When recruitment agencies overlook applicants of a certain age, the rot is set in.
I used to think I would never employ a painter over 50 because back in the day they were worn out. Not saying over 50s are superman but these days 50 is the new 60, and because of their old style training they know and can often do more productive work than a lesser skilled less well trained younger person. We need them all, though, young and old, to be valued, not consigned to a box.