Even simple pleasures, such as a walk in a botanical garden or a visit to the forest, remain unattainable for many elderly people in Poland. Each year, the Federation of Little Brothers of the Poor organises one-day holidays for the most disadvantaged senior citizens. Under the slogan 'Alone Within Four Walls', the association organises a fundraising campaign to finance summer excursions.

The average pension in Poland in 2023 is PLN 3,457 gross. Nearly 60% of people over 65 cannot afford any form of travel. Their most essential expenses include buying medicine, paying for utilities such as water and electricity, rent, ongoing medical appointments, and food. What remains from their pension is insufficient for leisure activities. Financial constraints, health issues, and limited mobility are significant barriers that prevent many older people from leaving their homes independently.

According to the Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny, GUS), nearly 9.8 million Poles are over 60 years old, with more than 1.5 million aged over 80. Among this demographic, 26% admit to frequently feeling lonely, primarily widows, widowers, and those living alone. They often lack someone with whom they can exchange even a few words. Additionally, 12% of elderly individuals living alone never leave their flats.

With these individuals in mind, the latest edition of the 'One Day Holiday' campaign has been launched, offering the opportunity to sponsor a day trip for senior citizens. Time for relaxation, new experiences, joy, and contact with nature significantly improves the quality of life for older people. Volunteers from the Little Brothers of the Poor Federation make regular home visits to senior citizens as part of their accompanying voluntary work. This holiday initiative allows them to take their charges on a day trip.

The volunteers are familiar with the seniors' health status, enabling them to tailor activities to their abilities and needs. The association funds admission tickets, meals, transport, and, if necessary, specialist transport. This would not be possible without the support of donors.

Anna, a volunteer, visits 84-year-old Barbara as part of the "Being Present" programme. She described a one-day holiday she took Barbara on.

"Mrs Barbara had been anticipating and preparing for the event for a long time, determined to be at her best that day. I could see how determined she was to ensure everything went according to plan," Anna recounts.

Mrs. Barbara had long wished to attend a Chopin concert in the Royal Baths Park. The senior citizen, who has mobility problems and rarely leaves her flat, was finally able to realise this dream.

"She was delighted and very moved at the same time. The music brought back memories of the old days when she herself played the piano. We spent a wonderful day together, which we then remembered for a long time," says Anna.

Donations can be made at malibracia.org.pl to help add variety to the challenging daily lives of the elderly. The amounts requested by the association vary widely, from PLN 20 for ‘souvenir photos’ to PLN 600 for transporting a person in a wheelchair. This allows everyone to help seniors to the best of their ability.

Source: publicystyka.ngo.pl