Introduction

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the issues of old age and aging, which is undoubtedly related to the rapidly progressing demographic changes in Poland. Currently, a significant part of the elderly population lives in countries of the so-called Global South. Although Poland does not geographically belong to this zone, the aging of its population is, like in these countries, a phenomenon that is taking place at a very fast pace, such that demographic changes are outpacing economic growth. While economically developed countries, as a result of recognizing demographic changes and anticipating their consequences, have had time to at least partially prepare for the consequences of the aging process (e.g. by developing the social security system, adopting solutions that expand employment opportunities), less socio-economically advanced countries, including Poland, are faced with a situation in which demographic changes are occurring so rapidly that they make it difficult to respond to the emerging challenges. In the public discourse in Poland, the conviction is increasingly expressed that old age is as important a stage in an individual’s life as any other, and that learning about and analyzing aging processes at all stages of life will not only contribute to the deepening of general human knowledge, but will also make it possible to prepare various spheres of socio-economic life for the ever-growing number of elderly people. In view of the above, it should be recognized that the current model of activity of the elderly is not compatible with the current challenges of civilization.

Entrepreneurship 60+

Researchers from the Wroclaw University of Technology, together with the Active Senior Foundation, have launched a study of entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors among senior citizens in Wroclaw. These activities are part of what is known in literature and practice as the “longevity economy” (“long-activity economy”). They take into account the well-being of people aged 60+ and are co-created by these people in a horizontal perspective.

The goals, operational assumptions and planned activities for the development of the idea of Entrepreneurship 60+ take into account both socially and politically preferred directions of development (innovation, inclusiveness, social entrepreneurship, networking, strengthening inter-generational solidarity, counteracting social exclusion and ageism, developing and promoting the silver economy, promoting volunteerism and attitudes that strengthen social capital), as well as the current state of gerontological knowledge (emphasis on empowering the elderly, strengthening their sense of security, guaranteeing support in the process of adaptation to a rapidly changing reality, and taking into account the individualization of aging processes).

Developed by the team:
Aldona Dereń, Ph.D., Habil. Assistant Professor. Wroclaw University of Technology, Jan Skonieczny, D.Sc. (Eng), Assistant Professor. Wroclaw University of Technology, Marian Ferenc, President of the Board of Directors of the “Active Senior” Foundation