Senior Policy in the Context of an Ageing Society – the City of Poznań as a Case Study

Abstract

The study presents the context of population ageing in Poland and translates it into local actions taken by the City of Poznań. The author organises the definitions of “elderly person” and justifies the need for differentiated solutions – from supporting activity to long-term care – pointing to the hetero-geneity of the 60+/65+ population (health, fitness, resources and support networks). The demographic section highlights the long-term decline in fertility and increased life expectancy, which is changing the age structure and leading to an increase in the demographic burden – these factors reinforce the need to implement senior policies. The core of the text is a case study of Poznań: the city is presented as a national leader in senior policy (including the first Municipal Council of Seniors, strong institutional support, a grant system and international projects). A catalogue of the most important initiatives sup-porting seniors in various areas of their lives, which are implemented as part of the current programme: “Senior Policy of the City of Poznań 2023–2026” is described. The whole is embedded in current mu-nicipal and national documents, creating a coherent picture of the needs and responses of local policy. Recommendations for future directions of municipal public policies for the local community, especially for seniors, are also indicated.