Lots of job offers in my 30s, none in my 40s - anyone else?

[windygallows]

I'm late 40s and a senior manager in the arts. I've just found out I've been unsuccessful in another job interview, one I really wanted (sigh). I've had 7 job interviews in the last 2 1/2 years and have never had a job offer. I'm going for slightly more senior or sideways roles. I'm v qualified and have won a number of national/sector awards in the last few years and have a good reputation - so a lot to shout about.

Compare this with the period from age 30 - 42 when every role I interviewed for I was offered. Every single one and there were 7 of them (some I turned down, some I accepted).

I haven't changed as a person (except to get more experience - if anything I'm better at what I do now). I know I probably need to practice my interview style etc but I used to do well....

Is this an age thing? Do employers prefer women under 40? Has anyone experienced similar? Or do I just need to hike up my boots and keep trying (which I will do).

OneMoreOne the people I knew both retrained in rather niche subjects one heritage based one in a rather niche part of academia so they are not very generalist examples. Tbh they have both worked very hard but have also both been very lucky; the latter did an MA partly out of interest and partly to further her former career and did so well at it she was encouraged to do a PhD and has been lucky enough to get a substantive post. The former had to freelance for a few years before getting a substantive post.
I should add I think this is partly to do with location and the jobs that are available in those locations. I was planning to retrain in a heritage based role for example but I live in a part of the country where there just are not enough jobs to risk it as I cannot relocate.