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Senior Care Policy
From Active+ to Care+: WSB University on the Challenges of Very Old Age
Under the theme “From Active+ to Care+”, WSB University hosted the 2nd Scientific Conference from the series “Quality of Life of Older Adults”, dedicated to the situation and challenges of very old age, particularly people aged 75+ / 80+.
The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and representatives of public institutions and social organisations, who discussed the need to shift from a narrative focused exclusively on activity towards an approach grounded in care, solidarity, and responsibility in supporting the oldest members of society.
Between Activity and Care
In recent years, the dominant public narrative has been based on the concept of the “active senior” — independent, physically fit, and socially engaged. The conference highlighted a group that remains largely absent from public debate: the oldest adults, often experiencing multimorbidity, functional limitations, dementia, or loneliness, and requiring above all high-quality long-term care and coordinated support from the state, local governments, and families.
Expert Panel and the Voice of Practice
The plenary session addressed, among other topics, the challenges of the long-term care system, loneliness in care, the role of local support ecosystems, and the use of technology in working with the oldest adults.
A key point of the programme was the expert panel entitled “Perspectives and Challenges of Post-Neoliberal Ageing Policy”, moderated by Dr hab. Zofia Szarota, Professor at WSB University.
The panel featured:
- Wiesława Borczyk – President of the Polish Federation of Universities of the Third Age, legal adviser
- Alicja Przepiórska-Ułaszewska – trainer and psychogerontologist, Via Salutis Foundation
- Dr hab. Marek Walancik, Professor at WSB University – expert in education and security, member of the Committee of Pedagogical Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences
- Dr Grzegorz Matuszek – Director of the Centre for Research on Video Monitoring, WSB University
- Łukasz Salwarowski – President of the MANKO Association, Editor-in-Chief of Głos Seniora
The discussion focused on state and local government responsibility for care systems, support for informal caregivers, the language used to describe old age, and solutions that ensure dignity, safety, and quality of life in very old age.
Prevention and Care in Practice
The conference programme also included thematic sessions, a poster session, and practical workshops addressing topics such as care for dependent persons, senior skin care, tension regulation, and fall prevention.
A keynote lecture entitled “From Decentralisation to Digitalisation: Social Assistance and Healthcare Systems in Supporting Older Adults in Poland (1990–2025)” was delivered by Professor Ryszard Majer, Senator of the Republic of Poland and Social Ombudsman for Older Persons.
Particular interest was drawn by the Collegium Medicum WSB University stand, which offered free preventive health screenings and consultations, including blood pressure and glucose measurements, body composition analysis, and skin condition assessment.
A Shared Voice for Care+
The conference demonstrated that discussions on ageing must move beyond the “Active+” framework and include those who most need care, time, and professional support. The event represents another step taken by WSB University in fostering evidence-based debate on ageing policy and the quality of life of the oldest adults.