„ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMME

THE CITY OFFICE OF LODZ

Demographic background

The population of Lodz is 774,000. Lodz has a

dynamic student population, with 113 000

students in further education, but in 2010, 25%

of the Lodz’s population consisted of people

over 60. Lodz has the highest percentage of

elderly citizens compared to other cities in

Poland. This will rise to 33% by 2020. If external

conditions remain unchanged, in 2030, senior

citizens will form the majority of the city’s

population.

If external conditions remain unchanged, in 2030, senior citizens will

form the majority of the city’s population. This poses a challenge for

institutions and organizations responsible for social policy in Łódź.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEDiagnosis of the problem

Demographic background

An analysis of Poland’s demographics shows that the Lodz administrative area (voivodeship) differs from other areas in Poland in age structure.

Senior citizens make up over 18% of the voivodeship population, more than any other region in Poland. The dynamic of this aging process is characterised by a longer life expectancy.

If external conditions remain unchanged, in 2030, senior citizens will

form the majority of the city’s population. This poses a challenge for

institutions and organizations responsible for social policy in Łódź.

Udział ludności w wieku 60 lat i więcej w ogólnej liczbie ludności

(stan w dniu 31 XII 2010)

Łódź

Warszawa

Wrocław

PoznańKraków

25,2%

24,0%

22,6%

22,4%22,1%

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEDiagnosis of the problem

Activity of senior citizens – mapping the situation

There are several senior citizen clubs in culture centres, housing

associations, parishes, and housing estates.

Also there are trade union organizations and additionally, several thousand

senior citizens attend nine Universities of the third age.

There are non-governmental organizations created for and run by old age

pensioners; they are also involved in history-related committee, societies

and groups.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEDiagnosis of the problem

Diagnosed problems

An analysis of senior citizen situation in revealed the following problems:

No database of information concerning organised activities for older

members of society;

on a local level, o clear policy concerning the elderly

support and aid from the city only reached a narrow group of the elderly,

mainly as social welfare;

the city does not offer actively interesting, interdisciplinary solutions aimed at

senior citizens;

an inefficient use of existing local infrastructure and facilities, such as

housing committees, schools, libraries and cultural centres.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEDiagnosis of the problem

The strategic goal of “Active 60+” programme:

to stimulate and improve the quality of life of people over 60 living in the

city of Lodz.

Specific aims:

1. To develop and promote the idea of voluntary work and supporting

local leaders working In the local 60+ communities.

2. Inter-generational integration and inter-generational flow of values.

3. To promote a positive and active image of senior citizens.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMME

The framework of the programme “Active 60+” consist of:

I. Creation of a “Lodz Senior Citizen Centre” – a focal point for the

elderly

The range of activities of the “Lodz Senior Citizen Centre” comprises:

1. initiating and supporting initiatives for senior citizens;

2. running an information point for senior citizens;

3. providing internet services addressed to senior citizens’ needs;

4. coordination of cooperation between seniors and the City Council;

5. initiating and supporting inter-generational programmes;

6. research and analysis of social needs within the senior community;

7. adopting activities for the development activation within the senior

community;

8. promotion and support for voluntary work undertaken by senior citizens;

9. development of activities undertaken by senior citizens;

10.conducting advisory and client services for senior citizens;

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMME“Lodz Senior Citizen Centre”

II. Undertaking to improve the quality of life of senior citizens in the whole of the city.

The second important element of our programme is to introduce undertakings to improve the quality of life of senior citizens in the whole of the city.

1. District Active Seniors Centres

This activity will encompass the creation of regional Active Senior Citizen Centres. These centres will work towards all-round social integration for people over 60 in the areas where they reside. The centres are located in five regions in Lodz.

This is of a complex, interdisciplinary socio-educational project, the essence of which is to form habits of spending free time in an active and creative way, developing skills, coping strategies and adapting to modern life.

Through the outreach activities run by these centres, we also want to bring our senior citizens closer to the rich history of our city and its multiculturalism. Lodz was a multicultural and multinational city, built by Poles, Germans, Jews and Russians, and flourished until the outbreak of the World War II, and its traces are visible in the city even to this day.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEActive Seniors Centres

Creating and supporting the existing district Senior Clubs.

