Calculated Risk had an interesting but misleading post A decline in the participation rate was expected due to the aging population. This decline in the participation rate has been expected for years. Here are three projections (two from before the recession started). The key to these projections is that the decline in the participation rates was expected: 1) From BLS economist Mitra Toossi in November 2006: A new look at long-term labor force projections to 20502) From Austin State University Professor Robert Szafran in September 2002: Age-adjusted labor force participation rates, 1960–20453) BLS economist Mitra Toossi released some new projections...
