The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age.The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects workers over 40 from age discrimination. The ADEA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for employees and job candidates over the age of 40 years old. The ADEA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for employees and job candidates over the age of 40 years old. Age discrimination occurs when an older person is pressured in the workplace to leave. Just as circumstantial evidence can show age discrimination, it can also refute any suggestion of age discrimination. Non-Discriminationtory Employment. Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or an employee less favorably because of his or her age.