An important aspect of our activity is the creation of additional Senior Clubs. This is

particularly important, because Lodz is a vast city, and we hope to be able to support

senior citizens through the Senior Clubs through our outreach programme.

We want to use the already existing infrastructure more effectively to implement this

programme. The clubs will be created using schools, town libraries and district

councils, depending on the needs of specific communities.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMESenior Clubs

We also want to include the eldest generation in community life, in activities aimed at

fulfilling their needs, and solving the main issues concerning the elderly. This is why

the City Council of Seniors was set up.

The City Council of Seniors is to be an advisory, initiative body, whose aim is to serve

senior citizens by representing their interests before the local government.

The City Council of Seniors – a bridge between citizens

and local authorities.

The Council will operate in the following areas:

1. supporting activities of the elderly

2. housing for senior citizens

3. promoting health of the elderly

4. preventing and eliminating the marginalisation of the elderly

5. dispelling stereotypes about the elderly and showing as people with valid opinions

6. offering different leisure activities and access to education and culture

7. supporting and making accessible various means of education for the elderly

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEThe City Council of Seniors

City facilities more friendly to the elderly.

The next step for making Lodz ‘senior citizen friendly’

will be to introduce the senior citizens card. The

‘City Seniors Card’ gives preferential access to city

services. Senior citizens will have access to

discounts, promotions and offers prepared for

them by city institutions and companies. The card

will entitle them to discounts connected with

culture, tourism and sport.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMME

City Seniors Card

Seniors Centre, Lodz City Council

Since the beginning of 2012, when we managed to officially open the Lodz Seniors

Centre, we have gradually been able to meet more and more of the needs of the

elderly.

Council of Seniors

On 14th May 2012 we held elections for the City

Council of Seniors. 88 senior citizens took part

in the election meeting. They represented non-

governmental organizations acting for the

elderly, housing estate committees, university of

the third age and senior citizen clubs. This is

testament to the many elderly citizens who want

to be actively involved in making a difference to

the world around them. June will see the

inauguration of the Council of Seniors.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEAchievements

Active Seniors Centres within districts of Lodz

In February 2012 five district Active Seniors Centres were opened.

Activities centres::

education, training (for example, computers, internet, foreign languages, lectures and basic law

studies)

culture (for example, art workshops, pottery, theatre, drawing and painting lessons, ballroom dancing,

photography, exhibitions, meetings with artists, politicians and scientists)

recreation (for example sports sessions, including rehabilitation, such as Nordic walking and

gymnastics)

health and preventative medicine (for example instruction on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, meetings

with doctors, dieticians and sportspersons)

guidance, consultation and information (for example legal advice, information about law and civic

responsibilities in courts and public offices)

Activities fitted to beneficiaries’ needs.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEAchievements

In 2013 we would like to introduce the following:

1. improving access to geriatric/ gerontological care;

2. introducing a programme supporting people over 55 on the labour market;

3. adapting infrastructure to senior citizens.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMME

Systematic approach - the activities undertaken for senior citizens within the framework of

the programme create conditions for a systems approach in Lodz to issues affecting the

elderly.

Supporting and stimulating activities - We wish to contribute to the developing

cooperation of institutions and organizations working with the over sixties. Implementation

of the programme raises social awareness, highlights problems resulting from Lodz’s aging

population, and helps to dispel stereotypes of old age and negative attitudes to senior

citizens.

Improving quality of life - Our desire is to have a real impact on the quality of senior

citizens’ life, as well as increasing their participation in society.

“ACTIVE 60+” PROGRAMMEConclusion

Urząd Miasta Łodzi

Nazwa Departamentu

Urząd Miasta Łodzi

Nazwa Departamentu

ul. Piotrkowska 104 pokój 3

93-036

tel.: +48 650 48 39

tel.fax.: +48 650 48 38

email: a.malinowski@uml.lodz.pl

Thank you for your attention!