Ageing policy in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Poland is engaged in the implementation of activation programmes for seniors at governmental as well as non-governmental levels. Among these programmes may be mentioned, 'Active+', 'Senior+', 'Care 75+', and 'Senior Caritas'. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for the inclusion of seniors into social life, and concern about their health. An important challenge for social and ageing policy is the provision of proper standards of care and health protection, especially during an increased sanitary regime. The aim of the study was analysis of the ageing policy strategy and the quality of life of seniors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted by the method of analysis of data in the area of national initiatives concerning activation programmes for seniors implemented during 2020-2021. The starting point was the well-established definition of the quality of life by the WHO. The analysis performed showed a multitude of factors determining the needs of seniors at the time of the pandemic, which often differed from those observed earlier. The latest studies of the quality of life of the elderly in Poland demonstrated that nearly 60% of respondents assessed their psychological condition as worse than before the pandemic. Another problem was the issue of physical activity, which was limited by more than 62% of seniors, and difficulties with access to health care system services. It seems necessary to implement forms of assistance which could be adjusted to the changing epidemiological conditions, in order to improve the quality of life of persons who, in the near future, will constitute a considerable percentage of Polish society.