jb5000
I don't think anyone here has said that they are "better" than younger guys, the point being made is that they should have an equal chance to prove there ability by interview/psochometric test or sim ride of the airlines' choice, rather than be rejected before even talking to anyone.
38 isn't old (although it may appear so at 21). The truth is that some older trainees struggle, as do some younger ones. Whilst initial training may be easier for those who are still in the straight from school to university to cabair/oxford wherever to type rating learning habit, the older candidate with more maturity and life experience might make a better choice for airlines who are looking at commands at about 3000 hrs/4 years from starting ie at age 42 rather than 25. Or maybe not always, of course, as everyone is different.