So, I was told today that I am, basically, too old to be considered for a particular job

[Coyote_Bandit]

61. I've made a point

of staying busy and learning new skills during my extended period of unemployment (years now) and I list it all on my resume. Three years as an officer in a local group of artists. A year in jewelry school. Freelance writing and editing. Small business consulting. Tax preparation work. Some graphic design work. Training and handling a dog in obedience competitions. Providing care to aging family members.

When somebody asks me "Are you working now?" I will respond, "yes, but not in the sense of having traditional employment." I'll be wearing a piece of my jewelry and I will use it as a starting point to show that I have taken the iniative to stay busy, to generate some income, and to develop new skills. That's about the best I can do with that.

I need to upgrade my computer and software soon. When I do I will probably enroll in a cheap short-term community college class. That means I'll be able to use an academic discount to purchase some of the software (and the savings will more than offset the cost of the class). It also means that I will be able to answer that question by adding that I have taken classes to upgrade and maintain my computer skills.

I see being a 50ish single highly educated female as more of a deterrent in finding employment than being unemployed while seeking work. Though that certainly does not work in my favor.

Good luck.