Employment

In 2002, 4.5 million (13.2 %) Americans age 65 and over were in the labor force (working or actively seeking work), including 2.5 million men (17.9%) and 1.9 million women (9.8%). They constituted 3.1% of the U.S. labor force. About 3.6% were unemployed.

Labor force participation of men 65+ decreased steadily from 2 of 3 in 1900 to 15.8% in 1985, and has stayed at 16%-18% since then. 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, and has been around 8%-10% since 1988.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)