The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 was passed to protected citizens from employee discrimination based on age. As the population aged, older worker were finding it harder to find and keep gainful employment. The act was put in place to protect the rights of workers over the age of forty. Although this act was passed in the 1960s, it remains relevant today. 64 million baby boomers are currently working, and they make up almost 40% of the total workforce. This population is aging, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects their rights to retain employment and regain employment when necessary.