A Profile of
Older Americans: 2008
Employment
In 2007, 5.8 million (16.0 %) Americans age 65 and over were in the labor force (working or actively seeking work), including 3.2 million men (20.5%) and 2.6 million women (12.6%). They constituted 3.8% of the U.S. labor force. About 3.3% were unemployed. Labor force participation of men 65+ decreased steadily from 2 of 3 in 1900 to 15.8% in 1985; then stayed at 16%-18% until 2002; and has been increasing since then to over 20%. The participation rate for women 65+ rose slightly from 1 of 12 in 1900 to 10.8% in 1956, fell to 7.3% in 1985, was around 7%-9% from 1986 – 2002. However, beginning in 2000, labor force participation of older women has been gradually rising to the 2007 level. This increase is especially noticeable among the population aged 65-69.
(Source: Current Population Survey, labor force statistics. See: Bureau of Labor Statistics web-site: http://www.bls.gov/cps/home.htm)
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AoA - Statistics - A Profile of Older Americans
2008 - Education
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