I didn't make a value statement Comrade.  I just stated the reality.  Ownership can truthfully say that the production of the average worker declines with age.     The is particularly true in blue collar and most service work.

If employment is going to be strictly based on performance, then why would a corporation hire folks that have limited potential growth compared to younger workers with more energy, better health, and usually are not career motivated?     And if hired, they can still be dismissed by performance standards that favor the young,   

I can hear people screaming now.   I'm not talking the highly educated, or executive level, or career occupations that might be knowledge based through experience that favors the older worker.   We're talking jobs that are at least near the range of poverty level pay.   The other fall-back of seniors are Temp programs and Part Time work, both which seldom, if ever, pay poverty level wages, let alone provide health benefits.