Activity and Needs of Seniors – Research Report in Chorzów

  • Piotr Gierek research assistant at the Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Social Work, Ignatianum Academy in Kraków, Poland
Keywords: social activation, senior, free time

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present seniors’ opinions about their activity and ways to meet seniors’ needs.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem was centered around: participation in senior social life; forms of activity undertaken by seniors; ways to spend free time by seniors and the needs of the elderly. Survey was used as the research method. The studies were diagnostic and exploratory.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The progressive demographic change in Polish society makes active and active aging more active and the elderly’s needs for care and support become a major stimulus for satisfaction and quality of life. The article reviews the opinions of seniors about their activity and ways of meeting their needs.

RESEARCH RESULTS: This study has shown that participation in social life, forms of activity and the needs of the elderly in various ways are met and implemented. Seniors indicating inactivity (in this study are mainly social welfare beneficiaries) generally declare that they feel socially excluded. These people choose a type of home and solitary activity, and spending their free time is mainly based on watching TV and listening to the radio. On the other hand, active seniors (in this study are mainly participants in senior clubs) are satisfied with their role in society. Free time is spent on meetings with people, e.g. in the club and prefer to take various activities. Research also shows that various forms of senior activism, including senior ones, have an impact on the quality of life of the elderly, significantly improving their activity, while addressing higher needs and counteracting social exclusion.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS: There is a need for more intensified action by aid institutions, directed towards seniors who are inactive, excluded – social welfare clients, so that they too can live in the “autumn of life.” Training should also be provided to social workers who equip tchem with the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with the seniors and to effectively and effectively reintegrate and reintegrate them.

Author Biography

Piotr Gierek, research assistant at the Department of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Social Work, Ignatianum Academy in Kraków, Poland
-

References

Babbie, E. (2003). Social studies in practice. Warszawa: PWN.

Babbie, E. (2013). The basics of social research. Warszawa: PWN.

Czerniawska, O. (1998). Lifestyle of older people. In: O. Czerniawska (ed.), Lifestyle in old age. Łódź: WWSHE.

Giddens, A. (2008). Sociology. Warszawa: WN PWN.

Gierek, P. (2013). Prevention of Social Exclusion Based on the Example of the City of Chorzów. In: A. Zawada & Ł. Tomczyk (eds.), Seniors in the Local Environment (empirical research and examples of good practices). Katowice: WUŚ, 185‑199.

Grudziński, A. (2012). Fundamental Dimensions of Ageing and Old Age – Biological, Mental and Social Dimensions. In: A.A. Zych (ed.), Know, Understand and Accept Old Age. Łask: Company Over Group, 47‑56.

Halicki, J. (2010). Older pictures drawn seniors’ experiences. Białystok: WUwB.

Hrapkiewicz, H. (2005). Activity of Older People. In: L. Frąckiewicz (ed.), Preventing Social Exclusion. Katowice: WAE, 151‑159.

Kamiński, A. (1978). Pedagogical Studies and Sketches. Warszawa: PWN.

Kijak, R.J. & Szarota, Z. (2013). Old age. Between diagnosis and action. Warszawa: CRZL.

Kuchcińska, M. (2012). Barriers to social participation of seniors. In: M. Seredyńska (ed.), Social Participation in Middle and Late Adulthood. Bydgoszcz: WUKW, 15‑29.

Leszczyńska-Rejchert, A. (2005). Supporting the elderly – towards the pedagogy of old age. Olsztyn: WUWM.

Łobocki, M. (2006). Methods and techniques of pedagogical research. Kraków: Printing House Impuls.

Mandrzejewska-Smól, I. (2013). Importance of socio-cultural activity in social functioning of the elderly. In: A. Baranowska, E. Kościńska,, & K.M. Wasilewska-Ostrowska (eds.), Social Dimension of Life and Activity of the Elderly. Toruń: Paragraph Publishing House, 155‑166.

Orzechowska, G. (1999). Current Problems of Social Gerontology. Olsztyn: WWSP.

Pikuła, N. (2012). Health and Activity as Determinants of Quality of Life of Older People. In: A.A. Zych (ed.), Know, Understand and Accept Old Age. Łask: Company Over Group, 313‑324.

Ryff, C.D. (2004). Paradoxes of Human Condition: Well-being and Health on the Way to Death. In: J. Czapiński (ed.), Positive Psychology. Warszawa: WN PWN, 147‑162.

Schimanek, T. & Wejcman, Z. (2013). Active seniors. Inspiration for institutions. Warszawa: ISP.

Szarota, Z. (2004). Social and Educational Gerontology. Outline of the problem. Kraków: WN UP.

Szatur-Jaworska, B., Błędowski, P., & Dzięgielewska, M. (2006). Fundamentals of Social Gerontology. Warszawa: Publishing House ASPRA-JR.

Tibbitis, C. (ed.). (1967). Handbook of social gerontology. Societal Aspects of Aging. Chicago.

Waszkiewicz, L., Einhom, J., Połtyn-Zaradna, K., Gaweł-Dąbrowska, D., Grabowska, B., & Zatońska, K. (2012). Assessment of the quality of life of Poles in the elderly. In: M. Massakowska, A. Więcek, & P. Błędowski (eds.), Medical, psychological, sociological and economic aspects of aging in Poland. Poznań: Termedia Medical Publishing House, 549‑560.

Zdebska, E. (2012). Cultural and educational role of senior clubs. In: E. Dubas & A. Wąsiński (eds.), Educational Space of Old Age. Katowice: BGS, Silesian Publishing House, 184‑195. Ziębińska, B. (2010). University of the Third Age as an Institution Preventing Marginalization of the Elderly. Katowice: Silesian Scientific Publishing House.

Published
2018-02-01
How to Cite
Gierek, P. (2018). Activity and Needs of Seniors – Research Report in Chorzów. HORIZONS OF EDUCATION, 16(40), 127-145. https://doi.org/10.17399/HW.2017.164008
Section
Vol. 16, No. 40 (2017): Medical and Social Side of the Ageing Process