While they don't openly admit it, it must be part of the overall RIF strategy where many apply for a RIF and typically those picked are the older workers (50+) and especially those 60+.
There may be a more sinister side of how they get you ready for a RIF. Typically they take long time employees and move them into new groups and put them on 'dead end' projects and/or switch them into unsatisfactory projects (with the hope they will quit or retire) and if they do not, then pick them on the next RIF.
Rinse, repeat.
So unless you are well connected with a manager or VP who has your back, just remember your career is just one move away from being destroyed by LUMN and it's all part of the plan. You will end up in a RIF or quitting because they don't just destroy your career, they destroy your confidence. Leaving is the smart option at this point.
And then after you leave, if you decide you want to return to the workforce, you better be under 55 ... as most employers with open jobs will not hire you and typically only grant you a round one interview if you are lucky. This was a shocker but also a cold hard reality of the 2024 jobs market.
No wonder early retirement is a thing. It might be the only thing.
Lumen isn't the only place doing this, I suspect its commonplace.