Trabalho, tempo livre e aposentadoria: categorias coexistentes dentro do processo de envelhecimento

Work and retirement are recurring themes in the research scenario in Brazil, notably due to the increase in life expectancy, which allowed to individuals a time shortly after the retirement that needs to be seen, understood and exploited. This article aims to discuss three categories involving the elderly in 21st century - Work, Free time and Retirement – through development of bibliographical nature research in books and articles related to the subject. It was obtained that the work can be understood positively and negatively and that the way the elderly lives reflects on retirement with pleasant or unpleasant meanings - free time some even desire, while others fear, feeling of worthlessness and abandonment which raises. It appears the be retired in 21st century involves a range of interpretations and individual symbolism that rhythm of peculiar shape, influenced by his life story.