I do not understand the OPs rant here. The ones I am aware over 60 were "happy" to go. Many "requested". They have their nest eggs and it is a juicy package - one year of paid vacation for many. Many had downsized (they know where we are heading) .They also operated "remotely" with the really flexible WFH policy. FL / NC low cost states.
I do not know whether they all "quiet quit". But they are not looking for a career here after they crossed 55. If they were, 100% they are fully equipped to find another job at the drop of the hat and are not worried about BNYM / Pershing position.
I know this will be overwhelmingly down voted with lots of angry responses. But the truth is - if you are not able to recommend this firm to a newbie then why are you here.
Most of the 55+ are "typically" non-coders. And except for a few, they are all using technology that is on its way out - slowly but steadily.
If by 55-60 they are not in upper management - minimum M - but are stuck in K or L - they are the prime targets. As a manager one would question their drive. And the managers do not make these decisions easily. Most of these folks worked with them for years
It is not HR it is your manager. If your manager is putting you on a list - you are already in a toxic environment. If your manager wants to get rid of you why would you hang in there. If you really wanted to make a move to other departments why wait till now ? Why did you not have this conversation with your manager? What is the fear ? Being fired - you are already on the list (or you can sense it).
Having a conv. stating that you do not want to be laid off is a win-win situation. Either the manager acknowledges or you know your boss wants to get rid of you. If you cannot talk about this to your manager when you are in the 50+ age group , sorry, there is something really broke here.