¿Is age an obstacle for getting interpreting jobs?

Henry Hinds wrote:

so the older the better until Alzheimer's sets in.

Soonthon LUPKITARO(Ph.D.) wrote:

I US scholar on humanity science wrote that a young person is happy living in USA but an old person is happy living in Asian countries. Yes, the elderly are generally revered in the Oriental world. This also applies to interpreation and translation works. Last week I went to funeral ceremonies of three former colleagues: they lived very healthy up to 90s! If age discrimination is used in our industry, it is skeptical as to what the client is thinking about.

Soonthon Lupkitaro

gracemex wrote:

Hello everybody ¡

I really would like to hear opinions about this topic.
At my forties I’m in a stage of life where I know I can do a good job as an interpreter because I’ve been preparing myself, and had studied a 1 year course of English/Spanish-Spanish/English interpreting training in a special institute, Besides, I’ve been a trainer too (regarding other topics) so I’m used to talk to people. However I confess that I’ve had very few professional experiences as an interpreter (have made some consecutive and whispering interpretation in some of my jobs in transnational companies, mostly: meetings, presentations, foreigner executives support/escort) but not really been hired by agencies.

My goal is to get much more preparation, to take more courses, and increase my experience (specially in simultaneous/booth) and of course to work and have incomes constantly, but honestly sometimes I wonder: ¿Am I too old for it? Unfortunately in my country after 35 is more difficult to find a steady job (even related to my first career which is admin/finances) so, that’s another reason for being a freelancer.

As I said I consider Interpreting as an exciting and interesting career.
Of course, it’s a matter of culture (in every country), but in general terms: Is age an obstacle?
What do you think? Is interpreting mostly a job for young people recently graduated from school? Do agencies still require mature professionals in this field?

Thanks a lot for reading and for sharing your point of view / experiences
Greetings from México
Grace

Alexandra Goldburt wrote:

Lin Yutang, in his book "The Importance of Living" (which I like very much), said that there's no country better for the old people than China, due to the respect they receive. It probably applies to the entire region called "The East", not just China.

When I'm very, very old, I'll seriously consider moving somewhere in The East...

Susanna Garcia wrote:

And of course wearing purple helps!