In the face of rapid population ageing and the trend towards early retirement, there is a need to promote better employment opportunities for older people. This report on the United States, part of a series of around 20 OECD country reports, examines the demographic and economic challenges facing social security as well as the scope for raising labour force participation of older workers.  It also looks at barriers to retention and hiring of older workers and measures to improve employability including education and training.   This report includes a series of recommendations and  is based on the proceedings of a seminar.  It is published in English only.

"An excellent report putting retirement in an international perspective."

-John Rother, AARP

Executive Summary and Recommendations
Introduction
Chapter 1. The Challenge Ahead
-Demographic Trends
-TheEconomic Challenge
Chapter 2. A Profile of Older Workers
-Is There Scope to Raise Labour Force Participation?
-Large Variation in Labour Market Outcomes
-Job Security: A Mixed Picture
Chapter 3. Sustaining Social Security and Enhancing Employment
-Social Protection in the United States
-The Sustainability of the Social Security System
-Social Security, Retirement, and Work Incentives
-Poverty and Income Adequaty in Retirement
-Dealing with Disability Insurance
-Policy Alternatives - Towards and Balanced Approach
-Annex 3.A. Social Security Reform Proposals
Chapter 4. Removing Barriers to Retention and Hiring
-Barriers to Retention and Hiring
-Technological Change
-Measures which have Encouraged Greater Retention
-Areas for Further Action
Chapter 5. Better Access to Better Jobs
-From Old Skils to New Skills: The Importance of Training
-Public Employment Programmes and Older Job Seekers
-Working-Time Arrangements, Working Conditions and Health
-Measure to Improve Employability
Chapter 6. Ensuring Policies are Comprehensive and Coherent
-Policy Coordination and Coherency
-Getting the Economic Fundamentals Right
-Directions for Policy
Bibliography