Specyfika przemieszczeń wewnętrznych osób starszych w Polsce

The purpose of this study is to identify regularities in internal migration of elderly people in Poland. In the analysis we focus mainly on directions of migration (urban, rural), demographic structure of migrants, and spatial distribution (at voivodeship level) of senior migrants. The study is based on results of the 2002 and 2011 National Population and Housing Censuses and current reports of the Statistical Central Office. The results show that an increase in average life expectancy in good health leads to postponement of decisions to migrate to a later stage of life. It is reflected in a rise in the number of married persons amongst seniors changing a domicile. In case of persons in advanced age, who are usually single, less educated and of poor health, the migration is often a result of necessity rather than choice. The results of the 2011census indicate that current senior migrants are relatively younger than those who migrated a decade earlier. This suggests that the existing pattern of forced migration of seniors has changed to voluntary moves in Poland.