Janet Plang

Welfare Services and the Aged: Assessing the Nigerian Legion Pankshin Local Government Area, Plateau State Janet Plang

The aging population in Nigeria is fast growing. Observation indicates that care for the aged in contemporary Nigeria leaves more to be desired. The Nigerian Legion Pankshin comprises of ex service men,who have retired from active service. This study attempts an investigation into the kind of welfare the aged enjoy provided by government and individuals. The study is centered in Pankshin Local government area and it discovered that majority of the ex service men live very uncomfortable and unsatisfied lives because their basic needs are not met. Their pension is small and it is sometimes not paid or it is delayed. The condition of their residential abodes is quite poor. It was discovered the traditional family system that took care of the elderly is no longer a common practice. The nuclear family system has affected the common values of the African extended family system. In the light of this,the study concludes by recommending,good policies by the government and prompt payment of pension and development benefits.