Significant others or burden? The role and place of seniors in contemporary families in Poland

Abstract

"As the term global aging correctly implies, nearly every country in the world is expected to experience some shift toward slower population growth and an older age structure. This does not mean, however, that the world is demographically converging. In modern societies where you can observe various types of intergenerational solidarity and social help, the elders are not only the recipients but they are also giving. For example, the need for people who could provide care for children increased with the number of working women. Since not every family in the society has sufficient income to send their kids to kindergartens, some grandmothers support younger generations by taking care of their grandchildren. Moreover, it is a fact that some elders support younger generations financially." [...] (fragm.)