Staying Fit
Countering earlier trends of older women not participating in the workforce, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) now projects that by 2024, women over 65 will make up roughly the same percentage of the female workforce as older men do of the male workforce. Additionally, BLS predicts that twice as many women over 55 will be in the labor force as women ages 16-24, Quartz reports.
Overall, labor force participation rates ticked up between 1950 and 2000, but older workers steadily dropped. These trends have now reversed, particularly for older women, who are working at higher rates than ever. Women age 65 and over are projected to make up 25 percent of the female labor force in 2024, while older men are projected to make up 21 percent of the male labor force.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.