This study aimed to understand the meanings that the nursing workers attribute to the aging process in the labor market, identifying implications for individual and family health. The thematic oral history method was used with twenty nurses at a public hospital in the city of Marília, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis revealed three categories: work history in life; stories about health and illness in and/or through work; history of aging and/or for work. We inferred that work is a major concern; in addition to allowing one to earn a living, it promotes participation in society. We found reports of dissatisfaction with work related mainly to the way it is organized. We conclude that work remains an important activity throughout life, and the environment and the way work is organized influence the aging process. The major challenge for nursing is to formulate propositions that afford real improvements to the workers' conditions.
ethics; labor market; specialization; oral health