The role of leisure activities in enhancing well-being in Saudi's retired community: a mixed methods study

This mixed-methods study examines the impact of leisure activities on the well-being of retirees in Saudi Arabia across health, emotional, social, and self-fulfillment domains. Quantitatively, 545 retirees recruited via snowball sampling completed a structured questionnaire analyzed with SPSS. Qualitatively, 23 participants from the initial cohort participated in semi-structured interviews, analyzed thematically. Findings indicate a moderate overall enhancement in well-being from leisure activities, with the strongest gains in health. Emotional and social well-being showed moderate improvements, while self-fulfillment was less pronounced. Perceived benefits varied by gender, socio-economic status, and education. Qualitative insights emphasized the importance of cultural alignment in leisure activities for social connectivity and personal development. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, accessible leisure programs tailored to the diverse needs of Saudi retirees, providing guidance for policymakers and planners.