Health problems of seniors: selected diseases of the old age

Since the mid-eighties, the Polish society has witnessed a steady increase in the 65+ population. This demographic trend calls for a change in the organisation of health services and healthcare for this segment of the society. Old age is a difficult period in human life, especially if one has not been prepared for it. Individuals experience a number of health restrictions, while the quality of life at that stage of life depends mostly on the accuracy of identifying health needs, their types and the quality of the available solutions. The following paper aims to present literature on the most common health problems amongst the elderly in Poland. Numerous scientific centres in Poland (and abroad) which work with seniors have confirmed that the health situation of this age group is highly unsatisfactory. Seniors often face problems which affect their functioning, independence and self-care. Impairment may be caused by geriatric disorders, which include cardiovascular diseases (the most common cause of death in Poland among persons aged 65+), cancer, diabetes, balance disorders, impaired mobility, falling down, dementia, depression, insomnia, incontinence, soiling, impaired vision and hearing, lower limb muscle cramps at night, and bedsores.

The rapid ageing of the society poses numerous challenges for healthcare organisers, educators and doctors with regard to educating, preventing and treating seniors in Poland.