In response to the growing number of older people, the City of Katowice has implemented a new senior policy as part of the program introduced by the Resolution of the Katowice City Council on the Municipal Program “Katowice Senior in the City” for 2016-2021. Its main goal is to integrate and activate local older adults and to organize care for people who, due to their age and health, struggle with weakness and disabilities. The implementation of the senior policy is a response to the needs of older adults in the community.

After hearing from numerous voices of older adults in the community the Council of Seniors of Katowice and the Proxy for Seniors were appointed.

Katowice implements many interesting initiatives and projects such as clubs, where older adults meet at thematic classes. The “Senior Sports University”prepares sports activities for people 60+, the “Jack of all Trades for seniors” project provides older adults with free minor home repairs, the “Silver phone book” delivers books and audiobooks to older adults in Katowice with mobility problems, and the “Silver telephone for Katowice seniors” offers information about supports and serves helpline for older adults and others.

In addition, the city carries out a “Modern Senior – Professionally Active” project which helps older adults start work. Information about/for seniors – “Srebrne Katowice” – is broadcast every week on TV and published every month in the local newspaper “Nasze Katowice”. Free screening tests and annual flu vaccinations are also financed for older adults in Katowice as part of the “Program of Prevention and Health Promotion”.

The city of Katowice plans to continue the above-mentioned activities as well as to expand the offerings available to older adults over the coming years.