Societal attitudes toward ageing, death, and dying are deeply embedded in cultural, historical, and psychological contexts, influencing both individual experiences and collective behaviors. Human development theory provides a framework to understand these attitudes by highlighting the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of ageing, as well as the processes of confronting mortality. Ageing is universally recognized as a natural stage of human development, yet societal perceptions vary widely across cultures and historical periods. In some cultures, older adults are revered for their wisdom, experience, and role as custodians of tradition. These positive attitudes often result in strong family support, social inclusion, and opportunities for older adults to continue contributing to society. Such perspectives align with Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory, which emphasizes the stage of ego integrity versus despair in late adulthood, where older adults seek to find meaning in their life experiences. Societies that honor ageing facilitate this sense of integrity, whereas cultures that prioritize youth may contribute to feelings of marginalization and despair. Conversely, in many modern, industrialized societies, ageing is often associated with decline, dependency, and a reduction in social value. Media representations frequently reinforce stereotypes of older adults as frail, forgetful, or technologically inept, which can foster ageism. Ageism, defined as prejudice and discrimination against individuals based on age, not only affects self-perception among the elderly but also shapes public policies, employment practices, and healthcare delivery. From a developmental perspective, these negative societal attitudes can impact psychological well-being, physical health,