France is characterised by a relatively low employment rate among 55-64 year olds (38%, Eurostat, 2007), mainly as a result of an inhospitable labour market for senior citizens and various possibilities for prematurely leaving the workforce (early retirement, exemption from job-seeking, invalidity pensions). At these ages, poor health is a reason for leaving the labour market early within the framework of schemes such as Early Retirement for Certain Employees (CATS) or Early Retirement for Asbestos Workers (CAATA), but also by way of a temporary or permanent absence from the workforce (sick pay and invalidity pensions respectively). In this context, it is interesting to single out the controlling factors for participation in or absence from the labour market after 50 and the link between poor health and occupational status (employment, the non-working and unemployed in particular). It transpires that the prevalence of functional limitations in everyday activities leads to a more pronounced exclusion of the over-50s from the labour market. Some of those aged between 55 and 59 on disability benefits become unemployed and do not look for work, in other words they are potentially exempted from job-seeking. This would confirm the hypothesis that some of those exempted from job-seeking are in poor health.