Ex-servicemen and the Life Courses of Retirement in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The transition of senior citizens into active ageing as characterised in many studies has deemphasised attention on the life courses of ex-servicemen after retirement from active military service in Nigeria. Through explorative design, the qualitative data for this study were generated from 15 ex-servicemen as key informants in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria. The data were content analysed to profile the lives of ex-servicemen after retirement. The results are presented in themes duly supported with verbatim quotations. The trajectory of transition of ex-servicemen from military to civilian after retirement resonates with acceptance to the community. However, integration into community activities depends on the trust reneged by the last rank in service as social capital; this influences their recognition and participation in community activities. Financial status of the ex-servicemen also influences acceptance and enhances active participation. Most ex-servicemen experience strained relationship with extended family other than their wives and children. Most of those who expressed difficulty in adjusting to life after military service were satisfied with their lives as military. Enhancing social support by the government and family members can help promote peaceful ageing for ex-servicemen. Government should consider policies aimed at improving the wellbeing of ex-servicemen in Nigeria.