Does Older Equal Dumber?

I am sure that many middle-aged persons have noticed that people treat you like you are stupid.  Does older equal dumber?   No, but it starts at home with your own kids.  All of a sudden or gradually, they start treating you like you are the child and know nothing.  I have noticed this personally with a male child.  Why does this matter?  It matters because just the opposite is actually true.   It's also true that in order to live up to your life's purpose, the second half of  life can be the ideal time.   Some of us fifty and over remain in the jobs that we have had for years.   This may be a good thing for those people.  However, if you need work and do find it, you may end up with a job that does not give you the opportunity to show your abilities.  But, of course, when you need a job, some aspects of the situation have to be ignored.  On the other hand being over fifty is a good time to finally take the plunge into self-employment.  With years of experience under your belt, self-employment can serve several purposes.  Two of which  are to give you the satisfaction of knowing that you were able to run a business and create your own job. 
Being older does in no way equal being dumber.  For those that treat your that way are just misinformed.  Older people have a lot to offer and to pass on to those younger than themselves.  Starting a business is one way to demonstrate your skills, abilities and talents.