Retirees Lifestyle and Family Care Provision in Benue State, Nigeria

The study investigated retiree’s lifestyle and family care services in Benue State Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Three objectives guided the study. The population of the study comprised of nine thousand, seven hundred and three (9,703) Government Retirees in Benue State. The sample size of three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents was drawn using the Taro Yamane Formulae for sample size determination. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw up the sample population. A structured questionnaire titled Retiree Lifestyle Questionnaire (RLQ)) was used as instrument for data collection which contains forty-eight (48) items. The data generated for the study was analyzed using frequency, mean and standard deviation. The study discovered that for family care services, family financial assistance improves standard of living of retirees (4.33), there is discrimination against the aged (4.14), Daily routine drugs and medications are needful for retirees, (4.26) living arrangements should consider the needs of the aged (retirees) (4.26), adjustment in nutrition is essential at old age (4.24). The study also noted that alcohol and smoking are dangerous to the health of retirees (4.29), staying with old friends reduces loneliness (4.19), exercise 2-3 times weekly and each time for an hour is necessary (4.14), retirees need to maintain quality social life (4.11). For challenges encountered by retirees in Benue state, the results showed problems such as financial stress because of cessation of salary, delayed gratuity, and pension after retirement (4.29) and, frustration due to lack of retirements planning (4.24). Conclusively, retirement is inevitable and should be planned and prepared for by the working population. The study recommended positive family relationship that will aid assistance to retirees, retirement lifestyle education be carried out by government and other organisations and regular payment of pension and gratuity by government.