Retirement significantly impacts individuals' lives, social dynamics, and aspirations. In Saudi Arabia, with its changing socioeconomics and aging population, understanding the role of leisure in retiree well-being is crucial. While research shows leisure activities improve retirees' health, emotional balance, and social integration in Western contexts, a gap exists in understanding the Saudi context, where cultural norms and societal changes strongly influence retirement experiences. This study aims to address this gap by examining the impact of leisure activities on the well-being of Saudi retirees using a mixed-methods approach, quantifying the benefits across well-being dimensions, exploring demographic variations, and providing in-depth insights into retirees' experiences and perceptions. The study seeks to enhance understanding of retiree well-being in Saudi Arabia and to inform culturally appropriate interventions and policies.

This literature review examines the intricate relationship between leisure activities and the well-being of retirees, focusing on the unique sociocultural context of Saudi Arabia. The theoretical framework integrates Activity Theory (emphasizing active engagement), Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (highlighting emotional meaning in later life), Self-Determination Theory (emphasizing autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and cultural adaptation theories. Existing research predominantly reflects Western contexts, lacking culturally tailored studies on Saudi retirees. Previous studies in Western settings have shown a positive correlation between leisure activities and well-being, encompassing physical health, cognitive function, emotional stability, and social connectedness. Limited research exists on Saudi Arabia, with some studies focusing on general leisure habits but lacking granular insight into the retired demographic. This study addresses this gap through a mixed-methods approach, providing a comprehensive and nuanced perspective.

This study employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative phase involved a survey of 545 Saudi retirees (268 women, 277 men) selected through snowball sampling, ensuring diversity across age, gender, socioeconomic status, and education. Data were collected using the Leisure Benefits Scale, assessing health, emotional, social, and self-fulfillment benefits. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 23 retirees selected from the initial cohort. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Statistical analyses (SPSS and LISREL) included Pearson correlations, Cronbach's alpha, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe's post hoc tests. Ethical considerations ensured informed consent and data confidentiality. Data collection occurred over three months (May-July 2023).

Quantitative findings revealed a moderate overall well-being enhancement due to leisure activities. Health benefits showed the most significant improvement, followed by moderate enhancements in emotional and social well-being, while self-fulfillment benefits were less pronounced. Significant demographic differences were observed: women perceived greater benefits than men; socio-economic status strongly influenced perceptions (higher income correlated with higher perceived benefits); and educational level also significantly affected perceptions (tertiary education correlated with higher perceived benefits). Qualitative findings identified three themes: (1) Holistic health and emotional well-being, emphasizing the link between leisure and both physical and emotional health, particularly for culturally aligned activities. (2) Social integration and self-fulfillment, showing leisure's role in social connection and personal growth. (3) Cultural influences and barriers to leisure, highlighting the importance of cultural alignment in leisure and obstacles such as inadequate infrastructure and economic constraints.

The moderate overall well-being enhancement suggests that while leisure activities are beneficial, their impact is influenced by cultural norms prioritizing family and communal activities. The significant emphasis on health benefits may reflect a cultural shift towards valuing physical health in retirement. Moderate emotional and social well-being enhancements likely stem from the communal nature of leisure in Saudi society. The lower self-fulfillment enhancement suggests a potential area for targeted interventions. Demographic variations highlight the need for inclusive leisure programs catering to diverse needs and preferences, with particular attention to gender, socioeconomic status, and education levels. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and accessible leisure programs to fully leverage the potential of leisure in enhancing well-being among Saudi retirees.

This study reveals a moderate but significant positive association between leisure activities and well-being among Saudi retirees, with health benefits being most prominent. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive and accessible leisure programs tailored to diverse demographic needs. Future research could explore specific cultural activities and their impact on various well-being domains, and long-term studies examining the sustained impact of leisure activities on well-being would be valuable.

The study's reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases. The snowball sampling method might have limited the representation of certain demographic groups. The cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Further research using longitudinal designs and diverse sampling methods would strengthen the findings.