Assessment of Loneliness and Social Support Among Retirees in Enugu State

Retirement represents a major life transition with potential for role loss, social disconnection, and diminished sense of purpose, and the psychological adjustment challenges of Nigerian retirees in urban settings have received limited research attention. This study assessed loneliness levels and social support adequacy among retirees in Enugu Urban, Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted among 200 civil service retirees aged 55 to 75, recruited through the Enugu State Pensioners Association. The UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 and the Social Support Scale adapted for Nigerian older adults were administered. Results showed that 47.0 percent of respondents reported moderate to high loneliness. The transition from structured work relationships to informal social networks was identified as the primary loneliness driver by 68.5 percent. Male retirees showed higher loneliness scores than females (p < 0.05), attributed to smaller pre-existing social networks. Adequate social support was reported by only 38.5 percent, with family support the most valued but friendship and peer support the most lacking. Respondents with active community or religious group involvement showed significantly lower loneliness scores (p < 0.001). Fewer than 15 percent had been referred to any retirement adjustment counselling. The study recommends pre-retirement counselling programmes, retiree social group formation through community centres, and regular wellness check-in visits by trained counsellors linked to Enugu State pension offices. Keywords: loneliness, social support, retirees, Enugu State, retirement adjustment