This is my experience too. I hadn't been rejected from a job since starting work in the late 90s. Significant experience from coding (which I still do) to startup exec level. Multiple "it came down to you and one other" situations.

Jobs are in short supply, applicants are numerous. Most interviews are also with managers 10 years younger than I am which may be a compounding factor. That's not an issue for me, but I think it's easier for them to hire someone of a similar age.