Only 4 percent of Polish adults report no fear of aging, according to the study cited on Tuesday by the daily Rzeczpospolita.
While many expect to need help only after age 80, the average healthy life expectancy in Poland is closer to 61.
Currently, around 80 percent of care for those struggling with daily functioning is provided informally, often by family members—mostly women—who are frequently forced to leave the workforce to take on caregiving duties. Formal institutions cover just 20 percent of demand.
The burden is heaviest on the so-called “sandwich generation,” adults aged 45 to 64, who are often simultaneously expected to care for both aging parents and young grandchildren while remaining active in the labor market.
Poland is entering a phase of accelerated demographic aging, with a shrinking period of life spent in good health, particularly among women, the report says.
This trend is expected to reduce the number of available informal caregivers in the coming years, many of whom will eventually need support themselves.
As demand for professional care services rises, the result will likely be increased costs and limited access, especially for those unable to pay.
A recently introduced government bill is unlikely to resolve the systemic issues, Rzeczpospolita reported.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP