Abstract
For a very long time, the creation of the best conditions in the situation
when a professional career ends has been a problem for society. The elderly’s
inability to maintain themselves has led to efforts to improve their living conditions.
The ways of dealing with this problem were varied and changed along
with economic, social and political changes. Responsibility in this area lies
with the insurance sector. Recent reports have highlighted the fact that the
low level of births is accompanied by a low level of mortality. The aging of the
population is a process generally known in society. Hardly anyone, however,
realizes that it is the fastest in Europe. Every two years, the European Commission
publishes the European Demographic Report indicating the latest
facts and demographic trends in the member countries. The growing share
of older people in the structure of society is the main effect of this change.
The pension system is very sensitive to any changes. The existing factors make
it necessary to introduce new solutions so that it can function properly. The
functioning of pension systems is perceived by society as a social sphere. At
the same time, the amount of pension benefits depends on economic development
and the changing economic situation in Poland. There were Open
Pension Funds established to invest the funds from contributions in order to
multiply them. However, their activity was based on market risk and did not
guarantee citizens the benefits of participation (according to some experts).
According to the authors of the article, another change, i.e. limiting the investment
in OPF, will not improve the whole situation. It is only saving ZUS to
enable it to pay current and future pensions needed in a short-term period.
Of course, there will be many such discussions, but will the pensioners’ situation
get better? Obviously, the topic is still a matter for social debate.