Which of the following is NOT a protected category under the Americans with Disabilities Act?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aims to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. A key aspect of the ADA is its definition of disabilities, which includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.

In this context, cancer, alcoholism, and mental illness are recognized as conditions that can produce substantial limitations on individuals' major life activities, thus qualifying them for protection under the ADA. Cancer is explicitly recognized as a protected condition due to its significant impact on health and daily functioning. Alcoholism falls under the ADA's umbrella of substance use disorders, provided certain criteria are met regarding treatment and behavior. Mental illness is also a well-established category, as it can profoundly affect an individual's capacity to engage in daily activities.

Age, on the other hand, is not included as a protected category under the ADA. While age discrimination is addressed in other laws, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the ADA itself does not protect individuals based on their age. Therefore, age does not qualify for the same protections offered to individuals with specific disabilities, making it the correct response to the question.