EEOC ADEA may seem like confusing acronyms, but they are both very important to the older workforce. The EEOC is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a federal agency. The ADEA is the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and is a piece of legislation enforced by the EEOC. The ADEA was enacted in 1967 and protects workers over the age of 40 from being discriminated against because of their age. The statute specifically states that employers may not refuse to hire employees or terminate them due to age. In addition, workers over 40 must be afforded the same benefits, working conditions and privileges as other workers and may not be segregated. In most cases, mandatory retirement ages are also prohibited. The EEOC operates with five commissioners and a General Counsel appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners are appointed for five year, staggered terms. The General Counsel is appointed for four years.