Dear Seniors,               

The National Senior Day celebrated on 14 November is another opportunity to congratulate on our Parents, Grandmothers and Grandfathers and, more and more often, Greatgrandparents. Therefore, on the occasion of this holiday, please let me send my best wishes to you. First of all, I wish you a lot of health and joy. I also wish you that this beautiful time will allow you to pursue your passions.

There are more and more of you among us and – against all stereotypes – we see you not only sitting in a rocking chair in front of the fireplace, but more and more often working, Nordic walking, attending the classes at the University of the Third Age or returning from a meeting of the Farmers’ Wives’ Association.

I can assure you that taking care of Seniors is one of the pillars of the government’s activities. We are trying to provide you not only with financial security, but also with various opportunities to participate in all aspects of social life. This is how we express our gratitude for all that we received from you.

This year, the government of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will allocate an additional amount of PLN 36 billion for programmes and activities addressed to seniors due to the indexation of old age and disability pensions, the 13^th and 14^th pensions. For comparison, this is ten times more than in 2015. It is an expression of our care and the implementation of the idea of intergenerational solidarity.

From January 2022, new tax regulations will enter into force. This is good news for more than eight million old age and disability pensioners who will benefit from these changes – most of them, receiving benefits of up to PLN 2,500 gross per month, will not pay tax at all, and the others – will pay less.

We implement programmes allowing to enjoy life at any age. They include the „Senior+” programme run by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, thanks to which Senior+ Homes and Clubs, unique and valuable places with a wide range of classes, are created across Poland. Currently, there are nearly a thousand such institutions in Poland and more will be created. Another programme of the Ministry for seniors, „Active +”, allows to increase the participation of elderly people in all areas of life.

We want this silver period in your life to allow you to enjoy everything for which you may not have had time so far. To discover unknown areas, using the opportunities offered by modern technologies. To develop hobbies and make friends. To be active or to rest.

I wish you a lot of health and strength, so that we can benefit from your experience as long as possible, enjoy your smile and make use of your knowledge you gained over the years.

Regardless of the pages falling from the calendar, feel young at heart. May you be accompanied by optimism and cheerfulness.

May the autumn of life bring you whole baskets of fruit in the form of both self-fulfillment and the opportunity to pass down to the younger generation the wisdom, experience, understanding and empathy you have acquired throughout your life.

Marlena Maląg, Minister of Family and Social Policy