Final answer:
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits age discrimination in federally assisted programs, while the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects workers over 40 from workplace discrimination, including in hiring, benefits, and terms of employment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Specifically, it extends protection against age discrimination to individuals participating in programs such as those related to health benefits, housing, welfare, education, and other social services.
This act is different from the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), which specifically protects workers over the age of 40 from discrimination in the workplace.
The ADEA makes it illegal for employers to fail to hire, discharge, or discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation and terms of employment based on their age. Furthermore, the ADEA amendments have eliminated mandatory retirement ages, allowing U.S. workers to continue employment beyond previously established retirement ages.
Additionally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent related acts, such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, address other forms of employment discrimination, ensuring workers are treated fairly regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status.