Age - Does It Matter?

The topic of age comes up more frequently now than I can recall from conversations of the past. Age is a primary factor in considerations for employment or a relationship.  It is definitely part of my reality.   I am 'fifty now' as I claim to most people who dare to ask.  But, should age matter?  When the focus of age muddies the selection or decision process perhaps deleting 'age' may be helpful.   At the end of the day, can performance in a productive role in a job or engagement in a successful relationship be reduced to one's date of birth?