Examines how the 1978 Amendments to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act will affect the future labor force. Discusses how retirement age policies hurt older workers, changes that are expected to occur, how pension benefits affect the older work force, and why a linked employment/retirement policy is urged. (Editor/CT)

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) prohibits discrimination against persons aged 40 to 65; the ADEA Amendments of 1978 restrict mandatory retirement. Age 65 has been widely regarded as a customary age for retirement, given widespread eligibility for retirement benefits at that age. Substantial numbers of older workers leave…

This article argues that in the upcoming decades, older workers will be competing against the largest cohort of middle-aged workers in our country's history. In the absence of other options, the elderly may feel increased pressure to retire or work part time. (Author/SSH)