Monograph

The labor supply of older American men

Abstract: This chapter summarizes what is known about the labor supply of older American men, defined as those aged 55 years and over. The topic is of great interest because in the coming decades older individuals will comprise a much greater portion of the U.S. population, so the labor supply of older adults will have a significant impact on national output, tax revenues, and the cost of means-tested programs. Most importantly, a greater proportion of older individuals will need to remain in the workforce than is the present case, because the retirement income system is contracting and working longer is the only way for most people to ensure financial security in their old age. The paper?s focus is on men, because women?s work patterns are changing and increasingly reflect the work patterns of men.

Keywords: Labor supply; Baby boom generation; older people;

Status: Published in Labor supply in the new century

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Part of Series: Monograph

Publication Date: 2007

Number: 52