Salary expectations for a lower role

[u/rasta-ragamuffin]

Hello fellow redditors, I finally have an interview scheduled for an opportunity I'm very interested in after 4 years of unemployment. I'm a referral (from a former colleague who works there now) and I have 7 years of experience doing a very similar job in the same industry (20 years ago). This job unfortunately does not pay well and would be a step backwards in both title and pay, however beggars can't be choosers and I feel very lucky and grateful to even be considered for the job.

A salary range was provided in the job post. Even though I would probably accept the job at the lowest salary in the range, I feel that my experience doing a very similar job in the same industry and additional experience in higher level roles, justifies a salary expectation at the higher end of the range. (Even at the highest pay in the range, I would still be a great bargain for them.) When the recruiter asks me what my salary expectation is, should I give the midpoint, the highpoint or no number at all? Should I let her know that even the highest salary in their range is significantly less than what I made in my last (also underpaid) role? I don't want to price myself out of consideration (for an opportunity that is a great fit for me in every way besides the pay) but I also don't want to be offered less than the midpoint. (I would probably still accept since I have no other good options at the moment, but I would be resentful working for that low of pay, and that's not a good way to feel when starting a new job.)