Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 3007

According to a 2009 analysis of CPS data, application rates for unemployment insurance benefits rose sharply with age in 2005: the rate was 14.0 percent of women and 13.1 percent of men aged 16-24, as compared with 46.7 percent of women and 49.6 percent of men 45 and older. (p. 45)

Vroman, W. (2009). Unemployment insurance recipients and nonrecipients in the CPS. Monthly Labor Review, 132(10), 44-53. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2009/10/art4full.pdf

This article summarizes findings from the most recent UI (Unemployment Insurance) supplement in the CPS, which was conducted during 2005.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2595

A 2009 report on a survey of aging, disability and careers shows that "hearing loss was associated with an increased rate of non-participation in employment of between 11.3% and 16.6%.... Hearing loss appears to have a disproportionate impact in reducing the proportion in paid work among those who are relatively older (53% for those over 45 years)." (p. 117-118)

Hogan, A., O'Loughlin, K., Davis, A., & Kendig, H. (2009). Hearing loss and paid employment: Australian population survey findings. International Journal of Audiology, 48(3), 117-122.

The paper is based on original analysis of the 2003 Australian survey of disability, aging and careers (SDAC).

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2580

According to a 2009 analysis of BLS data, in December 2008, "326,000 adults age 65 and older were unemployed, 60 percent more than in November 2007. The December 2008 unemployment rate for adults age 65 and older reached 5.1 percent, a 31-year high. The age-65-and-older unemployment rate has increased by 1.7 percentage points since November 2007, the last month before the current recession began." (p. 1)

Johnson, R. W. (2009). Senior unemployment rate hits 31-year high (Fact Sheet on Retirement Policy, Jan 2009). Washington, DC: Urban Institute. Retrieved from http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/901210_senior_unemployment_rates.pdf

This fact sheet uses data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2553

According to a 2009 analysis of BLS data, "in December 2008, 32 percent of job seekers aged 55 and over, 23 percent of those ages 25-54, and 18 percent of those under age 25 had been unemployed for 27 weeks or more." (p. 2)

Rix, S. E. (2009). Little to cheer about: Unemployment and the older Worker--December 2008 (Fact Sheet No. 150). Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/fs150_worker.pdf

This report is an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data from December 2008.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2551

According to a 2009 analysis of BLS data, unemployment rate for the total labor force was 7.2 percent in December 2008, while the rate for persons aged 55 and over was 4.8 percent. (p. 1)

Rix, S. E. (2009). Little to cheer about: Unemployment and the older Worker--December 2008 (Fact Sheet No. 150). Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/fs150_worker.pdf

This report is an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data from December 2008.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2660

According to a 2009 analysis of HRS data, "more than one-third (about 35%) off the workers aged 51-55 in 1992 who left their by 2006 left their jobs involuntarily." About 24 percent lost their jobs due to business closures and layoffs, and 12 percent due to health reasons. (p. 12)

Johnson, R. W., Kawachi, J., & Lewis, E. K. (2009). Older workers on the move: Recareering in later life (Research Report No. 2009-08). Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/2009_08_recareering.pdf

This PPI Research Paper by examines the characteristics of workers who change careers in late life, using data from eight waves of the biennial Health and Retirement Study (1992-2006). A sample of 1,705 workers who were ages 51-55 in 1992 were followed until 2006, when they were 65-69.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2661

According to a 2009 analysis of HRS data, "less than half (46 percent) of workers employed fulltime at ages 51 to 55 ever cite retirement as the principal reason for leaving a job by ages 65-69." (p. 12)

Johnson, R. W., Kawachi, J., & Lewis, E. K. (2009). Older workers on the move: Recareering in later life (Research Report No. 2009-08). Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/2009_08_recareering.pdf

This PPI Research Paper by examines the characteristics of workers who change careers in late life, using data from eight waves of the biennial Health and Retirement Study (1992-2006). A sample of 1,705 workers who were ages 51-55 in 1992 were followed until 2006, when they were 65-69.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2981

According to a 2009 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "the labor force participation rates for veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam Era declined with age; for ages 45 to 54 it was 78.9 percent, for those ages 55 to 64 it was 64.8 percent, and for those ages 65 and over (more than half of the total) it was 16.3 percent. The unemployment rates for these veterans were similar across the age groups--between 4 and 5 percent." 

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2009). Employment situation of veterans summary. Retrieved March 21, 2009, from http://www.bls.gov.proxy.bc.edu/news.release/vet.nr0.htm

The data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey for 2008.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2891

According to a 2009 analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in July 2009 "unemployment rates for those age 55 and older were highest in the construction (15.8 percent), information (10.8 percent), manufacturing (10.4 percent), and leisure and hospitality (7.7 percent) industries. Nearly two-thirds (63.5 percent) of all older unemployed workers were last employed in manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, education, or professional services. Unemployment rates for older workers were lowest in health services (3.7 percent), public administration (5.2 percent), and finance (5.2 percent)." (p. 3)

Johnson, R. W. (2009). Rising senior unemployment and the need to work at older ages. Washington, DC: Urban Institute. Retrieved from http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411964_senior_unemployment.pdf

This report includes analysis of 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2890

According to a 2009 analysis of data from the Current Population Survey, 10.8 percent of workers age 65 or older who had not completed high school were unemployed in July 2009, compared with 5.8 percent of their counterparts who completed four or more years of college.

Johnson, R. W., & Mommaerts, C. (2009). Unemployment statistics on older Americans: Updated 9/09. Retrieved September 10, 2009, from http://www.urban.org/publications/411904.html

This report presents analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Current Population Survey. Tables are updated monthly.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2845

According to a 2009 Pew survey, among the most frequently mentioned reasons for not working, "about four-in-ten say a big reason is that they've looked in vain for a job that simply isn't there. Nearly three-in-ten say they're not working in order to concentrate on their education or job training. Smaller proportions say they are disabled (21%) or have child care or other family responsibilities (18%) that keep them out of the labor force. And about one-in-eight (13%) say a big reason they don't have a job is that they simply don't want to work." (p. 17)

Pew Research Center. (2009). Recession turns a graying office grayer. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://pewsocialtrends.org/assets/pdf/americas-changing-workforce.pdf

This report is based on a Pew Research Center analysis of long-term trends in survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau as well as on Pew Research's own survey of a representative national sample of 1,815 people ages 16 and older conducted from July 20 to Aug. 2, 2009.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2819

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "in November 2008, 9.4% of older workers were underemployed, compared to 6.3% when the recession began" [December 2007].  The rate of underemployment for 16-24 year olds reached 23.8% in November 2008. (p. 5)

Garr, E. (2009). Older Americans in the recession: More are staying in the workforce, more are losing their jobs. Washington, DC: Economic Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://epi.3cdn.net/c8cd1b7008ed2a4fe2_ohm6bnava.pdf

This report is based on an analysis of data from the 2007 and 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2818

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "the number of unemployed workers 55 and over has increased 56.8% in less than one year, from 856,000 December 2007 (when the recession officially began) to 1,342,000 in November 2008. This compares to a 35% across all age groups. In just 12 months, older works have gone from 11.1% of the total unemployed in December 2007 to 13% in November 2008." (p. 3)

Garr, E. (2009). Older Americans in the recession: More are staying in the workforce, more are losing their jobs. Washington, DC: Economic Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://epi.3cdn.net/c8cd1b7008ed2a4fe2_ohm6bnava.pdf

This report is based on an analysis of data from the 2007 and 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2816

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "of those mature workers who were laid off in the last 12 months and found another job, 26 percent took a job in another field with the vast majority (75 percent) reporting that they are enjoying the experience. In terms of compensation, 40 percent landed positions with similar pay and another 13 percent found jobs with a higher compensation rate than what they were previously earning. Forty-eight percent took a pay cut."

