![\"chart\"](\"http:\/\/static.businessinsider.com\/image\/4bbb39c07f8b9ac550bc0000\/chart.png\")
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The broadest measure of unemployment is the Civilian Employment-Population Ratio, which is exactly what it sounds like: the ratio of employed civilians to the total population. It stands right around 59%, which is the lowest its been since the early 80s.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, the recent end of layoffs seems to have staunched the fall.<\/p>\n
But even if the economy rebounds, don’t expect this measure to jump back to old highs.<\/p>\n
For one thing, the recovery could very well be jobless.<\/p>\n
But beyond that, demographics won’t be very favorable here as more and more Americans retire, placing a greater strain on those who are working.<\/p>\n
The one way this won’t be true if is we continue to keep bringing in immigrants like we have. Let’s hope the integration of them works out well.<\/p>\n
And don’t miss: 10 countries on the verge of a crippling demographic crisis ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n