Thank you for your kind words. The reason for ageism is, I think, that mangers don't want to employ anyone older than they are. I am not sure why that would be a concern for them.
And I disagree about the RNLI. Their age limit, (55), is arbitrary and extremely out of date, and takes no account of the person: Their fitness, their experience, their skills or abilities whatsoever.
That is blatant ageism.
They could very easily have met me in person and even taken me out on a boat to assess me. They could also have imposed a 6 week or 6 month probationary period to see if I was up to the job.
To just dismiss me on the basis of age without any reference to abilities, fitness or knowledge, during a Zoom meeting is blatant ageism.
The UK literally cannot afford to be ageist.