Towards Ageing Societies. Exemplifications and Challenges

Abstract

Goal – the text presents selected areas of functioning of people 65+ against the background of demographic changes in Europe (taking into account the statistical data of Poland and Lithuania), with particular attention to the life situation of the elderly, quality of life, experiencing widowhood. The study is not strictly comparative. Its aim is to point out the consequences of ageing societies and the resulting challenges. Research methodology – the author of the article used the analysis of the literature on the subject, the analysis of existing statistical data and the method of document research. Score/results – the data of the European Statistical Agencies (also taking into account the findings of Poland and Lithuania) clearly indicate the process of ageing of societies, emphasizing their current and future (projected) dynamics. The demographic ageing of societies, taking into account the so-called double ageing mechanism (i.e. the emergence of an increasing number of the oldest people in the elderly population), is becoming a real context for our coexistence. On the basis of European, Polish and Lithuanian statistical agencies, I present selected areas of seniors’ functioning. In the case of existing quantitative statistical data, I have attempted to compare them in selected areas. I have supplemented the picture of the functioning of seniors with qualitative data, which should be interpreted as specific signals and tendencies. Demographic changes have an impact on the living situation of people aged 65+ and on the quality of their life. The changes bring both: opportunities and threats. Such a situation requires special intervention and preventive measures, which I refer to in the conclusion. Originality/value – the article expands knowledge about the aging of societies and its impact on the functioning and quality of the life of seniors. Particular attention was paid to the experience of widowhood and its consequences for the life situation of widowed people.