Introduction

The problem of ageing society has been growing in Poland for some years. It is a result of lower birth-rates and longer life-expectancy. In the middle of 2010, people aged 60 years or more constituted nearly 20% of society and it is estimated that in the following years this percentage will grow (Central Statistical Office 2010). Therefore it is important to build the society in which ageing is respected and well received. Still “today's elderly are living in a manner that few could imagine a generation ago” (Friedland and Summer 1999: 4). It is because of demographic and economic changes. The population aged 60 years or more is healthier, wealthier and better educated than persons in this age group in past generations. They also live in completely different times. Future groups of older people are likely to be even better off. Thus it is necessary to redefine such concepts as “retirement” and “old age”.

In November 2009 the Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) carried out a research among adult Poles who are not yet entitled to retirement benefits about their expectations on the retirement age (Kolbowska 2009, CBOS 2009). Their plans for the future were mostly positive. They were assuming they will be professionally and socially active for a long time.