The level and dynamics of population ageing in Poland

Slawomir Kurek, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Poland

The aim of this paper is to present a spatial distribution of the state and dynamics of population ageing of the Polish population, in particular determining any differences between urban, semi-urban and rural areas. The analysis was based on microscale units (communities) in the intercensal period 1988-2002. Ageing indices were calculated, especially old-age dependency ratios. A dynamic ageing index was also used on the basis of percentage changes between two age groups (0-14 and 65 and over).The results showed that the most advanced stage of ageing is in rural areas, whilst the highest dynamics of the process is observed in towns. In the spatial layout, the division of Poland into the demographically young northern and western areas and the relatively old central and eastern areas is still visible, although the former areas are now experiencing more rapid dynamics of ageing, and the differences are likely to disappear in the future.