How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? after 16 years as an operations analyst

I have been out of work for 9 months and worry about the gap. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. I am nervous about being filtered out. How did you handle it on your résumé?

Keep your skills fresh and mention anything recent. It shows momentum.

I was hired after a 9-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.