"...now they will be living out an old age that they themselves have created -- an old age bereft of the respect old age once commanded..."
Not even old age, but middle age. A resume with 20+ years'of solid work history simply does not carry the same weight these days.
Experience counts for nothing anymore, especially given that technical skills are required for more types of jobs. All it means is that you are old and that your experience is in obsolete technology.
They'd rather hire some youngster who doesn't cost so much and will be more pliable.
This hippy/60's generation should not be allowed to benefit from Social Securtiy. They killed (aborted) the generation that would have paid for their benefits. So let them "sing for their supper"!