I understand that the JAA system will be replaced around the end of the year by EASA, and that LHS operation up to age 65 will be enshrined in EU legislation. Individual states will not then have the right to vary the conditions.
As a rather wrinkly person myself, I think that the performance of the older pilot can vary enormously, just as it can in other age groups. The experience advantage makes a lot of difference, and I feel we have a lot to offer.