Careerbuilder.com. (2009). Mature job seekers considering entry-level jobs, internships, relocation and starting their own business, CareerBuilder survey finds. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr512&sd=7/22/2009&ed=12/31/2009&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr512_

"This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 921 U.S. workers ages 18 and over who have been laid off in the past 12 months from a full-time position...and 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals. The survey included respondents ages 18 and older who were full-time workers in the private sector who were laid off in the last 12 months." The sample included around 200 workers age 55 and older. (Jennifer Grasz, personal communication, July 29, 2009)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2815

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "twenty-nine percent of employers have hired a worker age 50 or older for a permanent position within their organization over the last six months."

Careerbuilder.com. (2009). Mature job seekers considering entry-level jobs, internships, relocation and starting their own business, CareerBuilder survey finds. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr512&sd=7/22/2009&ed=12/31/2009&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr512_

"This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 921 U.S. workers ages 18 and over who have been laid off in the past 12 months from a full-time position...and 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals. The survey included respondents ages 18 and older who were full-time workers in the private sector who were laid off in the last 12 months." The sample included around 200 workers age 55 and older. (Jennifer Grasz, personal communication, July 29, 2009)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2814

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "of mature workers who were laid off in the last 12 months and did not find a job, 23 percent are considering starting their own business."

Careerbuilder.com. (2009). Mature job seekers considering entry-level jobs, internships, relocation and starting their own business, CareerBuilder survey finds. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr512&sd=7/22/2009&ed=12/31/2009&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr512_

"This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 921 U.S. workers ages 18 and over who have been laid off in the past 12 months from a full-time position...and 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals. The survey included respondents ages 18 and older who were full-time workers in the private sector who were laid off in the last 12 months." The sample included around 200 workers age 55 and older. (Jennifer Grasz, personal communication, July 29, 2009)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2813

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "Seven percent of employers reported mature workers have applied for internships at their organizations. Four percent have hired mature workers while 55 percent would be willing to consider mature workers for internships."

Careerbuilder.com. (2009). Mature job seekers considering entry-level jobs, internships, relocation and starting their own business, CareerBuilder survey finds. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr512&sd=7/22/2009&ed=12/31/2009&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr512_

"This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 921 U.S. workers ages 18 and over who have been laid off in the past 12 months from a full-time position...and 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals. The survey included respondents ages 18 and older who were full-time workers in the private sector who were laid off in the last 12 months." The sample included around 200 workers age 55 and older. (Jennifer Grasz, personal communication, July 29, 2009)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2812

According to a 2009 survey of U.S. workers and employers, "twenty-eight percent of workers age 55 and older who were laid off in the last 12 months found new jobs...This compares to 71 percent of those ages 25 to 34."


Careerbuilder.com. (2009). Mature job seekers considering entry-level jobs, internships, relocation and starting their own business, CareerBuilder survey finds. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=pr512&sd=7/22/2009&ed=12/31/2009&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr512_

"This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder between May 22 and June 10, 2009 among 921 U.S. workers ages 18 and over who have been laid off in the past 12 months from a full-time position...and 2,667 hiring managers and human resource professionals. The survey included respondents ages 18 and older who were full-time workers in the private sector who were laid off in the last 12 months." The sample included around 200 workers age 55 and older. (Jennifer Grasz, personal communication, July 29, 2009)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2780

In a 2009 survey from the Kauffman Foundation, "80.3 percent of respondents stated that inability to find traditional employment was not at all a factor in starting their own businesses. Only 4.5 percent said this was an important factor." (p. 6)

Wadhwa, V., Aggarwal, R., Holly, K., & Salkever, A. (2009). The anatomy of an entrepreneur: Family background and motivation. Kansas City, MO: Kauffman: The Foundation of Entrepreneurship. Retrieved from http://www.kauffman.org/uploadedFiles/ResearchAndPolicy/TheStudyOfEntrepreneurship/Anatomy%20of%20Entre%20071309_FINAL.pdf

For this project, we surveyed 549 company founders in a variety of industries, including aerospace and defense, computer and electronics, health care, and
services. The survey was conducted between August 2008 and March 2009. 

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2723

According to a 2009 AARP survey of adults ages 45 and older, "sixteen percent of respondents in the 45-54 and 55-64 age groups reported having lost a job during the past 12 months. Of those, 28% of those 45-54 and 30% of those 55-64 reported finding another job after having lost a job." (p. 1)

Rainville, G. (2009). AARP bulletin survey on employment status of the 45+ population: Executive summary. Washington, DC: AARP. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/bulletin_jobs_09.pdf

This study was conducted for AARP via telephone by ICR, an independent research company. Interviews were conducted from May 1-May 7, 2009 among a nationally representative sample of 767 respondents 45 years of age or older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2682

According to a 2009 survey of adults in the labor force, "nearly 7-in-10 (67%) workers are now very concerned with the unemployment rate, compared to 5-in-10 (46%) workers in 2008. Nearly half of the labor force (49%) is now very concerned with job security for those currently working, compared to a third (32%) in 2008. And nearly 7 in 10, or 68% of respondents, say they are very concerned about the job market for those looking for work, up 20 percentage points since last spring (48%) ." (p. 1)

Van Horn, C. (2009). The distressed American worker: Fears of permanent job loss soar (Work Trends Survey No. 2009). New Brunswick, NJ: Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. Retrieved from http://www.heldrich.rutgers.edu/uploadedFiles/Publications/WT%2018%20report(1).pdf

The national survey was conducted March 19-29, 2009, among 700 adults in the labor force, defined as those working full- or part-time jobs or unemployed and actively seeking employment.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2680

According to a 2009 MetLife Survey, "two in three homeowners (64%) are concerned they would lose their home if they were to lose their job. Generation X feels the most vulnerable, with 73% of Americans in this demographic group expressing concern. Baby Boomers are the next most vulnerable group, with 63% reporting worry. The Silent Generation is least likely to be anxious about home loss (31%)." (p.20)

