Labor force participation rates of women by age, 1950 and 1998 Percent 1950 1998 16 and older 33.9 59.8 16 to 24 43.9 63.3 25 to 34 34.0 76.3 35 to 44 39.1 77.1 45 to 54 37.9 76.2 55 to 64 27.0 51.2 65 and older 9.7 8.6