This study uses nationally representative data to illustrate trends in labor force participation, retirement, and earnings among older workers in the periods before, during, and after the Great Recession (GR). In the study, older workers are defined as those age 50 and older. The report assesses six sub-groups (50-56, 57-61, 62-66, 67-71, and 72-76, and 77 and over) within that population using data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplement of the Current Population Survey for the period 2005 though 2015.

Four primary research questions guide the analysis:

1. What are the demographic characteristics of older workers? Do these characteristics differ by age?
2. What are the trends in the employment status, earnings, duration of unemployment, and income of older workers pre-, during, and post-GR? Do the trends vary by gender?
3. How did the older workers' labor market outcomes differ compared to those of workers ages 40-49, post-GR/short or longer-term? If so, how?
4. How did the likelihood of retirement change among older workers after the GR compared to before the GR?

The key findings reveal different patterns for workers over age 62 (the earliest eligible age to draw down Social Security Retirement benefits), vs. workers ages 40-49 (which were chosen as the most appropriate prime age comparison cohort). Workers over age 62 increased their labor force participation rates, postponed retirement, and earned more post- than pre-GR. In contrast, workers ages 40-49 and 50-61 had stagnant or lower labor force participation rates, and lower earnings, post- than pre-GR.