Sustainability, Livelihoods, and Quality of Life of Older Retirees in Lagos State, Nigeria.
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Date
2016
Authors
Amaike, B.
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Abstract
Later life is celebrated in Africa because it is seen as a blessing from God.
Therefore, older people are generally treated with dignity. But with modernization,
African senior citizens suffer diverse challenges and experience difficulty in
meeting their basic needs. Hence, the need for sustainable livelihoods that will
address life deprivations and improve the quality of life of Nigerian elders. This
article examines the sustainability of retirement livelihoods and its impact on
quality of life of formal sector retirees in Nigeria. It argues that beyond the
conventional survival mechanisms, Nigerian retirees require resilient and
sustainable livelihoods in order to enhance their quality of life. Life course
perspective and activity theory are adopted as explanatory tools. With the aid of a
multi-stage systematic sampling method, 1,321 Nigerian retirees in Lagos State
were studied to examine their livelihoods and quality of life. Empirical data reveal
that access to multiple sources of income promotes sustainability of retirement
livelihoods and quality of life with private sector retirees being more empowered
and adequately protected against life vicissitudes. This culminates in vulnerability
and precarious living conditions of public sector retirees. The article concludes
with the need to strengthen formal and informal social supports in order to improve
retirement livelihoods and promote quality of life of retirees.
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Citation
Amaike, B. (2016). Sustainability, Livelihoods, and Quality of Life of Older Retirees in Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective, 10(2), 10.