Changes in fertility, mortality rates, and migration trends have led to a significant change in the population's age distribution across Europe, including Poland. At the end of 2020, 26 per cent of the Polish population—9.8 million people—were over 60.
WHO, in collaboration with Polish Age-friendly Cities and Communities, is dedicated to addressing the needs of older individuals in Poland and beyond. This partnership aims to establish a national programme of age-friendly cities and communities, strengthening the WHO Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC). This initiative promotes age-friendly planning and ensures accessibility and inclusivity for older people with varying needs and capacities, including during emergencies.
Established in 2010, the WHO GNAFCC connects cities, communities, and organizations worldwide with a shared vision of making community a great place to grow older. In response to global population ageing and rapid urbanization, the Network focuses on local action to encourage the full participation of older people in community life and promote healthy and active aging. Its mission is to stimulate and enable age-friendliness through inspiring change, facilitating information exchange, and supporting innovative, evidence-based solutions. Membership signifies a commitment by cities to listen to their aging population's needs, assess and monitor age-friendliness, collaborate across sectors, and share experiences with other communities. It serves as a platform for continuous improvement and progress rather than mere accreditation.
