The number of Americans 60 and older is growing, but society still isn't embracing the aging population! When battling "old geezer" stereotypes in the workplace, those who are 60 or older may all too often find themselves the victims of ageism.

While older workers often earn higher wages than younger workers, they face barriers in promotions and hiring. Employers often encourage early retirement or lay off disproportionately older and/or more experienced workers.

In the U.S., each state may have its own laws regarding age discrimination. Have you been denied a promotion or seen a promotion given to another simply because he/she was younger? If you feel you are losing employee privileges because of your age, it is possible you are being subjected to age discrimination.

The American workforce is aging and many employers have the perception that older workers are less productive and more expensive. Sometimes employers will force older workers off the payroll by failure to promote, reduction of job opportunities or termination based on pretext. In Missouri, it’s illegal to discriminate based on: race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, gender, AIDS/HIV or off duty tobacco use.

Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits Medicare and Medicaid approved nursing homes from discrimi-nating against a person with a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act also offers protection to individuals with high care needs. You are considered disabled if you have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits your ability to care for yourself, walk, see, hear, speak, breath, learn or perform other major life activities.

The Commission on Human Rights enforces state antidiscrimi-nation law in Missouri. You can contact the Commission on Human Rights at 573-751-3325.