Browse Ageing Policies

The "Senior+" Day Care Centres are an integral part of the Polish Government's multi-year program, introduced in 2021, and will end in 2025. It aims at enhancing the social participation and quality of life for older persons. These centers are developed and managed by local government units, with financial support provided through two primary modules. Module 1 offers one-time financial aid for the creation and equipping of new centers, while Module 2 provides ongoing funding for the operation of existing centres. The centres provide services such as social services (meals and social support), educational programmes (workshops and lectures), cultural activities (trips and theater visits), physical activities (exercise classes and rehabilitation), and recreational services (sports and games). In 2022, the programme facilitated the creation of 111 new support centres, including 21 Day Care Centres and 90 Clubs, adding 2,425 new places for seniors with a total investment of 60 million PLN. The initiative also included financial provisions for infrastructure and operational costs, ensuring that the centers can sustainably provide essential services and foster active ageing among older persons.

The Information on the Situation of Older Persons in Poland report is an annual publication by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, mandated by the "Social Policy for Older Persons 2030: Safety - Participation - Solidarity", which was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2018. The report's primary goal is to monitor and evaluate the socio-economic conditions of older adults in Poland. The report includes demographic analysis, economic and health conditions, family and social support, social participation and services, and the implementation of policies targeted at older persons. It also presents comprehensive statistical data and concludes with recommendations for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of services and policies for the ageing population. The findings from these reports are crucial for informing and adjusting national and regional policies, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsive to the ageing population's needs.

The Act of 11 September 2015 on older persons is a law that mandates a systematic approach to monitoring the status and needs of older adults, with the aim of informing and shaping public policy for their well-being. The Council of Ministers is tasked with compiling an extensive annual report, due by October 31st, which is then presented to the Sejm and Senate. This report, made available to the public, encompasses a broad spectrum of considerations, including demographic shifts, income levels, living conditions, professional engagement, family dynamics, health care quality and accessibility, social service provision, and initiatives to combat age-related discrimination. The Prime Minister oversees the coordination of this effort, while the minister for social security is responsible for the report's preparation. The policy underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts among various governmental and non-governmental entities, which are required to contribute information and resources without charge. With its implementation beginning on January 1, 2016, the law seeks to evaluate and enhance the senior policy through its findings, ensuring that the older population can age with dignity and in good health, supported by targeted and effective initiatives as recommended in the report.

The National Training Fund is an institution introduced by the novel to the Act on employment promotion and labour market institutions, that aims at supporting lifelong learning of employees and employers, prevent job loss due to inadequate skills, and increase investment in human resources to improve competitiveness in the job market. The Fund is managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, with district job centres responsible for application assessment and reimbursement. Firms employing individuals aged 45 and above are eligible to seek financial assistance from the National Training Fund/Labour Fund. The fund supports a range of educational and training endeavours, such as both certified and non-certified ongoing general education and CVET, advanced studies, and skill certification exams. The fund subsidizes up to 80% of the costs associated with employee training, capped at a maximum of 300% of the average monthly wage. Micro enterprises benefit from a full reimbursement of training expenses, also up to the limit of 300% of the average monthly salary. In terms of implementation, companies apply to district job centres, which assess applications. In 2014, 1,433 companies benefited, funding training for 10,417 individuals. The Fund was established in 2014.

The Act of 20 April 2004 on employment promotion and labour market institutions is a legal framework that aims to promote employment, alleviate unemployment effects, and activate occupational opportunities. It aims to ensure full and productive employment, human resources development, high-quality work, and strengthen social integration and solidarity. The policy applies to Polish citizens seeking and undertaking employment or other gainful work within Poland and abroad, as well as foreigners intending to work within Poland. This includes EU citizens, EEA non-EU citizens, third-country nationals with certain agreements, refugees, and individuals with various types of residence permits in Poland. The law includes definitions of unemployment, job-seeking, and illegal employment. It outlines benefits and allowances for the unemployed, criteria for job brokerage agencies, and labour market instruments like financing travel and accommodation costs for employment purposes. The law includes measures to strengthen social integration and solidarity, increase labour market mobility, and provide unemployment benefits and other services under specified conditions. It outlines the eligibility criteria for various benefits and services, such as job market services excluding the right to benefits defined in articles 41-42a for certain residents. The law was enacted in 2004 and it was latest amended in 2018.