Mandatory retirement

Federal and state laws should prohibit maximum hiring ages and mandatory retirement ages for all workers. This should include public-safety employees. Qualification for employment should be based on competency and fitness rather than age.

The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) should proactively investigate and closely scrutinize employers that maintain mandatory retirement policies. State and local fair employment agencies should also monitor employers with such policies. Those practices should be challenged in appropriate cases.