There are several issues here, and you seem to be conflating them. Are many HR department vermin too insecure or incompetent to recognize real talent? Very often so. Is there an age discrimmination thing going on? No doubt, at least to a degree. Those are totally separate from the arguement about whether chronic unemployment versus hustling for part time jobs, etc, is a valid measurement of future productivity.
In an earlier post, you said you had handled your retirement with good planning, and I hope for your sake that is the case. You sound like a guy who has the skills to dabble with your own venture of some kind while in your retirement, or semi retirement. Yes, it is criminal that our government has made options tough for a guy with your track record. I am having to re-invent myself as well - post 50 - and you can darned sure guarantee that there will be no time frames of inactivity.
“You sound like a guy who has the skills to dabble with your own venture of some kind while in your retirement, or semi retirement. “
There is a huge plus working for oneself but you have to be driven, disciplined and, in my case, tolerate travel. Nah!
Had my expertise been in a field where travel was not required (90%), I might still have my toe in the water.
Owning your own business is a risk but a risk with a potential for great rewards and I would highly recommend it to someone who has been pushed aside by the current business climate.