United States. (KC)