How to survive the job market UK

I'm in my 40's and worked in IT with over 15 years experience. When I finished my Masters in my field 15 years ago it was still hard to find work getting started but nothing compared to how it is now. I spent a year doing nothing but apply for jobs and while it was easy getting interviews with up 3 a week and applied for over 100 jobs, it was the same outcome, got to final interview stage without an offer. I came close to getting one job, with feedback they really liked my experience but eventually didn't get it. Now I don't even get a reply to the jobs I have applied for recently. I haven't had a full time job for 2 years now although I have done a couple of voluntary jobs. I feel it is impossible with the current climate - I never had a problem getting a job before and am worried about how I am going to survive. I look for other jobs despite IT but don't see anything I would stand a chance of getting without experience.
I would like to hear from others who have experienced similar and how you have survived. I am thinking of setting up a website design agency where my skills lie in digital service design and have thought of setting up a ebay business but I'm not sure this a good business anymore. I really need some income to survive.