MetLife. (2009). The 2009 MetLife study of the American dream. New York: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Retrieved from http://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/gbms/studies/09010229_09AmDreamStudy_WEB.pdf

From January 7 - 16, 2009 by Strategy First Partners in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates conducted 2,243 online surveys in the United States among the general population as part of the 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2679

According to a 2009 MetLife Survey, "nearly two in ten (18%) of those surveyed report that they have lost their own job as a result of the current economic situation. An additional 55% know someone (a friend or family member) who has become unemployed. Generations X and Y have been hardest hit, with 23% of GenXers and 21% of GenYers having lost a job themselves as a result of the current economic crisis, compared to 16% of Boomers and 10% of Silents." (p. 17)

MetLife. (2009). The 2009 MetLife study of the American dream. New York: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Retrieved from http://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/gbms/studies/09010229_09AmDreamStudy_WEB.pdf

From January 7 - 16, 2009 by Strategy First Partners in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates conducted 2,243 online surveys in the United States among the general population as part of the 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2678

According to a 2009 MetLife Survey, "roughly six in ten GenXers (58%) and GenYers (60%) are concerned about losing their jobs over the next 12 months as a result of the downturn, compared with 52% of Boomers and 45% of Silents." (p. 16)

MetLife. (2009). The 2009 MetLife study of the American dream. New York: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Retrieved from http://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/gbms/studies/09010229_09AmDreamStudy_WEB.pdf

From January 7 � 16, 2009 by Strategy First Partners in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates conducted 2,243 online surveys in the United States among the general population as part of the 2009 MetLife Study of the American Dream.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1908

A 2008 analysis of CPS data indicates that "among unemployed individuals in 2001 who reported having access to the Internet, age differences in the tendency to use the Internet to search for jobs are only minor.  For example, 67.7% of unemployed individuals aged 30-35 reported using the Internet for their job search, compared to 68.2% for those aged 40-45 and 71.2% of those aged 50-55." (Table 2, p. 6)

Stevenson, B. (2008). The internet and job search (Working Paper No. 13886). Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research. Retrieved April 8, 2008, from http://papers.nber.org/papers/W13886 

This report examines "Internet-based job search using data from the 1998, 2001, and 2003 CPS Computer and Internet Use Supplements."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2189

A 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that among long-tenured workers (those who worked for their employer for more than 3 years) who were displaced during 2005-07, 18.6% of those aged 55-64 reported that they were no longer in the labor force in January 2008, while 22.1% reported that they were unemployed and 62.7% were employed. Among those 65 years and over, 66.7% were no longer in the labor force, 14.5 % were unemployed, and 18.8% were employed. (Table 8)

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Worker displacement, 2005-2007. Washington, DC: U. S. Department of Labor. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/disp_08202008.pdf

This report presents findings of the January 2008 survey conducted by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor has on workers who were displaced from their jobs. These surveys have been conducted biennially as supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly survey of households that is the primary source of information on the nation's labor force. The period covered in this study was 2005-07, the 3 calendar years prior to the January 2008 survey date.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2576

According to 2008 Current Population Survey data, among persons not in the labor force in 2008 who were available for work but not actively looking for work, 25% of those aged 55 and over reported being discouraged over job prospects, compared to 33% of those aged 25-54 and 28% of those aged 16-24. Family responsibilities were more likely reported as a reason by those aged 16-24 (13%) and 25-54 (14%), compared to 9% of those aged 55 and over. Being in school or in training was most likely to be reported by those aged 16-24 (30%), compared to 5% and 1% of those aged 25-54 and 55 or older, respectively.



Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008) Household data annual averages. table 35. persons not in the labor force by desire and availability for work, age and sex. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat35.pdf

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of households conducted by the Bureau of Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides a comprehensive body of data on the labor force, employment, unemployment, and persons not in the labor force.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2535

According to a 2008 analysis of time-use data, "non-employed men and women of all ages reported less time spent on leisure than their employed counterparts. For example, employed women averaged 6 hours of leisure/day at age 25, while non-employed women reported only 5. Because caregiving and other responsibilities are associated with lower rates of employment, those who are not working for pay may actually have less leisure time than those who are." (p. 2, and fig. 3, p. 3)



McNamara, T. K. (2008). Time use across the life course (Issue Brief No. 18). Chestnut Hill, MA: Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB18_TimeUse_2008-11-20.pdf

This Issue Brief utilizes time use data to outline the variation in the "typical" day over the life course, paying special attention to the role of work and job-related characteristics.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2534

According to a 2008 analysis of time-use data, "Employed men reported spending five hours per day working, while employed women averaged only four hours per day. These averages did not differ substantially for 25-, 45-, and 65-year olds...In contrast, non-employed men and women spent one hour or less on employment-related activities. These activities were often job search-related. " (p. 2, and fig. 2, p. 3)



McNamara, T. K. (2008). Time use across the life course (Issue Brief No. 18). Chestnut Hill, MA: Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB18_TimeUse_2008-11-20.pdf

This Issue Brief utilizes time use data to outline the variation in the "typical" day over the life course, paying special attention to the role of work and job-related characteristics.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2532

A 2008 report from the Center on Aging and Work cites Heldrich Center research which found that "workers with less formal education and lower incomes (under $40,000)--arguably the individuals who need help the most--are less likely to receive severance benefits." (p. 2 and fig 2, p. 3)



Heidkamp, M., & Van Horn, C. E. (2008). Older and out of work: Employer, government and nonprofit assistance (Issue Brief No. 17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB17_Older&OutofWork2.pdf

This brief examines employer, federal, state, and community-based strategies designed to help older workers obtain new skills and return to work.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2531

A 2008 report from the Center on Aging and Work cites Heldrich Center research which "found that 75% of smaller firms offered no severance pay to employees losing their jobs. By contrast, a Conference Board survey found 96% of the nation's larger employers (primarily employers with over 1,000 employees) provide severance pay. The outcomes are similar for post-layoff transition services, with half of small firms offering no assistance, but 84% of larger companies surveyed by the Conference Board offering outplacement and/or other assistance." (fig. 1, p. 3)



Heidkamp, M., & Van Horn, C. E. (2008). Older and out of work: Employer, government and nonprofit assistance (Issue Brief No. 17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB17_Older&OutofWork2.pdf

This brief examines employer, federal, state, and community-based strategies designed to help older workers obtain new skills and return to work.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2509

According to 2008 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, number of unemployed persons was highest for among those aged 25-34, with 1,119,000 men and 830,000 women reporting being unemployed during some time period of that year. In contrast, for persons aged 55-64, the number of unemployed were 425,000 for men and 377,000 for women.



Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. Unemployed persons by age, sex, race, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, marital status, and duration of unemployment. Retrieved February 19, 2009, from ftp://ftp.bls.gov/pub/special.requests/lf/aat31.txt

Data from the 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics Household Data Annual Averages, Table 31.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2508

In a 2008 analysis of CPS data, "across all age groups women faced higher rates of underemployment" [defined as either unemployed, discouraged, involuntary part-time, or earnings less than 125% of the poverty threshold]. Among workers aged 20-29 in 2003-2005, underemployment rates were 24.7% for women, compared to 23.6% for men.  For workers aged 60-64, 16.9% of women report underemployment, compared to 12.1% of men. (Table 2, p. S18)
 

Slack, T., & Jensen, L. (2008). Employment hardship among older workers: Does residential and gender inequality extend into older age? The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 63(1), S15-24.

This study is based on data from the March Current Population Surveys for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the prevalence of underemployment among older workers. (p. S15) 

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2465

In a 2008 AARP survey on the economic slowdown, "nearly 1 in 10 (9%) adults ages 45+ report having lost a job in the last 12 months." (p. 8)

Brown, S. K. (2009). A year-end look at the economic slowdown’s impact on middle-aged and older Americans. Washington, DC: AARP. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/economic_slowdown_09.pdf

The December 2008 AARP economy survey obtained telephone interviews with a sample of 1097 respondents aged 45 and older drawn at random from the United States. (p. 12)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2385

According to a 2008 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "reemployment rates for workers ages 20 to 24 and 25 to 54 were 68 and 73 percent, respectively. Reemployment rates for older workers--ages 55 to 64 and 65 years and over--were 61 and 18 percent, respectively. Among those age 65 years and over, 69 percent were no longer in the labor force when surveyed." (p. 1)

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Displaced workers summary: Worker displacement, 2005-2007. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/disp.nr0.htm

This report presents data collected by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor on workers who were displaced from their jobs from 2005-2007. These surveys have been conducted biennially as supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly survey of households that is the primary source of information on the nation's labor force.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2380

A 2008 analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that "in October 2008, the unemployment rate for the aged 55 and older labor force was 4.5 percent, compared to 5.5 percent for those aged 25-54 and 6.5 percent for the labor force as a whole." Between September and October 2008, workers aged 55 and older and those aged 25-34 experienced the sharpest increases in unemployment, over 10 percent, compared to ages 35-44 and 45-54, for whom the rate of unemployment increased less than 4%. (p. 2)

Rix, S. E. (2008). The employment picture, October 2008--Mostly grim news for older and younger workers (Fact Sheet No. 148). Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/fs148_employment.pdf

Statistics in this report are from the labor force data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on November 7, 2008.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2337

According to a 2008 AARP survey of older workers, 78% of blue collar workers express confidence in their ability to secure re-employment after a job loss, compared to 75% of executives and professional workers, and 68% of other white-collar workers. Among workers who indicate a lack of confidence, most frequently cite their age as the main reason (36%), while 31% mention a tight labor market or the economy. (p. 41)

Groeneman, S. (2008). Staying ahead of the curve 2007: The AARP work and career study. Washington, D.C.: AARP. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/work_career_08.pdf

Interviews were completed for a nationally representative sample of workers ages 45 to 74, including those who are currently employed and those who are unemployed but looking for work. 1500 telephone interviews were conducted from April 13 through May 21, 2007. Additional interviews were completed with African Americans and Hispanics.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2336

According to a 2008 AARP survey of older workers, "nearly one in five older workers (19%) feel that it is either very likely (6%) or somewhat likely (13%) that their job will be eliminated within the next year. The comparable 2002 figures are 7% very likely and 16% somehwat likely." Concerns about job elimination are higher among older workers with annual household incomes of less than $30000 (31%), compared to those with incomes between $30-50,000 (24%), and incomes of $50,000 or more (14%). (p. 37)

Groeneman, S. (2008). Staying ahead of the curve 2007: The AARP work and career study. Washington, D.C.: AARP. Retrieved from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/work_career_08.pdf

Interviews were completed for a nationally representative sample of workers ages 45 to 74, including those who are currently employed and those who are unemployed but looking for work. 1500 telephone interviews were conducted from April 13 through May 21, 2007. Additional interviews were completed with African Americans and Hispanics.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1797

According to a 2008 analysis by the National Employment Law Project, "While workers aged 45 and older make up 27 percent of all the nation's unemployed, they represent 37 percent of the long-term jobless," [longer than 26 weeks], based on 2006-2007 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.




Emsellem, M., & Semidey, O. (2008). Federal jobless benefits will stimulate the economy while helping over three million jobless families who will run out of state benefits this year. New York: National Employment Law Project. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from http://www.nelp.org/docUploads/UIExtension.pdf

Researchers at the National Employment Law Project analyzed 2006-2007 data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor concerning long-term unemployment; that is, unemployment beyond the 26 weeks of benefit coverage.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2188

According to a 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey on displaced workers, 22.8% of 20-24 year olds were unemployed, compared to 17.4% of 25-54 year olds, 20.7% of those ages 55-64, and 12.6% of those over 65. Of workers aged 65 and over, 69% reported that they were not in the labor force, compared to 18.5 of 55-64 year olds, 10.0% of 25-54 year olds, and 9.7% of 20-24 year olds. (Table 1)

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Worker displacement, 2005-2007. Washington, DC: U. S. Department of Labor. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/disp_08202008.pdf

This report presents findings of the January 2008 survey conducted by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor has on workers who were displaced from their jobs. These surveys have been conducted biennially as supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly survey of households that is the primary source of information on the nation's labor force. The period covered in this study was 2005-07, the 3 calendar years prior to the January 2008 survey date.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2187

According to a 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey on displaced workers, "reemployment rates for workers ages 20 to 24 and 25 to 54 were 68 and 73 percent, respectively. Reemployment rates for older workers ages 55 to 64 and 65 years and over were 61 and 18 percent, respectively. Among those age 65 years and over, 69 percent were no longer in the labor force when surveyed." (p. 2)

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008). Worker displacement, 2005-2007. Washington, DC: U. S. Department of Labor. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/disp_08202008.pdf

This report presents findings of the January 2008 survey conducted by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor has on workers who were displaced from their jobs. These surveys have been conducted biennially as supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly survey of households that is the primary source of information on the nation's labor force. The period covered in this study was 2005-07, the 3 calendar years prior to the January 2008 survey date.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2085

Based on a 2008 analysis of CPS data, there is a "higher prevalence of underemployment* among older-aged workers in non-metropolitan areas" compared to those in metropolitan areas. For example, in 2003-05 "among those aged 60 to 64 years, 17.5% of those in nonmetro areas were underemployed versus 13.0% of those in metro areas." For ages 55-59, 15.4% of workers in nonmetro areas were underemployed, compared to 11.6% of metro workers. "Within each age group it was nonmetro women who registered the highest rates of underemployment." (Table 2, p. S18)

*Underemployment is defined as either "unemployed, discouraged, involuntary part-time, or earnings less than 125% of the poverty threshold."

