Demographic and socio-economic factors influencing the need of elderly care

Abstract

Population aging affects almost all areas of social life. In less than a quarter of a century, almost every third inhabitant of Poland will be 60 or over 60 years. Needs of society will change mainly due to the change in population age structure. The increasing need for care will be impossible to be satisfied only by the family. Greater involvement of informal support networks, NGOs, religious associations, local government and state will be required to ensure an adequate standard of care for seniors. The aim of this paper is to analyze the demographic, social and economic factors affecting the demand for nursing services provided in both the older person's living environment as well as in specialized institutions and the ability to meet the needs of care by shrinking and aging labor force. The paper first discusses the factors influencing the increasing demand for support. The second part discusses the factors affecting the ability to meet care needs.