Social policy instruments to the young and the old generation in Poland – compare selected problems

Abstract

In Poland, there are clear differences in the provision of social benefits to different generations. This has an impact on growing poverty and social stratification. The support policy carried out by the authorities largely determines the quality of life of individual communities. It leads to greater activity of younger than older people. The aim of the article was to assess the relationship between the forms of support used in social policy, and the state of health and quality of life of the young generation between 20–35 years of age and the older generation at retirement age (65–78 years). The study was pilot. Based on the research conducted in March 2018 on a group of randomly selected people, the methods of financial aid for the young and old generation as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of their implementation were verified. In the further part of the work an analysis of the demographic status and perspective of the discussed groups was made. Selected problems and challenges in the field of providing social assistance were identified and compared. Conclusions: Social assistance in Poland is dedicated mainly to young people, who set up families, which results in the exclusion of other social groups, including seniors, in planned social and economic support strategies. The development of social policy in Poland should be more even.