Presenter(s):
Piotr Szukalski, Institute of Labour and Social Affairs, Warsaw; University of Lodz, Lodz,Poland
Abstract
The aim of the presentation is to indicate the level of knowledge of silver economy products among people of pre-retirement age in Poland. Pre-retirement age has been defined as the last 10 years before reaching retirement age.
The source of the data is the study “Preparing for old age. Poles of pre-retirement age about their old age” conducted at the turn of 2024 and 2025, during which questions about knowledge of silver economy products were asked during a quantitative study (N=1511) and qualitative research (IDI, N=60; FGI). The analysis indicates a modest scope of use of such products and a low level of knowledge about available products. Despite the great development potential for silver economy products and a high level of understanding of the needs of older customers among entrepreneurs (FGI), the low level of interest in such products is associated with a generally low interest in thinking about one’s own future, and above all, a low level of anticipation of future health and functional problems. Silver economy products are identified at this stage of life with meeting the needs of the parents’ generation.
The project was financed by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education under the “Science for Society 2” program.
Bio(s):
Piotr Szukalski is associate professor at the University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland. His research interests are in population ageing, family care-giving, older adults activities, ageism, intergenerational relations, regional demography. He has published over 250 articles and chapters related to social gerontology, demography, intergenerational relations and family issues.
He is member of Committee on Demographic Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, and Committee on Forecasting, Polish Academy of Sciences. He is also member of the National Council for Development at the President of the Republic of Poland, The Governmental Council for Population Policy at the Polish Prime Minister (Vice-chairman, 2019-2024), and the Council for Senior Policy at the Polish Minister of Family and Social Policy (Vice-chairman, 2020-2024).
