Search for Publications, Reports, and Presentations
An examination of PIAAC data for unemployed adults aged 45-74
This study used data from the 2014 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) National Supplement to examine U.S. adults ages 45-74 who are unemployed or not in the labor force.
Middle aged and older workers constitute a growing segment of the U.S. labor force. These workers face considerable challenges in the wake of the Great Recession, which have important consequences for the sustainability of social safety net programs and the U.S. economy as a whole. Despite the policy implications of significant unemployment among middle aged and older workers, little is known about specific factors impacting labor market outcomes for this age group, including the role of adult education and training (AET) and literacy and numeracy skills. This study used data from the 2014 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) National Supplement to examine relationships among educational attainment, participation in AET, skill proficiencies, health, and economic outcomes for U.S. adults ages 45-74 who are unemployed or not in the labor force.