Trends in the labor force participation and unemployment of older workers were reviewed in a study. A declining rate of labor force participation by older men and a growth in participation by older women were noticed. Examination of labor force participation rates by race revealed a higher participation rate for minority women than for older white women. Participation is positively correlated to level of educational attainment. Older married men are more likely to be in the labor force than other men. For women, the opposite is true. The trend toward early retirement is continuing. The industrial and occupational distribution of elderly workers differs from that of younger workers due to such factors as pension and retirement policy, physical demands, employment opportunities, and educational requirements. Examination of differences in the level of unemployment among older workers by age, sex, and race demonstrated that the duration of unemployment is longer for older workers, particularly men. The future employment plcture for older workers will depend on such factors as declining birth rates, better education, inflation, and the effect of retirement on the physical and emotional health of the individual. Current experiments in phased retirement may become more widespread. (Fifteen tables are included.) (MN)