Work and retirement: The perception of older women residing in a small community of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil

Resumo

The social, health, and occupational impacts of retirement may be perceived differently by women, due to experiences of greater social vulnerability and lack of professional recognition. The aim of the research was to analyze the perception of older women about work and retirement, and to understand the impact on their participation in labor and social issues. This is qualitative research, performed with 8 elderly women, with previous professional experience, residents of the community. Data was collected through individual interviews and in a focus group. The analysis, based on the content analysis technique, revealed four thematic categories. The work has assumed a central role throughout life, mainly by maintaining income, social participation, socialization and a positive perception of health and well-being. In pre-retirement, in addition to work, women were, above all, involved in household and religious activities. Retirement impacted on the decrease in income and, initially, did not allow participation in new occupations. Gender must be considered in government actions and in research on work and retirement in old age, in order to reduce social and occupational inequalities.