Human life expectancy has been extending in recent decades and the number of the elderly people in Polish society is constantly rising. An old age is perceived as failure and the elderly people as a heavy burden. Such a state of affairs is a challenge for social and welfare policy. The aim of the article is to draw attention to psychosocial aspects of life of the elderly. The aim of health care activities over the elderly should be to keep them independent and unaided as long as possible. The development of geriatric care along with social care and welfare must be considered the priority in health and social policy. The accommodation in health care centres and nursing homes should be increased. It is necessary to establish the network of institutions offering the onsite 24h care for people requiring constant care and such institutions should be financed from other possible sources (local governments, non-governmental institutions, foundations, sponsors).

Key words: elderly age, nursing care.