| Summary: | The purpose of this study was to know the relationship between the variables (social support, autonomy, mental health, and physical recreational activity) included in the subjective perspective of the quality of life of Costa Rican senior citizens related to gender. Another objective was to know the main reason for the subjects to practice physical activity and the benefits perceived by them, according to their gender. A total of 152 subjects (92 women and 60 men) ranging between 60 and 75 years of age from 21 senior centers participated in this study. Two instruments were applied to the subjects: a questionnaire on quality of life (INISA, 1994) and a survey on physical recreational activity. Results showed a significant relationship between the variables autonomy and social support, autonomy and mental health, autonomy and frequency of activity, and autonomy and duration. Regarding gender, geriatric depression was more frequent in women (F=5.86). Health was the main motivation to do physical activity and the major benefits for both genders were feeling more revitalized, happier, energized, and pain relief. In conclusion, quality of life (social support, autonomy, mental health) as perceived by senior citizens shows no differences as far as gender or reasons to exercise or benefits received, except for depression, which is more frequent in women. It is proven that the more times and the longer physical recreational activities are practiced by senior citizens per week the more positive results are received.
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