Chart 5. Labor force change, by age group, for selected periods and 2021–31 projected
Timespan Labor force change (thousands), 16–24 Labor force change (thousands), 25–64 Labor force change (thousands), 65 and older

1971–1981

 6,287 18,108 -107

1981–1991

 -3,274 20,579 371

1991–2001

 646 15,773 969

2001–2011

 -1,462 8,616 2,730

2011–2021

 -310 4,407 3,488

2021–2031 projected

 -1,592 4,416 4,853

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.