retirement as an absorbing state, that we calibrate to match the observed patterns. Our finding is that the dynamics of relative … into retirement. In contrast, differences in layoff rates and job offer arrival rates cannot explain these patterns. Our … results support the idea that retirement incentives, more than weak labor demand, are responsible for the low employment rates …

In general, retirement is seen as a pure labor supply phenomenon, but firms can have strong incentives to send … expensive older workers into retirement. Based on the seniority wage model developed by Lazear (1979), we discuss steep … seniority wage profiles as incentives for firms to dismiss older workers before retirement. Conditional on individual retirement …