You perhaps inadvertently just made Jo's point. An older person (I am in that category), of any gender, is only going to get a job if they know somebody, have special skills and certifications, or have a security clearance. And like you stated, those jobs will often be contract positions. Companies will take a chance on a young person that they can work half to death for low wages. They will then toss those employees aside when done with them. They don't want an older person that comes with higher wages, higher healthcare costs and a protected status that prevents them from just being let go without just cause.