Slack, T., & Jensen, L. (2008). Employment hardship among older workers: Does residential and gender inequality extend into older age? The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 63(1), S15-24.

This study is based on data from the March Current Population Surveys for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the prevalence of underemployment among older workers. (p. S15)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2084

Based on a 2008 analysis of CPS data, in 2003-05 nearly one quarter (24.1%) of labor force participants aged 20 to 29 years were underemployed [defined as either unemployed, discouraged, involuntary part-time, or earnings less than 125% of the poverty threshold]. "The prevalence of underemployment then steadily dropped, hitting its lowest point (11.8%) among those aged 50 to 54 years." For other age groups, the rates are 14.1% (30-39), 12.6% (40-49), 13.9% (60-64), and 15.9% (65-69). "Across all age groups women faced higher rates of underemployment." (Table 2, p. S18)




Slack, T., & Jensen, L. (2008). Employment hardship among older workers: Does residential and gender inequality extend into older age? The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 63(1), S15-24.

This study is based on data from the March Current Population Surveys for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the prevalence of underemployment among older workers. (p. S15)

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2031

According to a 2008 Pew Research Center survey, 21% of workers between the ages of 18-29 were fired or laid off in the past year. For 30-49 year-olds the percentage was 15%; for those aged 50-64, 11% and for 65 and older, 3%. Younger workers are particularly vulnerable; "about one-in-five adults under the age of 30 was fired or laid off last year."

Morin, R. (2008). You're laid off. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://pewresearch.org/pubs/802/youre-laid-off

This report summarizes a recent Pew Social and Demographic Trends survey, which is a telephone survey of 2,413 adults, conducted from Jan. 24 through Feb. 19, 2008.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2030

According to a 2008 Pew Research Center survey,"15% of all workers say it is at least somewhat likely that they will be laid off in the coming year while 84% say there is little or no chance they will lose their job." Among specific age groups, the percentages of workers employed full or part-time who say that it is very or somewhat likely that they may be laid off in the next year are 11% for age 18-29; 17% for 30-49; 15% for age 50-64, and 11% for age 65 and older.

Morin, R. (2008). You're laid off. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://pewresearch.org/pubs/802/youre-laid-off

This report summarizes a recent Pew Social and Demographic Trends survey, which is a telephone survey of 2,413 adults, conducted from Jan. 24 through Feb. 19, 2008.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1795

According to a 2007 Urban Institute analysis of HRS data from 1992-2004, 21% of respondents 51-55 were laid off at some point by the time they turned 62. Within this sample of older workers who had been laid off, 23% were without a high school degree, 21% were high school graduates, and 18% were college graduates. (Table 1, p. 16)

Johnson, R. W., Mermin, G., & Murphy, D. (2007). The impact of late-career health and employment shocks on social security and other wealth. Washington, DC: Urban Institute. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from http://www.urban.org/publications/411591.html

This report analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Survey from 1992 to 2004 using a sample of 2,829 adults.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1794

According to a 2007 Urban Institute analysis of HRS data from 1992-2004, for participants aged 63-67, "layoffs reduce pension wealth in traditional employer-sponsored defined benefit plans by nearly $30,000 or 37.1% of the average growth in pension wealth" (p. vi)

Johnson, R. W., Mermin, G., & Murphy, D. (2007). The impact of late-career health and employment shocks on social security and other wealth. Washington, DC: Urban Institute. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from http://www.urban.org/publications/411591.html

This report analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Survey from 1992 to 2004 using a sample of 2,829 adults.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1793

According to a 2007 Urban Institute analysis of HRS data from 1992-2004, for participants aged 63-67, "job layoffs reduce Social Security wealth accumulation by about $4,700, or 11.9% of the average increment between 1992 and 2004, after other factors are held constant." (p. vi)

Johnson, R. W., Mermin, G., & Murphy, D. (2007). The impact of late-career health and employment shocks on social security and other wealth. Washington, DC: Urban Institute. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from http://www.urban.org/publications/411591.html

This report analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Survey from 1992 to 2004 using a sample of 2,829 adults.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1687

In a 2007 study using data from the Health and Retirement study, it was found that retirees in their early 50s are about 20 percent more likely than older retirees to have retired involuntarily.

Maestas, Nicole. (2007, April). Back to work: Expectations and realizations of work after retirement. Rand Working Paper WR-196-2. Retrieved July 5, 2007 from http://www.rand.org/pubs/working_papers/2007/RAND_WR196-2.pdf

Data from the Health and Retirement Survey was used to track and date respondents’ transitions in and out of the labor force over time. The analysis sample of 7000 obervations was composed of members of the initial HRS cohort, who were first interviewed in 1992 when they were between the ages of 51 and 61, and their spouses. Respondents are re-interviewed every two years; therefore thefirst six waves yield data over the period 1992 through 2002.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2076

According to 2007 Current Population Survey data, among the 42,207,000 persons aged 55 and over who are currently not in the labor force, 41,275,000 (98%) report that they "do not want a job now", compared to 933,000 (2%) who indicate that they do want a job.

U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Household data annual averages. Table 35. Persons not in the labor force by desire and availability for work, age and sex. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat35.pdf

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey of households conducted by the Bureau of Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides a comprehensive body of data on the labor force, employment, unemployment, and persons not in the labor force.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2047

According to a 2006 analysis of the Displaced Worker Survey, in 2004 the three-year displacement rate [the number of reported job losers over a three year period] was 8.1% for workers aged 20-24, 11% for ages 25-29, 10.8% for ages 30-34, 9.3% for ages 35-39, 8.8% for ages 40-44, 8.3% for ages 45-49, 8% for ages 50-54, 8.5% for ages 55-59, and 9.4% for ages 60-64. (Table 2, p. 23) 

Munnell, A. H., Sass, S., Soto, M., & Zhivan, N. (2006). Has the displacement of older workers increased? (Working Paper No. 17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Working_Papers/wp_2006-17.pdf

This paper "explores the relationship between job loss and age over the period 1984-2004 using the biennial Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The survey attempts to measure the incidence of job loss due to a shift in labor demand by asking workers whether they have been displaced for one of the following reasons: 1. their plant or company closed down or moved; 2. their company had insufficient work; 3. their position or shift was abolished; 4. a seasonal job was completed; 5. a self-operated business failed; 6. other reason."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2048

According to a 2006 analysis of the Displaced Workers Survey, in 2004 workers age 25-29 had a 4% probability of being displaced.  In comparison, the probability was 4.2% for ages 30-34, 2.9% for ages 35-39, 2.5% for ages 40-44, 2.2% for ages 45-54, 3% for ages 55-59, and 3.5% for ages 60-64. (Table 5, p. 25)



Munnell, A. H., Sass, S., Soto, M., & Zhivan, N. (2006).  Has the disaplcement of older workers increased? (Working Paper No. 17).  Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Working_Papers/wp_2006-17.pdf



This paper "explores the relationship between job loss and age over the period 1984-2004 using the biennial Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey.  "The survey attempts to measure the incidence of job loss due to a shift in labor demand by asking workers whether they have been displaced for one of the following reasons: 1. their plant or company closed down or moved; 2. their company had insufficient work; 3. their position or shift was abolished; 4. a seasonal job was completed; 5. a self-operated business failed; 6. other reason."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1979

According to a 2006 analysis of the Displaced Workers Survey, in 2004 "those 55-59 and 60-64 are about 20 percent less likely to be re-employed than younger workers." (p. 14)  Re-employment rates in 2004 were 62.1% for ages 20-24, 67.8% for ages 25-29, 69.5% for ages 30-34, 70.2% for ages 35-39, 70.9% for ages 40-44, 67.2% for ages 45-49, 64.5% for ages 50-54, 63.3% for ages 55-59, and 46.3% for ages 60-64. (Table 3, p. 24).

