So, cards on the table, I am a 60 year old male. I have been playing D&D since first edition, had a big life-happens gap then picked up 5e over 5 years ago. I am currently retired and can enjoy my favourite hobby again without (mostly) conflicts with other priorities or occupations.

While I would not mind an in-person group, I found the reach of the r/lfg subReddit more practical in order to find campaigns to join online. Most will advertise "18+" or "21+", a category I definitely fit into. I have enough wherewithal with stay away from those aimed at teenagers. When applying for those "non-teenager" campaigns, I do mention my age (since most of them ask for it anyway). My beef is that a lot of people look at that number and somewhat freak out. One interviewing DM once told me "You're older than my dad!", to which my kneejerk response would be "So?" (except, by that point, I figure why bother arguing). We may not have the same pop culture frame of reference and others may not be enthoused by dad jokes, but if we are all adults, what exactly is the difference with me being older?

I am a good, team oriented player. I come prepared, know my character and can adjust gameplay and actions-in-combat as the need warrants. Barring emergencies, I always show up. So how can people judge me simply due to my age? Older people do like D&D too, and usually play very well with others. So what gives?

P.S.: Shout-out to u/haverwench's post from 10 months ago relating her and her husband's similar trial for an in person game. I feel your pain.