Half of Poles know someone who has difficulty performing daily activities independently, and 8% of respondents declare that they themselves require help in this aspect. These problems intensify after the age of 75. Currently, 35% of this age group report such needs, representing a significant increase compared to 2019 (22%).

Many people of a certain age have difficulty performing some daily activities independently, such as dealing with matters in offices, shopping, cleaning, preparing meals, dressing, or personal hygiene.
Do you personally know someone older who has such problems, or are you in such a situation yourself?

Many people of a certain age have difficulty performing some daily activities independently, such as dealing with matters in offices, shopping, cleaning, preparing meals, dressing, personal hygiene.
Are you in such a situation yourself?
Percentage of affirmative responses in age groups

Considering the structure of households requiring support, it can be observed that over one-third of the needy live alone (37%). This represents a significant increase (by 11 percentage points) compared to the result from the previous survey.

Individuals requiring support–household structure

We asked those who declared that they have difficulties performing some activities what kind of help they need. The most frequently mentioned in this context was assistance in dealing with matters at the doctor's, in offices, and in the bank (64%), followed by help in managing the household (58%) and providing advice on important matters (57%). A significant portion of respondents requiring support would like someone to care for them in times of illness (53%), provide financial assistance (48%), or keep them company, e.g., at home, on walks, or in church (44%). Respondents less frequently reported needing help with personal hygiene and dressing (27%). Among those struggling with daily activities, 7% need other types of support—such as help in finding a job, psychological support, or "help in every respect." Compared to the 2019 survey, the demand for financial assistance has decreased by 16 points, while the need for care during illness has increased by 13 points.

What kind of help do you need?
Responses of people who declared that they need help

Overall, 96% of elderly individuals struggling with daily activities can count on support. They are most often supported by family—mostly by children (70%), less frequently by grandchildren (32%) or spouses (31%). A generational change is noticeable: the share of spouses in caregiving has decreased by 16 percentage points, while the role of grandchildren in this regard has increased by 10 points. This phenomenon is likely a result of increased life expectancy: the generation of grandchildren, which previously did not have the opportunity to support seniors due to age, is now becoming involved in caregiving. Relatively often, seniors are helped by neighbours (25%), friends (21%), siblings (20%), and acquaintances (18%). Support from extended family, as well as institutional forms of assistance, i.e. community nurses, social assistance centre staff, paid caregivers, or help from parishes or charitable organizations, are less frequently utilized by elderly individuals.

Who generally helps you?
Responses of people who declared that they need help