Retired but Not Rested: Life Satisfaction, Depression and Quality of Life in an African Context

Abstract

Objective: This study explored life satisfaction, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among retired public servants in southwest Nigeria. It also examined how financial support, social support, gender, and religiosity affect well-being after retirement. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 153 retired public servants aged 50 and older. Standardized instruments were used, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Control Autonomy Self-Realization Pleasure Scale (CASP-12). Participants were grouped based on the presence or absence of financial (gratuity and pension) and social support. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and correlation analyses (SPSS v25, p = 0.05). Results: The mean age was 67.8 ± 5.4 years, and the average service length was 34.1 years. Female retirees reported significantly higher levels of depression and life satisfaction than males. Paradoxically, retirees without social or financial support exhibited higher QoL scores. Religiosity was positively correlated with autonomy, pleasure, and self-realization. Pension receipt was negatively correlated with QoL domains such as autonomy and control. Autonomy and pleasure were the most strongly interrelated QoL domains (r = 0.817). Conclusion: Complex interactions among financial stability, social dynamics, and personal beliefs influence psychological well-being and quality of life in retirement. Findings challenge assumptions that financial or social support universally enhances well-being. Public health policies should address these nuanced realities by fostering autonomy, supporting timely pension disbursements, and integrating spiritual and psychosocial resources into elderly care programs in similar low-resource settings.