Image for Dr. Robert N. Butler

Dr. Robert N. Butler

Dr. Robert N. Butler was an influential American psychiatrist and author renowned for his work in gerontology, the study of aging. He was a strong advocate for the rights and dignity of older adults and coined the term "ageism" to describe discrimination based on age. As the founding director of the National Institute on Aging, he shaped public policy and awareness regarding aging issues. Butler also received a Pulitzer Prize for his book "Why Survive? Being Old in America," which provided insights into the challenges faced by the elderly, promoting a more compassionate understanding of aging in society.