Can the Bottom Third Work Longer?

The brief’s key findings are:

• The labor force activity of low-skilled men age 50-64 has declined significantly since 1960.

• The decline mirrors the growth of disability insurance, SSI, early retirement benefits, and employers’ preference for high-skilled workers.

• Health has improved for this group, but their disability-free life expectancy remains limited.

• So working until their mid-60s may not be realistic or even desirable for many low-skilled men.