Munnell, A. H., Sass, S., Soto, M., & Zhivan, N. (2006). Has the displacement of older workers increased? (Working Paper No. 17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Working_Papers/wp_2006-17.pdf

This paper "explores the relationship between job loss and age over the period 1984-2004 using the biennial Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey..."The survey attempts to measure the incidence of job loss due to a shift in labor demand by asking workers whether they have been displaced for one of the following reasons: 1. their plant or company closed down or moved; 2. their company had insufficient work; 3. their position or shift was abolished; 4. a seasonal job was completed; 5. a self-operated business failed; 6. other reason."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2410

A 2006 analysis of Health and Retirement Survey data showed that "about 7 in 10 adults who were age 51 to 61 in 1992 develop health problems, lose their jobs, or lose spouses to death or divorce during the 10-year period ending in 2002. (p. 2)

Johnson, R. W., Mermin, G. B. T., & Uccello, C. E. (2006). How secure are retirement nest eggs? (An Issue in Brief No. 45). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Briefs/ib_45.pdf

This brief examines different types of negative events that can strike near retirement. It reports the incidence of widowhood, divorce, job layoffs, disability, and various medical conditions over a 10-year period, and estimates their impact on household wealth. Data come from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative survey of older Americans conducted by the University of Michigan for the National Institute on Aging. The survey interviewed a large sample of non-institutionalized adults ages 51 to 61 in 1992 and re-interviewed them every other year. The analysis uses data through 2002, the most recent year available.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2325

According to a 2006 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, reemployment rates for displaced workers who had been at their previous job for over three years were 75% for workers 25-54, 61% for workers 55-64, and 25% for workers who were 65 and older. (fig. 2, p. 3)




Heidkamp, M., & Van Horn, C. E. (2008). Older and out of work: Trends in older worker displacement (Issue Brief No. 16). Chestnut Hill, MA: The Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB16_Older%20OutofWork.pdf

This 2008 issue brief examines the issue of unemployed older workers, covering the scope and impact of unemployment on older Americans.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1922

Based on a 2006 analysis of HRS data from 1992-2004, it is estimated "that about 13 percent of older jobseekers eventually becomes a discouraged worker (i.e., someone willing to work at the prevailing wage but unable to find a job)." (p. 27)

Maestas, N., & Li, X. (2006). Discouraged workers? Job search outcomes of older workers. (Working Paper No. 133). Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.mrrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/Papers/pdf/wp133.pdf

In the context of a theoretical job search model, the researchers examine the decision to search for a job and the probability of transitioning to employment using a large sample of non-workers from the Health and Retirement Study (32,829), a longitudinal survey of Americans age 50 and older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1921

According to a 2006 analysis of Health and Retirement Study data from 1992-2004, "among discouraged workers* [aged 50 and over] 39% reported that they have a work-limiting health problem... In contrast, among unemployed older workers who succeeded in getting a job, 22% said they had a work limiting health problem." (p. 25)
*(i.e., "someone willing to work at the prevailing wage but unable to find a job")

Maestas, N., & Li, X. (2006). Discouraged workers? Job search outcomes of older workers. (Working Paper No. 133). Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.mrrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/Papers/pdf/wp133.pdf

In the context of a theoretical job search model, the researchers examine the decision to search for a job and the probability of transitioning to employment using a large sample of non-workers from the Health and Retirement Study (32,829), a longitudinal survey of Americans age 50 and older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1920

According to a 2006 analysis of Health and Retirement Study data for people over 50 from 1992-2004, 12% of "searchers" were still searching for a job 2 years later. "Another 14% still wanted a job, though they were no longer searching, and 24% no longer wanted nor were searching for a job." (p. 22)

Maestas, N., & Li, X. (2006). Discouraged workers? Job search outcomes of older workers. (Working Paper No. 133). Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.mrrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/Papers/pdf/wp133.pdf

In the context of a theoretical job search model, the researchers examine the decision to search for a job and the probability of transitioning to employment using a large sample of non-workers from the Health and Retirement Study (32,829), a longitudinal survey of Americans age 50 and older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1919

According to a 2006 analysis of Health and Retirement Study data from 1992-2004, "40.1% of retired job-searchers [aged 50 and over] transitioned to employment within two years, compared with 52.4% of non-retired searchers...In both the retired and non-retired samples, transition rates were higher for those searching for full-time work than for those searching for part-time work." (p. 7)

Maestas, N., & Li, X. (2006). Discouraged workers? Job search outcomes of older workers. (Working Paper No. 133). Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.mrrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/Papers/pdf/wp133.pdf

In the context of a theoretical job search model, the researchers examine the decision to search for a job and the probability of transitioning to employment using a large sample of non-workers from the Health and Retirement Study (32,829), a longitudinal survey of Americans age 50 and older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1789

According to a 2006 AARP report, 7.6% of the population 55 and older reporting that they wanted a job were "discouraged workers." (Discouraged workers "are men and women who say that they are available for work but are not seeking employment because they do not think work is available, think they lack the necessary schooling or training, fear that employers will think of them as being too old, or anticipate some other type of discrimination.") (p. 3)

Rix, S. E. (2006). Update on the aged 55+ worker: 2005 (Data Digest No. 136) Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved February 10, 2008 from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/dd136_worker.pdf

This 2006 AARP report analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics on employment and earnings from January 2006.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1788

According to a 2006 AARP report, "just over 2% of the 41 million persons aged 55 and older who were not in the labor force in 2005 reported that they wanted a job, but only 30% of those who wanted a job had looked for work during the previous year." (p. 2)

Rix, S. E. (2006). Update on the aged 55+ worker: 2005 (Data Digest No. 136) Washington, DC: AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved February 10, 2008 from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/dd136_worker.pdf

This 2006 AARP report analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics on employment and earnings from January 2006.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1923

According to a 2006 analysis of Health and Retirement Study data from 1992-2004, among discouraged workers* aged 50 and over who still said they wanted a job but were no longer searching, only 6 percent mentioned that they perceived age discrimination to be a factor. (p. 26)
*(i.e., someone willing to work at the prevailing wage but unable to find a job)

