Diferencias de género en el envejecimiento: relaciones sociales, ocio, tareas domésticas y educativas en Castilla-la Mancha

In this article, the results of a quantitative study are presented, where the influence of variables such as gender, habitat, and age on aging processes is investigated. To this end, 1065 people over 64 years old from Castilla-La Mancha were surveyed, following criteria of sample proportionality by provinces and stratified by quotas of gender, age group, and habitat size. The results show significant differences in the gender variable regarding the performance of household and caregiving tasks, as well as in the levels of satisfaction with leisure activities and social relationships.The study was complemented with a qualitative investigation to explore whether these differences persist among individuals nearing retirement. For this purpose, three focus groups were organized with individuals aged between 55 and 64 years old, and seven interviews were conducted with experts from the political and third sectors. The analysis of the discourse reveals, among other findings, that caregiving tasks are the main factor differentiating between men and women, and they influence leisure time and how individuals interact with their environment.