Unemployment as a Factor in Early Retirement Decisions

Abstract . Is retiring early a way for older workers to cope with the stigma and discouragement of unemployment? A regression analysis using the National Longitudinal Survey sample of American men age 52–64 in 1973 shows that weeks of previous unemployment is significantly related to early retirement for both Black and White males. This relationship holds when controlling for social security and pension eligibility, assets, health limitations, family responsibilities, occupation, changes in the unemployment rate and urban residence. The results suggest that social policy concerning retirement prior to age 65 should take into account the important role of unemployment in pushing workers out of the labor force into early retirement.