In this research we have tried to find out the important of leisure in the process of soiavilization of persons in the third age. The hypothesis are that leisure is looked for as a means of escaping solitude, as a hobby without aims. These facts lead the proceduces in the research. The research was accomplished in two. Institutions in Bauru, São Paulo, which deal with the assistence of old persons; both presenting different administrative and assistencial characteristics. The necessary data were achieved using a set of questions answered by forty old persons. The results were presented in percentages and desposed in tables. After discussing and analiging the results it was possible to demonstrate that leisure is indeed a means of escaping solitude and as a passtime without specific purposes. Based on the results, a program of leisure was suggested to both Institutions.