The role of leisure activities in enhancing well-being in Saudi’s retired community: a mixed methods study | Humanities … – Nature.com

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1. This literature review analyzes the relationship between recreational activities and the welfare of the retired population, emphasizing the importance of conducting this research in the unique socio-cultural context of Saudi Arabia.
2. The theoretical framework of this study integrates insights from Activity Theory, Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Cultural Adaptation Theories to understand the dynamics of leisure activities and their impact on retirees’ well-being in Saudi Arabia.
3. The study highlights the importance of active engagement, socially meaningful engagements, and satisfying fundamental psychological needs for enhancing the well-being of retirees, and explores the role of cultural values and norms in shaping leisure preferences and practices among Saudi retirees.

I thoroughly analyzed the complex relationship between recreational activities and the welfare of the retired population in this research article. The article explores the various aspects of recreational activities and their simultaneous effects on the health of retired individuals, emphasizing the importance of conducting this research in the unique sociocultural context of Saudi Arabia.

The theoretical framework of this study is rooted in an integrated approach that synthesizes insights from Activity Theory, Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Cultural Adaptation Theories. This combination offers a sophisticated lens through which to examine the dynamics of leisure activities and their consequential impact on retirees’ well-being in Saudi Arabia.

Activity Theory asserts the imperative of active engagement across various physical, social, and cognitive dimensions for sustaining and augmenting well-being in later life stages. It posits that a retiree’s involvement in diverse leisure activities is pivotal for achieving enhanced health, life satisfaction, and purpose. Within the Saudi Arabian milieu, this theory underscores the investigation into how a spectrum of leisure engagements contributes to retirees’ overall well-being, advocating for a proactive and enriched lifestyle during retirement.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, proposed by Carstensen, elucidates the evolution of social motivations and preferences toward emotionally meaningful engagements as one advances in age. This theoretical approach illuminates the predilections of the Saudi retiree population toward leisure activities that fulfill emotional needs, foster social connections, and enhance a sense of community belonging โ€” critical aspects of well-being in the autumn years of life.

Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the centrality of satisfying fundamental psychological needs โ€” autonomy, competence, and relatedness โ€” for optimal well-being. It is proposed that leisure activities that resonate with retirees’ intrinsic motivations and facilitate psychological need satisfaction significantly uplift their life quality. This study utilizes Self-Determination Theory to probe into how leisure engagements underpin the psychological well-being of the Saudi retired population, aligning leisure pursuits with their inherent motivations and the broader social fabric.

Incorporating Cultural Adaptation Theory allows for accommodating Saudi Arabia’s distinct sociocultural nuances. This theory aids in deciphering how cultural values, norms, and the transformative impact of leisure activities interplay within the Saudi context. By considering cultural adaptation, the study acknowledges the importance of culturally relevant leisure engagements in promoting the well-being of retired individuals in Saudi Arabia.

Overall, this literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between recreational activities and the welfare of the retired population. Through the integration of multiple theoretical perspectives, it underscores the significance of leisure pursuits for retirees’ well-being and advocates for tailored approaches that align with their motivations and cultural context.

In my personal opinion, this research article provides valuable insights into the importance of leisure activities for retirees’ well-being. It highlights the need for a proactive and enriched lifestyle during retirement, emphasizing the role of leisure engagements in enhancing health, life satisfaction, and purpose. The theoretical frameworks employed in the study offer a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved and provide a sound basis for future research and interventions aimed at improving retirees’ welfare. Moreover, the incorporation of cultural adaptation theory acknowledges the unique sociocultural context of Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the need to tailor leisure activities to align with cultural values and norms. Overall, this article presents a compelling argument for the promotion of leisure activities as a means to enhance the well-being of the retired population.