In my experience, there's a pretty big difference between mid 40s and over 50. Companies may be hungry, but they've also become more selective.
Let’s say I’m back in the job market when I am 50 in 2024 and I just keep my experience from 2008 or 2012 depending on the company I am interviewing for.
They have eyes, and age shows. Wrinkles, greying hair etc.
Its not that hard to spot old people.
It wouldn’t have mattered either in my last two jobs or my current one since my managers were all older than I am. But, I don’t take any chances. I go to all my interviews clean shaven - bald head, and no facial hair specifically because of the ageism boogeyman. No one thinks twice about a Black guy with a bald head.
No I’m not saying that’s the answer for anyone else.
Anyway dying/shaving your hair etc will help you mask 50 vs 45, but when you're 60...