Development of Physical Programmes for Government Retirees in Benue State

Abstract

This study sought to develop a physical programme for active aging among government retirees in Benue State. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted two research designs namely descriptive survey and Research and Development (R&D) design. The population of the study was nine thousand seven hundred and three (9,703) retirees who are members of the Association of Pensioners in Benue State. The purposive Sampling Technique was used to select 384 retirees from various ministries who are between the age of 65 years and above. Structured questionnaires titled Retirees Questionnaire (RQ) and Retirees Programme Development (RPD) were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The study revealed existing government programmes for retirement such as provisions made in respect of medical checkups and examinations (2.60) retiree’s institutional homes (2.35), social security (2.54), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) (2.64), creativity and hobby centres (2.54). The study further found out that the required physical activity needs of government retirees include; personal hygiene such as ensuring to bath self at least two times a day (34.03%), brushing teeth three times a day (42.93), constantly grooming hair and nails (5.2) exercises such as move more and sit less (15.7% ) dancing (16.49) walking at least 30 minutes a day (27.49%), taking enough water –six to eight cups of fluid per day (18.59), limiting alcohol use (92.67) and limiting food high in saturated fat (3.66). Additionally, the study developed physical activities for retirees in the following areas personal hygiene, health screening and medication, and exercise. The study concluded that retirement is an inevitable phase of life and should be planned for and adjusted physically for successful aging. The study recommends that the developed physical programme can be considered active aging activities during retirement, and policies that will enhance the implementation of existing retirement programmes should be encouraged by stakeholders to reduce the challenges faced by retirees. Finally, the government should adopt this physical programme and ensure active participation and engagement of retirees in physical aspects of their lives to facilitate healthy living and a meaningful aging process.