THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETIREMENT LIFE-CYCLE CHANGES AND OLDER MENSLABOR-FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES

This study probes the utility of older men's labor force participation rates (LFPRs) as indicators of the work-to-retirement transition. Spe cific attention is directed at how shifts iii the retirement life cycl e are related to LFPRs. Based on Current Population Survey data for th e 1970s, a life table modeling approach showed that LFPRs are relative ly weak indicators of the work-to-retirement transition. This was demo nstrated by the relative stability in older men's age profiles of LFPR s despite significant changes in the timing and ''organization'' of th e work-to-retirement transition. The 1970s evidenced a contraction of the main career ard the expansion of both post-retirement work activit y and retirement, yet none of these changes substantially altered the age profiles of older men's labor force participation rates.