Pew Research Finds More Older Americans Working Longer, and More

In an analysis of BLS data, the Pew Research Center has found that more Americans aged 65 and older are working than at any time since the turn of the century, and that they are spending more time on the job than did their peers in previous years. Thus, in May 2016, 18.8% of older Americans--nearly 9 million people--reported being employed full- or part-time, compared to May 2000, when just 12.8% of 65-and-older Americans--about 4 million people--said they were working.

With respect to the amount of time spent working, Pew Research Center reports that the percent of older Americans working part-time (fewer than 35 hours a week) fell from 46.1% in May 2000 to 36.1% in May 2016.

The share of both older men and older women who are working has grown over time, but working during what are commonly thought of as retirement years remains a largely male phenomenon: Although less than 45% of the total 65-and-older population are men, they represent more than 55% of older workers. Older Asians (20.2%) and whites (19%) are somewhat more likely to be working than older blacks (16.7%).

Source: Pew Research Center Fact Tank (June 20, 2016)