jobless PMETs & job hopping

Are older jobless PMETs more likely to job hop? It seems that employers are very hesitant to employ older jobless PMETs because they feel that these PMETs are just there to seek shelter until market recovers. During an interview, I was being asked the same question. Even though I stated firmly I am serious about career change and will not go back to same industry even if the market recovers after 1-2 years, I don't that they were convinced by me at all. I eventually did not get the job.