Butterfly--I made the comment I did (a few days ago) because of all the layoffs at the Brooklyn Bethel, which were primarily ones in their mid thirties to late forties, who had been there for 20 years or so (or less). Why would they be let go? Generally, that's the most productive time in worker's life. Yet Bethel is still bringing in young ones. What's the biggest diff? Health care costs. There's a reason why, when you turn 40, your health insurance premium jumps (a lot, in many cases). You're at the point where you start needing more health care and more serious kinds of care. Bethel self-insures, which means when a 50 year old needs a cancer operation, Bethel pays out of its own pocket. They don't like to do that.
Admittedly, I have no hard evidence; this is just an observation. But I do know firsthand of a family member (that is, of my family)who was given his walking papers after serious health issues arose, and another one who was diagnosed with a life threatening illness immediately after being let go (after being there 20+ years). He was given some financial help by the Society (but not enough to handle the magnitude of the treatment he needed) and then "strongly encouraged" to go on Medicaid.