The process of (non) ageing in the perception of Polish centenarians

ABSTRACT

Currently, there are over 120,000 people aged 100 years or more in Europe. In Poland, there are 4,000 centenarians. And although demographic forecasts say that the number of people above 100 years of age will be on the rise in the decades to come, each centenarian is a unique case that should be the focus of interest for medical and social researchers. In this article, we are going to present the results of qualitative research carried out among people aged 100 or older and show their perception of their own old age in the context of their individual life stories. The results prove that despite individual differences, experience, and functional limitations, the respondents are very open to other people and take the passage of time and their developing age with a pinch of salt. The most important aspects of life for the respondents are positive social relations in their closest environment, deep and authentic faith, and an optimistic attitude. All of the centenarians tried to be physically active, and those who were bedridden remained intellectually active (reading, prayers, conversations). They were at peace with the ailments and difficulties associated with old age and treated them as something natural.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank all the centenarians who wanted to meet us and answer our questions despite their physical limitations. We would also like to thank the social welfare centers and Church institutions who helped us reach the respondents.