Final answer:
The senior citizen likely faced ageism, a form of discrimination based on age, which can lead to structural unemployment and reduced job opportunities for older adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
The situation described where a senior citizen loses a job opportunity to a younger, inexperienced candidate is likely due to ageism. Ageism is a form of prejudice and discrimination based on age, where people make assumptions about an individual's competence and abilities solely based on their age.
This can occur in various aspects of life, including employment. In the workplace, older adults may face stereotypes that they are incompetent, physically weak, slow, or less adaptable to new technologies.
Not only does this discriminatory practice potentially deny experienced and capable individuals work opportunities, but also it can contribute to higher levels of structural unemployment among older workers, as is reported in studies examining ageism's impact on health and employment opportunities across the world.