O lepszą jakość życia seniorów. Bydgoskie Uniwersytety Trzeciego Wieku (1996-2019)

Abstrakt

The population of Poland ages at a fast pace. Rapid progress in this process is reported especially in the biggest cities of the region. In 1998-2018, participation of 60-and-older people in Bydgoszcz almost doubled, from 16.5 percent to about 29 percent. In the end of 2018, there were more than 101,000 people over 60 years of age, as well as nearly 20,000 people in the so-called “fourth age,” i.e. seniors aged 80 and older. The fast pace of population ageing is one of the biggest challenges for the growth of the city. Demographic changes contribute to an increasing role of various organizations - both public and nongovernment - involved in activities focused on older people. In the context of implementation of projects addressed to seniors, we need to mention in particular the Universities of the Third Age. These institutions, which initially were focused mainly on education of the elderly, nowadays more frequently play the role of multifunctional senior centres. The article describes the genesis and development, starting from the first U3A founded in 1996, followed by the profile of these specific senior institutions in Bydgoszcz. It also presents a wide range of their activities, highlighting the most interesting and original forms of undertakings. The Universities of the Third Age play an increasingly important role in shaping active lifestyle among seniors in Bydgoszcz; they have better organization and management, contributing to building a positive image of the elderly in our society.