I got hired in 08 at 56 years old. At that time Atlas was going full steam ahead and upgrades looked like 3-6 yr range with all the planes on order. Got furloughed 6 months later..
..
Had a buddy that I helped get into the pool at age 60. timeing was bad for him as the economy tanked and he didnt get called from the pool for a few years. when they did start hireing again they didnt call him.
Timeing is everything...I've known pilots that have upgraded in one year and some have taken more then ten.