Summary
The authorities of Ostrów Wielkopolski, in response to the ever-growing number of seniors and the lack of a municipal flats addressed to people over 60, decided to create a new offer: municipal flats dedicated to seniors. Apartments were created in response to the problems that seniors face in everyday life. The city authorities have noticed that seniors are often “prisoners of the fourth floor”: they live in buildings without lift and have to climb stairs.
The flats were built in a tenement house in the city centre: close to bus stops, a market, shops, a cultural centre, a pharmacy and a church. There are 14 one- and two-room flats, with an average size of 35m², each with their own kitchen and bathroom and a lift installed in the building. The city had to completely renovate the building inside and out, which was completed in 2019. The apartments were allocated to seniors according to the City Council Resolution and are highly appreciated by the inhabitants. The accommodation improves the quality of life of the residents in their autumn years.
The project enjoys high social recognition, especially among seniors. All flats were distributed. The apartments were created after the analysis and social consultations with representatives of seniors who indicated the lack of that kind of offer. On several occasions, seniors complained about heaving large, expensive and not accessible family houses; emphasised that they would prefer to have smaller flats with central heating.
The project responds to the needs of seniors. The location of the building in the city centre allows the seniors actively take part in the social life (the flats are located close to shops, cinema, church).
The project introduced a long lasting change in senior’s life. The living situation of seniors has changed to a large extent. They have gained a new accommodation in the city centre. Thanks to the advantages of the building (elevator, wide corridors) seniors don’t have to climb the stairs, they can go out to the city centre (it is no longer an “expedition”). Seniors can benefit from social life and be part of it. Thanks to the proximity of the cultural centre, seniors enjoy the cultural offer; the proximity of the bus stop allows them to use public transport and commute freely.
photo: the building after the renovation
photo: how the building looked like before its renewal.
The project was among the finalists of the “Innovation in Politics Award” in 2019. The project owner is Beata Klimek Mayor of Ostrów Wielkopolski.
Website: https://umostrow.pl/dla-seniorow.html
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Sector(s): Housing
Desired outcome for older people:
Meet their basic needs
- Ageing in place
- Inclusion
- Participation