DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES AND PENSION SYSTEM IN POLAND

The aim of the article is to present the phenomenon of aging of Polish society and discuss its consequences for the pension system. The article describes the aging process of the Polish society which is the result of decline in fertility and lengthening of life expectancy. Over the last few years we observe in Poland significant changes in the age structure of its inhabitants. Rapid progress in the field of medicine that allows earlier and more accurate diagnosis of diseases, and thus more effective treatment, as well as a healthier lifestyle, improves the health of Poles and makes their lives longer. The changes that occur in the structure of the population's age cause that the number of people receiving retirement benefits increases, while the number of people paying contributions decreases. What's more, extending the average life expectancy of a person means a longer period of receiving retirement benefits. From the point of view of the pension system, the phenomenon of lengthening the average duration of human life causes an increase in the number of beneficiaries, and thus the total amount of retirement benefits. Unfavorable demographic trends thus have a direct impact on the pension system leading to the undermining of its stability and adequacy.