Creating healthy and active life for the elderly in programmes conducted by rural and urban-rural communes in Poland

Abstract

Abstract Background In Poland, between 1989 and 2018 the number of the elderly increased by over 3.9 million. Demographic changes justify a senior policy focussed on the longest possible social, professional and family activity of the elderly. Directions of undertaken actions should include health policy programmes aimed at creating conditions healthy and active life of the elderly. The programmes should be particularly important in rural areas as the health of rural and urban residents differs. The study presents programmes for creating conditions for a healthy and active life of the elderly run by rural and urban-rural communes in 2012–17. Methods The study was conducted on the basis of existing data analysis. Data from the summary information prepared by voivodes and provided to the Minister of Health about implemented health policy programmes were used. Data on programmes concerning a healthy and active life for the elderly conducted by rural and urban-rural communes between 2012 and 2017 were extracted from the aggregate information. Results Between 2012 and 2017, 354 programmes were implemented, the most in 2016, and the least in 2015. There were 171 000 people participating in the programmes. The total cost was USD 2 491 664. Conclusion It can be presumed that in 2016 communes implemented more diagnostic and therapeutic programmes than in 2017. A small number of programmes and a small involvement of financial resources in communes with the largest number of the elderly may indicate marginalization of the importance of an active and healthy life for the elderly.