What a lovely thing to do for him...he'll love it!
Both my husband and I were laid off this past year and we're in our mid and late 50's. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to both of us. We now have jobs again, where we're happy, and we're making more $$ than before. The Lord turned a negative into a positive for us. I would tell him to look at this as an opportunity - there is probably something out there that he's meant to do instead. It's all about having a good attitude throughout the job search, and following your instincts. His children will be watching his reaction closely, too, and its a learning experience for them, as well.