Katowice: the best places for seniors to live

Polish society is ageing rapidly. This process is certainly a universal phenomenon and takes place not only in Katowice but affects every Polish city. Dynamic changes in the age structure of the population will shape the development of the property market. In many cases, they may become central to the city's spatial planning and the way it functions. Large cities, including Katowice, try to ensure good living conditions for older people and to devote more and more attention to this social group. Which housing conditions matter most to seniors?

When it comes to quality of life, seniors value above all:

• safety,
• access to healthcare,
• public transport,
• green areas.

How can older people's housing expectations best be met?

Both the technical and architectural qualities of the flat matter, as does the location of the building: on the one hand near green areas, but at the same time within the city. Ideally, there would be good access to the centre, where one can spend time in an interesting way, as well as access to the city's biggest attractions.

As for architectural features, it is important for seniors that the building has a lift and that the corridors and staircases are not too narrow.

Equally important from seniors' point of view is having shops and services on the ground floor of the building, which considerably helps to bring the property to life.

One of the more important factors affecting seniors' quality of life is the availability of suitable medical care close to home.

Do seniors care about being close to the city centre?

The Market Square in Katowice, ul. Stawowa and the railway stations (old and new) are places in the centre of Katowice where it is not only tourists who like to spend time. The city centre is a wonderful place for seniors too, because spending time in this part of the city with family or friends is a great way to enjoy free time. Between 2011 and 2017 the Katowice Market Square was renovated and refurbished, and the most eye-catching features are two nearby buildings – the Silesian Theatre and the former seat of a branch of the Silesian Museum. This both improves seniors' perception of the centre and raises the city's prestige.

Which district of the city can be recommended to seniors with a clear conscience?

Ligota-Panewniki will certainly meet most expectations connected with seniors' quality of life.

This district lies in the westernmost part of the capital of Upper Silesia and is only about 7 kilometres from the centre of Katowice.

Residents of the estate are relatively close to Gliwice and Ruda Śląska. Ligota-Panewniki also has many routes out of town, which are easy to use.

In practical terms, it is also important that from any part of this district you can get to its centre by public transport.

The district is reasonably safe and quiet. The western, wooded parts of the district are ideal for seniors to live in. Greenery is one of the most important factors improving the quality of life of every one of us, and of seniors in particular. Among the greenery you can find respite on hot days, go for a walk, meet your neighbours or look after your fitness by exercising at an outdoor gym. An additional benefit for this social group is undoubtedly the fact that there are quite a few hospitals and medical facilities nearby.

There is no single, universal district in Katowice that will meet the needs of all seniors. From our perspective Ligota-Panewniki seems the best, but I know there are people who love spending time in the centre. Others, in turn, will feel best in a house on the outskirts of Katowice. The most important thing, however, is that seniors' needs are taken into account in all aspects of life in Katowice – the city tries to provide activities for older people and to improve their quality of life.