Maestas, N., & Li, X. (2006). Discouraged workers? Job search outcomes of older workers. (Working Paper No. 133). Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.mrrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/Papers/pdf/wp133.pdf

In the context of a theoretical job search model, the researchers examine the decision to search for a job and the probability of transitioning to employment using a large sample of non-workers from the Health and Retirement Study (32,829), a longitudinal survey of Americans age 50 and older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1959

According to a 2006 analysis of the Displaced Workers Survey, among workers who were displaced and re-employed in full-time jobs in 2004, income decreased by 11.6% for workers age 25-29, 12.6% for ages 30-34, 10.1% for ages 35-39, 25.6% for ages 40-44, 21.9% for ages 45-49, 26% for ages 50-54, 12.7% for ages 55-59, and 23.3% for ages 60-64. (Table 8, p. 27)

Munnell, A. H., Soto, M., & Zhivan, N. (2006). Has the displacement of older workers increased? (Working Paper 2006-17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Working_Papers/wp_2006-17.pdf 

This paper "explores the relationship between job loss and age over the period 1984-2004 using the biennial Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey...The survey attempts to measure the incidence of job loss due to a shift in labor demand by asking workers whether they have been displaced for one of the following reasons: 1. their plant or company closed down or moved; 2. their company had insufficient work; 3. their position or shift was abolished; 4. a seasonal job was completed; 5. a self-operated business failed; 6. other reason."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1957

According to a 2006 analysis of the Displaced Workers Survey, when the researchers controlled for tenure, "older workers are actually more likely than their younger counterparts to be displaced." (p. 10) In 2004, the probability of displacement was 5.3% for workers ages 25-29, 6.7% for ages 30-34, 6.8% for ages 35-39, 7.5% for ages 40-44, 8.1% for ages 45-49, 8.7% for ages 50-54, 10.3% for ages 55-59, and 11.6% for ages 60-64. (Table 6, p. 25)

Munnell, A. H., Sass, S., Soto, M., & Zhivan, N. (2006). Has the displacement of older workers increased? (Working Paper No. 17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Working_Papers/wp_2006-17.pdf

This paper "explores the relationship between job loss and age over the period 1984-2004 using the biennial Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey...The survey attempts to measure the incidence of job loss due to a shift in labor demand by asking workers whether they have been displaced for one of the following reasons: 1. their plant or company closed down or moved; 2. their company had insufficient work; 3. their position or shift was abolished; 4. a seasonal job was completed; 5. a self-operated business failed; 6. other reason."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1956

According to a 2006 analysis of the Displaced Workers Survey, "wage losses tend to increase with age ..., with those 50 and over losing about a third of their real wage as a result of displacement." (p. 9)  In 2004 the average percentage decrease in real weekly earnings for workers who were displaced and then re-employed was 13.4% for ages 25-29, 16.3% for ages 30-34, 14.4% for ages 35-39, 30.7% for ages 40-44, 28.4% for ages 45-49, 37.2% for ages 50-54, 22.7% for ages 55-59, and 31.1% for ages 60-64. The only age group with an increase in income upon re-employment was 20-24, with an increase of 1.2%. (Table 4, p. 24)

Munnell, A. H., Sass, S., Soto, M., & Zhivan, N. (2006). Has the displacement of older workers increased? (Working Paper No. 17). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Retrieved from http://crr.bc.edu/images/stories/Working_Papers/wp_2006-17.pdf

This paper "explores the relationship between job loss and age over the period 1984-2004 using the biennial Displaced Worker Supplement to the Current Population Survey...The survey attempts to measure the incidence of job loss due to a shift in labor demand by asking workers whether they have been displaced for one of the following reasons: 1. their plant or company closed down or moved; 2. their company had insufficient work; 3. their position or shift was abolished; 4. a seasonal job was completed; 5. a self-operated business failed; 6. other reason."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1954

According to 2006 U.S. Census Bureau Statistics from the American Community Survey, the unemployment* rate is 3.6% for workers 75 and over, 3.8% for ages 55-74, 4.4% for ages 45-54, 5.6% for ages 25-44, 11.2% for ages 20-24, and 21.7% for ages 16-19. The overall unemployment rate for the U.S. population 16 years and over is 6.4%.
*Unemployed persons (1) were neither "at work" nor "with a job but not at work" during the reference week, and (2) were looking for work during the last 4 weeks, and (3) were available to start a job

U.S. Census Bureau. 2006 American Community Survey. Table S2301. United States - employment status. Retrieved May 01, 2008, from http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=01000US&-qr_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_S2301&-ds_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_&-_lang=en&-redoLog=false&-format=&-CONTEXT=st

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a nationwide survey conducted yearly among about three million households across every county in the nation. The ACS collects information such as age, race, income, commute time to work, home value, veteran status, and other important data from U.S. households.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1796

According to January 2006 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "re-employment rates for workers ages 20 to 24 and ages 25 to 54 were 66 and 75 percent, respectively. Re-employment rates were slightly lower for older workers ages 55 to 64 (61 per-cent). Among those age 65 years and older, by contrast, only 25 percent were re-employed; 64 percent of that group were no longer in the labor force when surveyed."




Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2006). Displaced workers summary. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved February 14, 2008 from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/disp.nr0.htm 

The Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor has sponsored surveys that collect information on workers who were displaced from their jobs. These surveys have been conducted biennially as supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly survey of households that is the primary source of information on the nation's labor force.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 316

A 2005 Census Bureau report indicates that approximately 50.9% of the 127,000 displaced workers with tenures of at least 3 years age 65 and above lost their jobs because of plant or company closings or moves. 28.1% of them lost their jobs because of slack / insufficient work. 21% of them lost their jobs because their positions or shifts were abolished. By 2002, 19.8% were employed again, 20.7% were unemployed and 59.5% were not in the labor force.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). U.S. Census Bureau, statistical abstract of the United States: 2004-2005. Labor force, employment, and earnings. (Section 12, Table 594, p. 384). Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 15, 2005, from http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-2001_2005.html

"This section presents statistics on the labor force; its distribution by occupation and industry affiliation; and the supply of, demand for, and conditions of labor. The chief source of these data is the Current Population Survey (CPS) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 317

According to a 2005 Census Bureau report, approximately 98% of persons age 55 and above who were not in the labor force did not want to be in the labor force in 2003.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical abstract of the United States: 2004-2005. Labor force, employment, and earnings. (Section 12, Table 596, p. 384). Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 15, 2005, from http://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical-abstract-2001_2005.html



"This section presents statistics on the labor force; its distribution by occupation and industry affiliation; and the supply of, demand for, and conditions of labor. The chief source of these data is the Current Population Survey (CPS) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1131

