The Age Discrimination and Employment Act protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, or terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

All 50 states have enacted their own employment discrimination laws, many of which are similar to federal law, but offer additional prohibitions against job discrimination based on marital status, sexual preference, or disability.

The ADEA is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Employees cannot file an employment discrimination lawsuit without first receiving written permission from the EEOC.

For advice on finding employment over 50, listen to this podcast with Janet Logan from My Coaching Services (www,mycoachingservices.com)