Adding life to years
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Summary

The “Poznań Viva Senior” project is a Poznań city initiative implemented to improve Poznań citizens `s quality of life. These innovative  services unique in Poland, are based on the real seniors needs, responding to theirs expectation.

The project is characterized by a comprehensive approach considering different needs of often single, dependant seniors.

The services were prepared with seniors for seniors to facilitate independent functioning and support the elderly in their place of residence.

“Poznań Viva Senior”  is focusing on activities in the area of ​​social support, health protection and prevention, as well as civic and social activity.

Project includes the following services for the senior citizens of Poznań:

 

Poznań implements 11 innovative support services for its oldest residents as part of the Viva Senior package:

Senior Taxi

Free transport services provided to individuals who experience difficulties in using public transport independently. Journeys within Poznań can be made to a public office, a cemetery, or a specialised medical facility for a scheduled appointment (diagnostic tests, specialist consultation).

Poznań Box of Life

A box designed to streamline the provision of assistance in health- and life-threatening emergencies. The box is intended for the oldest residents of Poznań, particularly those dealing with various illnesses and polypharmacy.

 

Books for Seniors

Home delivery of books, audiobooks, and films from the resources of the Raczyński Library.

The service is aimed at residents of Poznań aged 60 and over who, due to their health condition, are unable to use the Library’s services independently.

 

Podiatry for Seniors

A free cosmetic service involving the trimming and filing of toenails, delivered via home visits.

The service is available exclusively to residents of the City of Poznań who are at least 75 years old.

 

Rehabilitation Equipment Loan Service

Providing rehabilitation and orthopaedic equipment to individuals in need, depending on the type of disability.

The service is primarily directed at individuals facing severe health and financial hardship, at risk of poverty or social exclusion, who are aged 70 and over and reside in Poznań.

 

Handyman for Seniors

Free assistance with minor household repairs. The support covers simple technical tasks that do not require immediate intervention, highly specialised knowledge, or specialist certifications.

The service is available exclusively to residents of Poznań who are at least 65 years old.

 

Window Cleaning

Free window cleaning at the senior’s home. The service covers cleaning both sides of the window panes, as well as the frames and windowsills.

The service is available exclusively to residents of Poznań who are at least 80 years old.

Cleaning of Loved Ones’ Graves

Free cleaning of loved ones’ gravestones and tidying of the surrounding area. The service is performed at two municipal cemeteries.

The service is available exclusively to residents of Poznań who are at least 80 years old.

 

Transport at Municipal Cemeteries

Transporting seniors to the graves of their loved ones at two municipal cemeteries.

The service is available exclusively to residents of Poznań who are aged 80 and over, or aged 60 and over with a visible mobility impairment that hinders independent movement.

 

Installation of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Seniors – a new service in the Viva Senior package from 2026: installation of a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The service is intended for the most vulnerable target group – seniors living alone who are covered by telecare.

 

(2025 summary)

“Handyman” – 1,884

Transport services – 15,329

“Books for Seniors” – 3,366

OK Poznań Card – Poznań Golden Card – 6,037

Podiatric care services – 5,411

Rehabilitation equipment loan service – 81

“Box of Life” – 3,500

Window cleaning service – 587

Gravestone cleaning service – 230

Transport at cemeteries – 460

 

All Services in “Poznań Viva Senior” project have got defined terms of minimum age, physical condition, family status or financial situation. They are financed by the City of Poznań – implementing by local NGOs. Organizations are responsible for implementation as well as promotion and evaluation.

“Poznań Viva Senior” project is an example of developing the best solutions in the field of senior policy, conducive to create friendly environment to the elderly, while providing conditions for healthy and active aging.

“Poznań Viva Senior” gives the elders sense of security, improving their quality of life indicating  main priority for Poznań senior policy.

The project inspires other polish cities. We are proud to share our experiences with others.

“Poznań viva Senior” meets with interest and recognition in Poland and Europe.

The number of services is growing every year. New services are conducted.

Website: https://www.poznan.pl/mim/ezdrowie/-,p,46245,46249.html

Key facts

Main target group: Older people in general

Other target group(s): Mostly single, dependant seniors

Sector(s): Health, Other, Social protection

Desired outcome for older people:
Meet their basic needs

Contact details

Name: Wojciech Bauer

Email address: wojciech.bauer@centrumis.pl


Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Local authorities

Others involved in the project:
  • Civil Society Organisation
  • Older People’s Association

How collaboration worked: The services were prepared with seniors for seniors to facilitate independent functioning and support the elderly in their place of residence – cooperation with Poznań Senior Council.

Older people’s involvement: Older people were consulted during the planning process

Details on older people’s involvement: Cooperation with Poznań Senior Council.

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Please share with us what you found in detail:
– “Senior Taxi” – 23 588 courses – “Handyman for the Senior” – 5 099 services – “Book for the Senior”- 2 930 borrowed books – ” Rehabilitation equipment rental service for Senior ” – 209 contracts – ” Pedicure service for Senior ” – 4 132 services – “Poznań Senior Gold Card ” – 27 552 cards – “Poznań Life Box for Senior ” – 26 600 boxes; – “Window cleaning for Senior ” – 438 he services – ” Tombstones cleaning at cemeteries ” – 147 services – “Transportation in municipal cemeteries” – 90 services Opinion defined by seniors – Poznań Senior Council and citizens

Looking back

Reflections:
The number of services is growing every year. Project require permanent cooperation with seniors – Constant seniors needs updating

Challenges:
– cooperation with Ngo – budget limits – establishing the criteria of access