According to a 2005 Congressional Research Service report, in 2003, 4.8% of prime-age (35-54 years of age) workers were unemployed on average. Older workers continued to have a lower rate of unemployment: 3.9% for those aged 55-64 and 3.6% for those 65 and older." (p.4)                                                

 "This study defines unemployment as 'the ratio of those workers who did not have a job but had searched for a job in the previous four weeks to all workers in the labor market (either searching or employed)."(p.4)



U.S. Congressional Research Service. The Library of Congress: Issues in Aging: Unemployment and Older Workers (RL32757; Jan. 31, 2005), by Julie Whittaker. Text in CRS Web. Retrieved September 10, 2006, from http://www.opencrs.com/rpts/RL32757_20050131.pdf

"This report examines how unemployment has a different impact on the older worker. As workers age, negative--but previously temporary--events such as unemployment may push otherwise firmly entrenched workers out of the labor force. While older workers are less likely than others to experience a spell of unemployment, those older workers who do experience unemployment have a higher incidence incidence of withdrawing from the labor market."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1135

According to a  2005 Congressional Research Service report on unemployment and older workers, "the percentage of Americans who report unemployment compensation income declines from 5.1% for ages 35-44 to 1.0% by ages 65-69." (p.19)

U.S. Congressional Research Service. The Library of Congress: Issues in Aging: Unemployment and Older Workers (RL32757; Jan. 31, 2005), by Julie Whittaker. Text in CRS Web. Retrieved September 10, 2006, from http://www.opencrs.com/rpts/RL32757_20050131.pdf

"This report examines how unemployment has a different impact on the older worker. As workers age, negative--but previously temporary--events such as unemployment may push otherwise firmly entrenched workers out of the labor force. While older workers are less likely than others to experience a spell of unemployment, those older workers who do experience unemployment have a higher incidence of withdrawing from the labor market."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1929

In a 2005 report on an analysis of Displaced Worker Survey data, the authors found that "otherwise comparable workers with 20 years of tenure tend to find jobs that pay, on average, between 20 percent and 40 percent less than their old job." (p. 48)

Jacobson, L. S., LaLonde, R., & Sullivan, D. (2005). Is retraining displaced workers a good investment? Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Economic Perspectives, 29(2), 47-66. Retrieved from http://www.chicagofed.org/publications/economicperspectives/ep_2qtr2005_part5_jacobson_lalonde_sullivan.pdf

This article examines the consequences of worker dislocation and the potential of retraining policy to ameliorate these effects. Authors refer to their prior analysis of data from the biennial Displaced Workers Survey, which is part of the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1930

Based on a 2005 analysis of data from the Displaced Workers Survey, "one academic year of community college retraining raises older males' earnings--those 35 or older--by about 7 percent and older females' earnings by about 10 percent." ...If the coursework included quantitative vocational or academic subject areas, "such retraining increased the long-term quarterly earnings of older male displaced workers by about 10 percent. Among women, the gains were larger." (p. 59)

Jacobson, L. S., LaLonde, R., & Sullivan, D. (2005). Is retraining displaced workers a good investment? Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Economic Perspectives, 29(2), 47-66. Retrieved from http://www.chicagofed.org/publications/economicperspectives/ep_2qtr2005_part5_jacobson_lalonde_sullivan.pdf

This article examines the consequences of worker dislocation and the potential of retraining policy to ameliorate these effects. Authors analyzed data from the Displaced Workers Survey (DWS), which is part of the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2326

According to a 2004 analysis, workers 45 years or older represent 26% of the workforce but 35% of the long-term unemployed. (fig. 3, p. 5)




Heidkamp, M., & Van Horn, C. E. (2008). Older and out of work: Trends in older worker displacement (Issue Brief No. 16). Chestnut Hill, MA: The Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB16_Older%20OutofWork.pdf

This 2008 issue brief examines the issue of unemployed older workers, covering the scope and impact of unemployment on older Americans.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1918

In 2004, the unemployment rates of older workers were 4.8% for ages 51-56, 2.6% for ages 57-61, 2.8% for ages 62-67, and 3.2% for ages 68-72, according to analysis of Health and Retirement Survey data. For the population overall (Age 16+), the unemployment rate in 2004 was 5.5%, according to BLS data. (Table 1, p. 36)

Maestas, N., & Li, X. (2006). Discouraged workers? Job search outcomes of older workers. (Working Paper No. 133). Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan Retirement Research Center, University of Michigan. Retrieved December 3, 2007 from http://www.mrrc.isr.umich.edu/publications/Papers/pdf/wp133.pdf

In the context of a theoretical job search model, the researchers examine the decision to search for a job and the probability of transitioning to employment using a large sample of non-workers from the Health and Retirement Study (32,829), a longitudinal survey of Americans age 50 and older.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 409

According to a 2002 AARP report, approximately 20.5% of persons between age 55 and 64 who did not work in 1999 were poor at that time.  Approximately 11.1% of persons between age 65 and above who did not work in 1999 were poor at that time.



AARP. (2002, May). Beyond 50: summary tables and charts. Research report. (Table: Employment). Washington, DC: Gist, J., Figueiredo, C., & Ng-Baumhackl, M. Retrieved July 15, 2005, from http://www.aarp.org/research/reference/statistics/aresearch-import-298.html



"Through its analysis of both the status quo and developing trends, Beyond 50: A Report to the Nation on Economic Security provides readers with an in-depth look at the well-being of more than one-quarter of Americans - the 76 million people age 50 and older in 2000."

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 1935

In a 2002 national survey conducted for AARP, 75% of respondents 45 and older "agree that inability to find a job would damage their self-esteem, far more than those (50%) who say that inability to find a mate or personal relationship would hurt their self-esteem." (p. 9)

RoperASW. (2002). Staying ahead of the curve: The AARP work and career study. Washington, DC: AARP. Retrieved March 9, 2008, from http://www.aarp.org/research/reference/publicopinions/aresearch-import-416.html

Staying Ahead of the Curve is based on a national survey conducted for AARP in May and June 2002 by RoperASW. 2,518 workers ages 45-74 were interviewed, including a representative national sample of 1,500 workers, as well as oversamples of African American, Hispanic and Asian American 45+ workers.

Unemployment & Underemployment

Statistic # 2324

A study (2000) comparing dislocation rates by age between two time frames --1983-1987 and 1993-1997-- found that the proportion of older adults among displaced workers has increased over time. In the 1993-1997 time period, adults aged 45-54 comprised 25% of dislocated workers, compared to 18% of the same age group in 1983-87. In comparison, adults aged 25-34 represented 38% of dislocated workers in 1993-97, compared to 50% in 1983-87. (Fig. 1, p. 3)




Heidkamp, M., & Van Horn, C. E. (2008). Older and out of work: Trends in older worker displacement (Issue Brief No.16). Chestnut Hill, MA: The Sloan Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB16_Older%20OutofWork.pdf

This Issue Brief examines the issue of unemployed older workers, covering the scope and impact of unemployment on older Americans.