I do understand the feeling. IMO it could be a bit of ageism. I think it's worse when the company (or team) management strategy is to keep everyone feeling insecure and seeing each other as competitors and potential enemies.

I also agree that you sensed the environment and avoided it and were probably right. When looking for a job this can be very dispiriting but then you occasionally do interviews where people are more friendly and secure and it reminds you that it is possible to find a reasonable place.