What underlying cause contributes to the economic vulnerability of older adults during economic downturns, as a consequence of ageism in the workplace?

One main reason older adults face economic vulnerability during downturns is ageism, which is the unfair treatment of people based on their age. Many employers believe that older workers are less adaptable or less skilled with new technologies, leading to fewer job opportunities for them. This can make it harder for older adults to find work if they lose their jobs, as they may be overlooked in favor of younger candidates. For example, if a company is downsizing, they might choose to keep younger employees who they think can learn quickly, leaving older workers struggling to find new employment. As a result, older adults can suffer financially, especially if they have fewer savings or retirement funds to rely on.