Postrzeganie starości i związane z nią oczekiwania na podstawie analizy stylów życia seniorów

Abstract

The paper was created on the basis of the results of two field studies on seniors’ lifestyles. As the observation and interview materials indicate, seniors treat retirement as entering old age. A differentiating factor of hierarchies of needs and, at the same time, taking actions in changing lifestyles, is the education level. Old age is perceived as the last stage of life which must be lived according to one’s own concept. Seniors direct their catalog of needs towards the family, the state and the society. They expect numerous system changes which may help next generations prepare actively to old age and restore old age its proper place in the society. As far as their expectations towards the nearest and dearest are concerned, they seek interest, understanding and acceptance of decisions made by them.