Challenges and Coping Strategies of Retirees in Rivers-West Senatorial District of Rivers State, Nigeria

The general purpose of this study was to explore challenges and coping strategies of retirees in Rivers-West Senatorial District of Rivers State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined challenges of retirees in their: finances; health and care; and family relationship; as well as strategies for coping with the challenges. Survey research design was adopted. Population comprised of retired (60 years and above) persons from eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of South-West Senatorial District of Rivers State of Nigeria. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test at 0.05 significant level. Findings reveal 12 financial challenges of retireesincluding, among others, lack of financial security (X̅g=3.54), no more credit worthy (X̅g =3.91). Other findings are 14 health and care challenges of retirees, including so many health care drugs to buy (X̅g=3.56), inadequate care by children (X̅g=3.95), and others. Further findings are 11 family relationship challenges of retirees including, among others, increased burden on children/caregivers (X̅g=3.50), family disagreement (X̅g=3.78). More findings are 13 strategies for coping with the challenges. The strategies include, among others, taking walks (X̅g=3.90), taking to mild gardening (X̅g =3.85). Based on the findings, four recommendations were made for helping retirees cope with their challenges.