Levels and Determinants of Retiree Life Satisfaction in Saudi Arabia

Satisfaction is a personal feeling stemming from various factors including past and present experiences and expectations fostered by living arrangements and relationship networks. This study aims at investigating Saudi Arabian retiree satisfaction using a sample drawn from five administrative areas representing planning regions. The specific objectives of this study, which investigates the influence of previous employment on life after retirement, are to assess satisfaction levels and their variations and identify explanatory variables. A random sample of 2341 retirees was selected from a sampling frame and analyzed using the linear regression model in order to extract predictors, namely demographic, geographic, social, economic, and health. The results demonstrate that economic variables have a stronger explanatory value than others. In addition, the area of residence, problems of family and leisure time, charitable activities, and self-assessed health have significant explanatory value, although with differences between males and females. The results clearly imply the need for a wise and smooth transition to retirement through planning and involvement in various sports and voluntary activities.