The proportion of elderly people in Poland’s population is set to gradually increase, reaching 34% by 2050. In the 12 largest cities, this figure will be slightly lower, at 31%, according to a report by the Center for Analysis and Research of the Union of Polish Metropolises (UMP). This means that, although not uniformly, metropolitan areas will age at a slightly slower pace than the rest of the country. This demographic shift brings a range of challenges for local governments, including the need to prepare services for a diverse senior population and adapt urban spaces accordingly.
The UMP report, Aging Cities, shows that between 2002 and 2023, the number of people in post-working age across Poland increased from 5.8 million to 8.8 million (a 52% rise). In UMP-affiliated cities, this group grew from 1.2 million to 1.6 million (up 39%). Every one of the 12 UMP cities experienced an increase, with the most significant growth in Rzeszów, where the senior population more than doubled. Warsaw saw the smallest increase at 27%.
“Population aging, or the increasing proportion of elderly people in society, means that cities are already facing challenges in providing care and support. At the same time, this shift is accompanied by a decline in the working-age population. As a result, tax revenues for cities may decrease, making it harder to fund and deliver essential public services—not just for seniors but also for children and young people,” explains Dr. Anita Abramowska-Kmon, head of the Demography Department at the Warsaw School of Economics and co-author of the Aging Cities report, in an interview with Newseria.
The report predicts that by 2050, the number of retirees in the 12 largest Polish cities will grow from 1.6 million to 2 million, a 19% increase. This group’s share of the population will rise to 31%, but in cities like Bydgoszcz and Łódź, seniors will make up 37% of the total population.
This trend will be accompanied by a gradual increase in life expectancy, estimated to rise by around four years for both men and women. Consequently, cities will face the phenomenon of “double aging”—not only an increase in the elderly population but also a rise in the number of people over 80. Between 2002 and 2023, the number of people aged 80+ in UMP cities nearly doubled, from 174,000 to 346,000. By 2050, this figure is expected to grow by another 35%. The largest increases in the 80+ population will occur in Rzeszów, Białystok, Szczecin, and Lublin, with respective rises of 64%, 56%, 53%, and 44%. In Bydgoszcz, Łódź, and Katowice, this age group could account for about 10% of the population.
“The aging population presents a major challenge for the social welfare system. Services must be developed in a way that allows seniors to receive the support they need without being forced to leave their homes. It’s crucial to provide conditions that enable them to remain in their communities, offering various forms of assistance close to or within their place of residence. Studies show that seniors who are relocated to care facilities often have shorter lifespans. While deinstitutionalization of services is not a new concept, it takes on critical importance in light of demographic changes,” says Dr. Paulina Nowicka-Karpińska, deputy director of the Strategy and Analysis Office at the City of Warsaw.
Financial and Workforce Challenges
Aging populations pose a dual financial challenge for cities: declining tax revenues due to a shrinking workforce and a shortage of caregivers and other professionals serving the elderly.
“Migration could help fill some gaps in the workforce, but attention should also be directed toward innovative solutions for elderly care and support. These could include telecare services, day-care centers, and respite care to relieve families of caregiving burdens,” explains Dr. Abramowska-Kmon.
Key challenges outlined in the report include ensuring healthcare access—including primary care, specialist services, preventive screenings, and rehabilitation—as well as long-term care services, respite care, and institutional support through nursing homes. Another major task is adapting public transportation and housing to meet the needs of an aging population.
“Cities must enable seniors to live independently and maintain their autonomy. This includes providing home-care services, assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation, mobility support, and transportation to medical appointments,” says Dr. Abramowska-Kmon.
Encouraging Senior Engagement and Active Aging
Local governments will play a crucial role in fostering senior engagement, particularly for those in the early stages of aging (60+). This includes initiatives to support older workers, as younger retirees can help address local labor shortages. Solutions might include training programs for older employees, employer incentives to hire seniors, involvement of senior organizations in job activation programs, and efforts to promote a positive image of experienced workers.
At the same time, municipalities see great potential in expanding recreational, educational, cultural, and sports offerings for younger seniors, encouraging them to remain active in city life.
“Loneliness is one of the biggest issues facing seniors, particularly those with mobility challenges or without family support. We need to design our cities so that social services, cultural activities, and sports programs are not only tailored to seniors’ needs but also conveniently located near their homes. Our research with seniors indicates a strong demand for such activities. Creating welcoming spaces where seniors can meet others, chat, or engage in shared activities is essential for combating isolation and maintaining mental and physical well-being. At the same time, we must remember that seniors are not a homogenous group, and their needs will continue to evolve over time,” says Dr. Nowicka-Karpińska.
Innovative Housing and Urban Planning Solutions
One initiative being implemented in cities like Warsaw is multigenerational housing, where young people, adults, and seniors live together in the same building or neighborhood. This model fosters intergenerational support, neighborly assistance, and community integration.
Another key task for local governments is designing age-friendly urban spaces, including the removal of architectural barriers.
“Simple yet significant solutions, such as placing benches along walking routes to allow seniors to rest while shopping or on their way to cultural centers or libraries, can make a big difference. Benches with backrests, which provide support for standing up, may seem trivial, but they are essential. Another important factor is the availability of public restrooms. While it might not seem like a major issue, for seniors, restroom access often determines how far and how long they can stay away from home,” explains Dr. Nowicka-Karpińska.
As Polish cities continue to age, local governments must implement comprehensive policies to ensure that older residents can live with dignity, independence, and an active role in society. The challenge is not just about accommodating an aging population but also about creating inclusive, supportive, and vibrant communities where people of all generations can thrive.
