Multivariate Data Analysis of Demographic Change in Poland in the Light of Sustainable Development Concept

Sustainable development assumes improvement in the quality of living of present and future generations by achieving social, economic and environmental balance. Demographic changes play a significant role in this process due to their long-term impact on social and economic outcomes. The population of Poland is relatively young in comparison to other EU members but it is ageing very rapidly. This demographic process raises challenges for social policy, which include changes in the quality of life of the elderly population. The aim of the paper is to compare Polish voivodships (NUTS-2 territorial units) with respect to main features of both the demographic change and of economic situation of population aged 55 and over. We use selected indicators characterizing the demographic situation of the ageing Polish population, as well as the financial and occupational status of the elderly. Based on these indicators, we calculate synthetic measures of development. The results enable us to evaluate the demographic situation of Polish regions as well as distinguish main trends of the changes