Thoughts on hiring an older designer --55+

Hi all, I'm a creative director and i'm going through applications now to hire a creative visual merchandising manager. They need experience with not only designing in store signage, and skill in typography and composition, but they also need to be able to draw schematics and 3D renderings in CAD or sketchup, and understand how to choose different materials for building units and displays, as well as being willing to travel globally to visit various locations, etc.

Ive received a few applications from very qualified individuals based on their work experience, however, looking at the dates of education and prior work, some of them are in their mid 50's and 60's.

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the pros and cons of hiring an older creative.

**ANDDDD TO NOTE: I will completely concede to the fact that my hesitation is completely ageist, and i'm fighting against it. Very HARD. I'm trying to look at them for their qualifications, etc., but there are things i'm having issues with --- such as the energy to travel, the passion to go above and beyond to shake things up (this will be our very first VM designer and the expectations are high -- we need them to OWN this and lead the way).

So yes, call me a bad person if you'd like, but I want to go into the interviews (yes, of course i scheduled interviews to meet them) with a well rounded point of view on the pros and cons of hiring a creative who may be older.