It has been my experience over the past 50 or so years, the older
pilots are more aware of their shortcomings/experience and will admit
them. The young guys are less open or hesitant to say they don't know
or understand something. I'm actively teaching both FW/RW and the older
guys take their time while the young studs want it all ...NOW NOW NOW.
It appears the majority of professional pilots are pretty near the 45
or older age and most of them are very aware of what they are doing and
how to do it. Just as importantly they can recognize how NOT to do it
via exposure and experience.
As for some of the specifics in the article, I got the impression that
after you hit 50 you are over the hill and unsafe.
Here I am at 70 with 23,000 hours logged and still teaching both young
and old dogs a lot of new tricks. If I end up in an accident, will that
add fuel to my being over the hill and unsafe due to an advanced age?