Society is ageing warn demographers; average age to increase 10 years

Demographers are warning that in the next decade Poland will have two million more people above productive age. In 2030 every forth Pole will be a pensioner and the average age will be 44 compared with 35 at present, meaning increased budget expenditure on social security and health as well as conflicts caused by the worsening material situation of young people. Polish society is growing older because the birth-rate is falling dramatically. This is due to the harsh social and economic reality and the accommodation problems facing young couples, which make the decision to have a baby a very difficult one. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A1, A5) A.D.