Why do we counsel each other hide our ages when we start a job search as a person over 50? Aren't we the HR professionals who should know the value of a highly experienced candidate? Are we are normalizing ageism just at a time in our culture when companies are learning to embrace all other dimensions of diversity?

See post above from the 50yo being discouraged by an interviewer from looking for FT work because at her age, she probably can't keep up. :)

My whole department of 14 professionals was disbanded when our company decided not to offer the particular service that department offered, and the younger gals were offered other jobs within the company (not jobs they were qualified for but would train for), while the older gals were simply terminated. It's real.

I joined a webinar with design recruiters who took questions from candidates. When age came up, they said "Yes, ageism is real, it's an issue, but my older candidates are great etc. But some employers don't see that, so I tell them those aren't the places you want to work." I know this was offered to be supportive, but what if you switch age for race or religion? Surely this advice would be objectionable. It highlighted the OP's point, that we don't take ageism seriously and do normalize it and ask people to just accept it.

The terrible part? Rather than ask about this, I let it go. These are recruiters I hope might work with me and I didn't want to insult them.