Which act prohibits job discrimination for individuals aged 40 years or older?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) specifically addresses job discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older. Enacted in 1967, this federal law aims to promote the employment of older individuals based on their ability rather than age, ensuring that older workers are treated fairly during hiring, promotions, and other employment-related decisions.

The ADEA is significant because it recognizes the challenges that older workers may face in gaining or retaining employment and provides them with legal protections against age-based discrimination. This law is essential in fostering a diverse workforce, where age diversity can enhance workplace productivity and innovation.

In contrast, other acts like the Fair Labor Standards Act focus on wage and hour regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and the Civil Rights Act centers on preventing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While these laws serve important purposes in protecting various rights, they do not specifically target age discrimination for individuals aged 40 and older, making the ADEA the appropriate choice for this scenario.