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The Impact of Aging Baby Boomers on Labor Force Participation

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  • Alicia H. Munnell

Abstract

The brief’s key findings are: Older people have lower labor force participation rates than younger adults, so aging baby boomers are pushing down overall participation. This aging effect accounts for more than 40 percent of the decline since the onset of the Great Recession. An aging population also lowers unemployment slightly because older individuals who remain in the labor force are more likely to have a job. The aging trend will continue for the rest of the decade and will show up in monthly labor force statistics.

Suggested Citation

  • Alicia H. Munnell, 2014. "The Impact of Aging Baby Boomers on Labor Force Participation," Issues in Brief ib2014-4, Center for Retirement Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:crr:issbrf:ib2014-4
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    File URL: http://crr.bc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IB_14-4.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lawrence H. Summers, 1986. "Why is the Unemployment Rate So Very High near Full Employment," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 17(2), pages 339-396.
    2. Alicia H. Munnell, 2011. "What Is the Average Retirement Age?," Issues in Brief ib2011-11, Center for Retirement Research, revised Aug 2011.
    3. George L. Perry, 1970. "Changing Labor Markets and Inflation," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 1(3), pages 411-448.
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    Cited by:

    1. Courtney C. Coile, 2015. "Economic Determinants Of Workers’ Retirement Decisions," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 830-853, September.

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