Tunisian retirees face growing financial strain and social isolation

Tunisia has about 1.2 million retirees, roughly one in ten of the population. Around 800,000 are linked to the private‑sector pension fund CNSS and 380,000 to the public‑sector CNRPS.

Retirees report modest pensions that struggle to keep up with rising living costs, health expenses and a feeling of being undervalued. Many describe a sense of invisibility after a lifetime of work, noting that “the retirement takes away a part of our dignity.” The lack of any organized union or association leaves their frustrations largely unheard.

Social isolation is also widespread, with retirees often feeling “transparent and useless” in society. The article cites the typical resigned expressions «labès» and «hamdullah», masking deeper anxieties about financial security and loss of status.