I think you might be underestimating the unwillingness of older people to relocate or travel long distances for a 'job opportunity'. These are also people who

I think you might be underestimating the unwillingness of older people to relocate or travel long distances for a 'job opportunity'. These are also people who probably tend not to live in bigger cities as much. They've seen countless jobs come & go, but they choose to live where they are for long-standing reasons which are often harder to let go of the older they get. They've moved away from the hustle and bustle and are happy with their choice. I have personally met older people with higher end skills (that would command a six figure salary in certain cities) choosing to work as janitors at a local institution instead of chasing that dollar, because they love their town and lifestyle and the cost of living is low. Edit: Forgot to add, I also know a guy over 70 who flies all over the place doing COBOL work and is making bank doing it.