While the gap has increased during the recession, the proportion has stayed about the same. Since there would be proportionately fewer jobs, it makes sense that

While the gap has increased during the recession, the proportion has stayed about the same. Since there would be proportionately fewer jobs, it makes sense that the gap wouldn't stay fixed. While I'm sure ageism is at play, you also have to consider that older people who have specialized are going to be looking at a smaller job pool. Even if they haven't specialized they still can't do hard labor jobs that younger people could do. Also they might have more savings, allowing them to look for more specific jobs that they actually want to do, rather than any job.