BUILDING PEOPLE’S RESILIENCE: SUPPORT MECHANISMS AND POST-RETIREMENT WELL-BEING OF RETIREES IN LAGOS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the support mechanisms that are available to enhance the post-retirement well-being of Lagos State Civil Service retirees. Using the descriptive survey research design and the purposive/snowball sampling technique, 671 retirees were selected as respondents for this study. Collected and collated data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as tables, frequencies, and bar charts. Four research questions were stated and findings from research question one revealed that the challenges faced by Lagos State Civil Service retirees encompass financial insecurity, health deterioration, loss of routine, emotional adjustment, lack of purpose, and social isolation. Equally, research question two found that most retirees rely strongly on pensions for financial security. Research question three brought to the fore that 98.4% of the respondents observed that the existing support mechanisms during the transition to retirement are not adequate at all, and research question four indicated that retirees want assistance in financial planning, improved healthcare, lifelong learning opportunities, a centralized information portal, active feedback mechanisms, and housing assistance. Based on these findings, this study concludes that the current support mechanisms are grossly inadequate underscores a critical gap between provided services and the actual needs of the retired populace. Thus, the study recommends amongst others that the Lagos State Civil Service should implement a multi-faceted approach that addresses the diverse needs (i.e., financial education, healthcare accessibility, mental health and social reintegration services, lifelong learning, and volunteer programmes and centralized information portal) of its retirees.