title: Aging in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study of Contemporary Older Persons' Views About Daily Life, Health, and the Experience of Aging.
abstract: Objective:This exploratory study sought to measure current self-reported experiences of older Saudi adults.Method:Self-reported aging perceptions and demographic data from semistructured questions were obtained from 52 community-dwelling older Saudi adults aged 50 or older. A thematic content analysis was completed around issues of family life/social support, daily/weekly activities, health and health programs, and older adults' own thoughts about aging and the experience and future of personal aging.Results:Several key themes emerged from the interviews. The majority of respondents in this preliminary study acknowledge a preference for family care. Formal programs in Saudi Arabia are attended with relative infrequency while older adults recognize family support as the preferred method of support. Older Saudi interviewees hold a positive view of aging, but physical functioning, varying financial resources, and other daily obligations are a concern for those in this study.Discussion:Data suggest as the Saudi population ages, more research is needed on the aging experience with particiular emphasis on issues relevant to older adults . Future research must work to clarify the aging experience as cultural context changes.
authors.affiliation: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Karlin
authors.affiliation: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA.
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weil
authors.affiliation: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, USA.
authors.forename: Wejdan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Felmban
keywords: active life/physical activity; health services research; psychology; quality of life