First off, retirees are not supposed to be working—I am, in part because I like it and in part because I need it (thank you Joe). That number would be much lower if the SocSec age people were not included.
Second, I would guess that if we were to go back to, say, 1910, there would be a similar chunk of adult working-age people who would not be working—except that they would really be working, just in the kitchen and the backyard garden and the wringer washer and the homework table.
“the wringer washer”
My grandmother had one and no dryer.
Days before permanent press clothing. Mega ironing.
She made her own bread, noodles and sausage. She did tons of canning. Great garden and a BBQ pit in the garage. She worked a 12-16 hour day everyday. That was in the 60’s!
It was a blast to hang out with her and help out!!!