If you are a low performer and at or past retirement age, then two strikes against you. If you are a high performer and at or past retirement age, you are likely to be bypassed for a headcount reduction, as I have been for several years.
You poster got very lucky. I know of two people from my department who were among top performers and past retirement age who were unceremoniously shown the door in the last round of layoffs.
I wish what you said was true, but it's not. So count your blessings, and make sure you are prepared just in case you are not so lucky in the future.