AGEING AND SILVER ECONOMY – CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL POLICY IN POLAND

In the reflection on old age and ageing a question arises whether we are able today to predictprecisely changes which they bring to an individual and to the whole society. It seems, however, that it isextremely difficult, since the whole human life, agedness included, is changeable in time and space. Old agetends to be surprising, therefore it is worth preparing to it properly, and go through it so that it couldconstitute a significant value added to life. Predictability and preparation to old age are an essential areaof activities of senior policy which is responsible for reducing negative and promoting positive aspects ofliving in old age. It seems that today a chance for “better” old age lies in the development of the silvereconomy which assumedly should response to seniors’ needs more precisely, via sensitising the market ofgoods and services to the changing needs of this consumer group.