The aging of society in Poland is no longer just a prediction – in the coming years, we will see a drastic decline in the number of economically active people, accompanied by a dramatic increase in the number of seniors, which calls into question the capacity of the entire healthcare and social care system. Although demographic changes pose enormous challenges, they paradoxically open up new development prospects for the care services sector. Thus, they create a unique opportunity for social organizations and social economy entities (SEEs). How is it possible that the demographic crisis can become an economic stimulus? Find out in the following article. Let’s start with the facts:
By 2050, the number of seniors will increase by approximately 2.5 million. The share of people of post-working age will reach almost 35%, meaning that one in three Polish citizens will be a senior.
At the same time, according to the Central Statistical Office (GUS) forecast, Poland’s total population will decline by approximately 4.4 million by 2050 (from 37.6 million to 33.2 million).
We are observing a process of so-called double aging, which involves an increase in the share of elderly people (aged 80 and over) among the elderly. In voivodeship capitals, there will be 35% more of them by 2050 than in 2023, which means a greater need for advanced care.
Demography of Opportunity: The New Role of the Social Sector.
These demographic changes pose a huge challenge, placing a strain on the service system, especially healthcare and social welfare. Paradoxically, it is precisely this increase in demand for care that is the main factor stimulating the development of the care services sector.
Put simply: a new, dynamic market is emerging. A market in which social organizations and social economy entities are increasingly finding their place, perceived as the best providers of social services – flexible, focused on the needs of the local community, and able to act faster than complex state structures, and more empathetic than ordinary businesses. A shift in emphasis from institutional care to decentralized, local, and specialized services is the future and an opportunity for the entire non-governmental sector – emphasizes Daniel Prędkopowicz, President of the Management Board of the Cooperation Fund Foundation.
Where does the potential lie? Specific services await development.
Social organizations offer a wide range of support, going beyond standard forms. Development is particularly likely in sectors such as assistant services (e.g., personal assistants), mobile services (e.g., handyman services, mobile psychological or legal services), and daytime support (day care homes, senior clubs, cultural and rehabilitation activities). ” says Jakub Kamiński, social services advisor at the Masovian Social Economy Support Center. He adds, “Local governments have no choice: faced with these demographic changes and the associated consequences in the form of a significant decline in tax revenues, they must become active partners, not just “contractors,” for social organizations. In short, it’s about co-creating services with the local community, not just purchasing them. Otherwise, the quality of social care will drastically decline.”
How can we help you?
Are you an NGO or social enterprise wondering how, or even whether, to expand your business in the social services sector? Contact the mOWES facilitators and schedule a free social services consultation!
Need a kick-start? As part of the Masovian Social Economy Support Center’s activities, we plan to launch an open call for proposals for the provision of social services to Social Economy Entities at the beginning of 2026.” By the end of 2027, we will have awarded a total of 87 grants – PLN 7,000 each. These grants will finance services or materials necessary to implement planned social services. More information coming soon.
Do you work in a local government unit? Discover the benefits of the Cooperation Fund Foundation’s Social Bonus project – receive a grant of up to PLN 500,000 and support the development of the local social services market!
As you can see, an aging population is both a challenge and an opportunity. Maybe this is something for you and your organization?
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