Ask HN: Switching Jobs at 50

I realize my time is up at the company I'm working for. I've been through numerous downsizes, layoffs and outsourcing over the last 20 years. I understand that my time will come because I'm a number no matter how hard I work. Honestly I'm tired of the game and want to get out before I get axed. I want to get a job where people care about what they do and software is a product not a cost center. Should I even apply at start ups? Has any one here managed to get a better job at the age of 50? What are the realistic expectations that I should have for myself?