老年学与老年病学研究

抽象的

Nurses Towards Older People and Own Ageing

Alicja Rozyk-Myrta*, Andrzej Brodziak and Estera Kolat

Ageing of the population and emergence of problems related to this process constitutes a basis for crossdisciplinary research. Old age is a natural part of a human life cycle and is a complex, genetically conditioned process which can be modified by environmental factors. Forecasts presented by the Central Statistical Office (Polish government agency concerned with collecting and publishing statistical data) indicate a clear tendency for extension of average life expectancy. It is estimated that in year 2035, one in four people will be above the age of 65. A high number of elderly people in the society concerns Poland as well. The need for medical and social services is relatively growing. The elderly are also the main beneficiaries of health care in terms of care benefits. The article presents the attitudes of nurses both towards the elderly people and their own ageing in terms of the general public. Results of own research has been compared with that made by the Centre of Public Opinion Research (Polish opinion polling institute).