I just don't get why companies discriminate because of age anymore. I know that in the "olden days" companies used to actually pay pensions to people when they retired, so in that case they would want to get the most out of somebody before they retired.

But why now? is it because older people may expect more money because we are more experienced? Or is it just stupid, unthinking habit like those dumb interview questions?

I work for a company that usually hires people straight out of college. I can't even tell you how many times they have had people quit by going to the bathroom and never coming back, or simply not showing up. And then there's the old "my father had a heart attack so I have to move back home and run the family business line" that I have heard umpteen times. It's simply amazing how many people have relatives who succumb to heart attacks within two weeks of them starting the job.

And the poor health of these young people is appalling! You would not believe how often they are "sick" or have terrible medical conditions that prevent them from working. Once again, usually within  a week or so of starting the job.

It's so much easier to not show up or make up a story than it is to come in and just say "Sorry, I don't think this job is for me!" But that would take maturity.

So why are young people the preferred candidates?