Yes, there’s lots of subjectivity involved. Like how old is “enough” and how old is “too much,” depending on what hosts and their pets and homes need. Some pet and home care is more (physically) demanding and the hosts’ perception varies. And of course, each sitter has their own level of health and physical fitness.
Why I mentioned ageism: Having seen a number of older posts and comments from sitters who had trouble landing sits and noticing that they often came from younger folks. (Such posts and comments have dwindled over the ~three years I’ve been a member, I’m guessing because there are so many more sits vs. sitters in general as THS has grown, so it’s relatively easier for sitters to get established, no matter their age.) Also, old-timer members often describe how hard it was to start getting sits to start with, like applying for dozens of sits before succeeding, or doing local sits to get established.
From my experience, joining in my 50s and having lots of homeownership experience, as well as pet experience, and being a solo sitting woman who telecommutes is definitely a plus – it took me few applications to start landing sits, as well as getting unsolicited invitations for popular locations, like waterfront Hawaii. I didn’t have to start with local sits. And I get most sits I pursue. I also quickly got sits and offers without providing any references, including for locations like London. And I get sits from hosts who are 20-something to 70-something.
Of course, self-selection for listings matters, too. If I applied for more physically demanding sits, I’d expect more scrutiny of my physical ability, directly or indirectly, especially as I age, if applying for sits via any sitting platform. But I avoid physically demanding sits, big dogs, energetic or athletic ones and such. I don’t pursue rural sits, off-grid locations, etc.
But I do see many of them contributing on the board with priceless advice and support.