And my proposal wouldn't affect that one way or the other. It would just make sure that there's a clear incentive for everybody, not just the group you describe, to want to get off unemployment as soon as possible.
By the way, I'm in the exact same group (over 45, technical professional), and self-employed. I've yet to have a problem finding work. Maybe I work in the right field, live in the right city, or am just plain lucky, but nothing is slowing down for me.
Probably all of the above.
I am in Texas and the tech/telecom has been hammered, no major work for me in over 18 months, doing service tickets for MCI local, as they come in. 1-2 a week. Oh well, beats a swift kick in the groin. ;^)