Abstract:

The ageing of Polish population poses a challenge to the society resulting in the necessity to meet the needs of the increasing number of the elderly. Despite the progress of civilization (i.a. in medical technology), not every elderly person will be in good health and maintain their ability to care for themselves until their last days. In the event of some kinds of risks, i.a. social or health, some seniors will be able to count on their families’ support, whereas the number of seniors who are dependable on social welfare institutions will continue to increase, according to the latest demographic and economic forecasts. The aim of this article is to present the challenges the social welfare system has to face as a result of the ageing population. In particular, the coverage, forms and kinds of benefits the elderly receive from the social welfare, and what main limits and barriers they have to overcome to receive them. The presented data suggests that the government will experience difficulties with meeting the demands for care services, especially long-term ones, due to the lack of resources, including human and financial ones. In addition, the policy agenda does not show any form of pressure on this area of public policy. 

Keywords: