**GAO-03-350**                      Published: Jan 24, 2003. Publicly Released: Jan 24, 2003.                  

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## Highlights

Some economists predict that by 2030, the United States could experience a labor shortage of 35 million workers. As the shortage approaches, one option available is to encourage people to work beyond traditional retirement ages, especially because people who are age 55 or older will constitute nearly a third of the poppulation. Accordingly, increasing demands will be made on the workforce development system to help ensure that older workers are provided opportunities to help address the anticipated labor shortage. Concerned that the existing workforce development system may not meet the needs of older workers, the Subcommittee's Ranking Minority Member asked GAO to determine the extent that older workers are enrolled in federal employment and training programs, what services are provided, and how performance measures affect such services.

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## Topics

Employment

Elderly personsOlder workersEmploymentEmployment assistance programsLabor forceLabor statisticsPerformance measuresSenior community service employmentPerformance measurementJob training