I'm so f-ed. Laid off in June at 61

[snot]

25. Question: Although the info in the OP and replies fits my general impression in some ways,...

...I also have a clear general impression that some ways, older folks seem more competent* and have a better work ethic and "can do!" attitude than younger folks {remember "when it absolutely, positively must be there"?}; plus, to read the economic news in at least some quarters, competent, reliable employees are in short supply – so I'd been thinking this should be an era when older workers might have more, not fewer, opportunities.

*(At least, more articulate and capable of critical thinking. I've also had a very hard time finding competent plumbers, electricians, etc.)

**(Accustomed to working long hours and responding creatively to unexpected hurdles in order to make sure the goal is reached; as opposed, e.g., to just reading from a company script whether it fits or not, or insisting on working from home or more personal time, or even ghosting employers, which I understand to be more common among younger employees.)

***Note, I don't mean to blame younger workers; some of their modes of operation are doubtless due to their having observed how poorly employees have been treated by employers over the last couple of decades, so why should workers knock themselves out? Among other factors.)

SO, I'm interested in anyone's further observations about all this – do the attractions of competent, creative, workaholic Boomers really count for nothing in this market?