hi, got a friend age 40 above (45 currently this year) here
his specialty is in programming (mostly on java but not the latest one like with add on hibernate/spring boot etc)
from jan24 this year and still cant find a job and still searching (though many calls for job interview but still can hit any)

want to move on to Dev Ops but don't have skill
want to go to call center for customer service but they don't call back
java skill ? now not so good anymore , memory a bit loss now
must compete with young lings for a job

now searching for java role only or any role that matters
bank call for loan constantly and need repayment , but how to pay , no work no money
even some bank threaten to blacklist him

still hoping for the best although sometimes feel rotten to the core

you guys got some advised?
this old man almost lost it all
i have no more words to advised to him anymore

This is the most important. In fact I'd say one should be learning daily. Just like exercise, if you don't keep it constant, then getting back into the groove will be challenging. Not impossible, but certainly challenging.