The labor force participation rate among single women age 65 and above decreased from 19.7% in 1970 to 9.7% in 1998, but increased again to 15.2% in 2003. The labor force participation rate among married females age 65 and above was lower than that of single females age 65 and above but increased over time.  In 1970, the labor force participation rate among married females age 65 and above was 7.3% and in 2003 it was 11.3%. 

The labor force participation rate among single men age 65 and above gradually decreased over time from 25.2% in 1970 to 19.4% in 2003. The labor force participation rate among married males age 65 and above also gradually decreased over time. However, the labor force participation rate among married males has been consistently higher than among single males in this age group.  In 1970, 29.9% of married males age 65 and above participated in the labor force.  In 2003, 19.9% participated 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 577, p. 376). 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).”