The Needs of the Elderly in Health Care – Contexts

Aim. The objective of the study was presentation of the needs of the elderly in the context of changes of these needs conditioned by the demographic processes. Analyses also covered the projected demographic changes and a wider context, e.g. social and cultural.

Material and methods. Statistical, demographic and medical data were analyzed by the methods of descriptive statistics with particular consideration of the population aged over 65. Analyses also covered the relevant literature concerning problems of the elderly. On account of the wide thematic range, the content was selected concerning seniors’ health needs and the development of their changes; subsequently, the effects of these changes were analyzed with particular emphasis on the population aged over 65.

Results. The development of changes concerning the Polish population aged over 65 within five analysed years (2011-2015) showed an upward tendency (by 14.12%). It is estimated that this tendency will continue within the next 35 years (2015-2050). In 2015, the percentage of the population aged over 65 was 15.81%, while in 2020 and 2050 it is projected to be 18.87% and 32.69% respectively. The ultimate demand for health care is affected not only by the demography and morbidity - related factors, but also by social and cultural ones. The lack of acceptance for the process of ageing, old age and death does not build space for culture, in which care of the elderly is a natural part of life. Increasingly more often, for various reasons, the family does not undertake care of an elderly person. The lack of consideration of these reasons, their complexity and therefore, the lack of attempts to change them, may result in an increased demand for an institutional care.