Polish Cities to Age More Slowly Than the Rest of the Country
The share of older people in Poland’s population will gradually increase, reaching 34 percent by 2050. In the 12 largest cities it will be slightly lower at 31 percent, according to a report by the Center for Analysis and Research of the Union of Polish Metropolises. This suggests that metropolitan areas – though not all – will age more slowly than the rest of the country, posing challenges for local governments in adapting services and urban spaces to an aging population.
The Aging Cities report indicates that between 2002 and 2023, Poland’s post-working-age population grew from 5.8 to 8.8 million (an increase of 52 percent), while in the Union of Polish Metropolises, it rose from 1.2 to 1.6 million (a 39 percent increase). Among the 12 cities analyzed, Rzeszów experienced the most significant growth, more than doubling, while Warsaw saw the smallest increase at 27 percent.
"The aging population means cities must provide care and support for seniors while facing shrinking working-age population. This could reduce tax revenues and create challenges in funding public services, affecting not just older residents but also children and youth," Dr. Anita Abramowska-Kmon, head of the Demography Department at SGH Warsaw School of Economics and co-author of the report, said.
(Newseria)
