This is the case of a neighbor of mine. She is around 50 years old and due to family problems she stopped working 10 years ago. Now she would like to go back to work but there is this large gap in her resume and the age issue that seems to scare employers off.

This is a tough scenario. l would suggest that she finds an industry that she knows very well and can easily obtain references of expertise and apply primarily in that sector. This will allow her an easier ''in'' with potential employers. The age issue should not be an issue due to federal employment laws, it is called ageism. If age does become an issue, have her remind the potential employer of federal law..nicely.