Aging in Poland

Caring From a Distance: Experiences of Polish Immigrants in the United States Providing Care to Parents With Dementia Overseas

OBJECTIVES

Aging populations and an increasing number of immigrants in recent years have led to numerous changes in intergenerational relationships. Although many studies have investigated the impact of providing care to a parent with dementia, little is known about the impact of caregiving activities provided from a distance, such as in the case of immigration, and over a long period of time to a person with dementia. Our understanding of how transnational caregiving for a person with dementia affects relationships is also limited. Using the Intergenerational Solidarity Theory as a theoretical framework, this paper examines the experiences of adult children and immigrant caregivers of a parent with dementia living in Poland.

METHODS

A qualitative, semistructured interview was conducted with 37 caregivers living in the United States while providing transnational care to a parent with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The data analysis was based on the thematic analysis strategy.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: (1) filial obligations and solidarity, (2) caregivers' contradictory emotions regarding transnational care, (3) financial and emotional exhaustion, and (4) challenges of nursing home dilemmas.

DISCUSSION

Transnational caregivers represent a unique group who face distinctive challenges related to competing demands and limited resources. This study contributes to a better understanding of their experiences whereas the findings highlight the importance of addressing the mental and physical well-being of immigrant caregivers of individuals with dementia and have important implications for health care professionals and immigration policies. Implications for future research were also identified.

Satisfaction of people at post-working age with pharmacists' health promotion in Poland

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to analyze how people at post-working age evaluate health promotion conducted for them by pharmacists in community pharmacies in Poland. We also assessed whether this evaluation is correlated with the frequency of health behaviors.

METHODS

The study comprised 712 Polish people at post-working age (retired), including women 60 + and men 65+. Health Behaviors Inventory and authors' Questionnaire for Evaluation of Pharmacists' Health Promotion were used.

RESULTS

Conducting health promotion by pharmacists in community pharmacies is relevant in the opinion of post-working-aged people (5.8 on average in the scale of 1-10). However, the patients were not satisfied with the reliability (4.7), accessibility (4.7), communicativeness (5.0), and effectiveness (4.6) of health promotion provided by pharmacists for them. The empathy and politeness of pharmacists during health promotion were rated neutrally (5.4, i.e. neither good nor bad). The evaluations of reliability, accessibility, communicativeness, empathy and politeness, relevance, and effectiveness of pharmacists' health promotion did not correlate with age, marital status, place of residence, type of job in the past, or chronic pain currently (p > 0.05). The men evaluated accessibility higher than the women (5.1 vs. 4.6, p = 0.049), but the other domains were evaluated similarly by both genders (p > 0.05). All the domains of pharmacists' health promotion were assessed the better the higher the frequency of health behaviors the post-working aged people was.

CONCLUSIONS

People in post-working age assessed that health promotion conducted by pharmacists in community pharmacies is important, however they were not satisfied with the reliability, accessibility, communicativeness, and effectiveness of health promotion conducted by pharmacists.

Relationship between the Prevalence of Metabolic Disease and Impaired Mobility, Diet, Physical Activity, and Socio-Demographic Characteristics in the Polish Elderly-A Cross-Sectional Study

Maintaining good health for as long as possible presents a great challenge for the elderly. As the elderly population is growing, there is an ongoing need to identify health risk factors affecting older individuals. The study aimed to explore relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, diet, physical activity, and prevalence of metabolic diseases and impaired mobility in the Polish elderly. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 417 elderlies in May-July 2021. Cluster analysis was applied to separate four homogeneous clusters based on the prevalence of metabolic disease and impaired mobility. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify associations between variables. Being overweight or having obesity, as well as following a diet, increased the probability of being affected by metabolic disease. Being well educated, having a better financial situation, positive perception of own health, and having at least moderate physical activity decreased the probability of suffering from mobility impairments. Eating behaviors were not found to be predictors of the disease. However, they differentiated the selected clusters. The results confirmed the heterogeneity of factors that may impact healthy aging. Thus, they should be taken into account by public health authorities to develop health promotion actions adjusted to the needs of specific subgroups.

The Correlation of Frequency of Work-Related Disorders with Type of Work among Polish Employees

Musculoskeletal disorders have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of the population. These conditions, as well as other work-related disorders, generate costs associated with treatment and work absence, which makes it a growing problem in industrialized countries. Available data from studies on individual populations of workers indicate a higher incidence of certain symptoms in these groups. Due to the lack of studies on the general population, we aimed to perform the preliminary study evaluating the occurrence of pain and work-related conditions depending on the type of occupational work among Polish employees to identify further possible areas for research. Data was collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed in groups bringing together various professionals. The data obtained from 379 participants have been analyzed and divided according to performed work into sedentary, forced posture, standing, physical and requiring physical activity. Our study reveals a correlation between the frequency of work-related disorders and type of work performed in the Polish population. A significant correlation between the type of occupational work and prevalence of ankle, knee and shoulder pain, as well as heavy legs or upper limb paresthesia was found. According to our findings, female employees may be more vulnerable to lower limb symptoms. A place of residence also seems to affect the prevalence of upper back pain and heavy legs. The analysis also showed a correlation between the occurrence of hip, knee and ankle pain and the level of education of the participants. Surprisingly, lower extremity paresthesia was significantly more common among participants undertaking additional physical activity, compared to non-physically active respondents.

How Diabetes and Other Comorbidities of Elderly Patients and Their Treatment Influence Levels of Glycation Products

Medical care for geriatric patients is a great challenge, mainly due to various overlapping deficits relevant to numerous coexisting diseases, of which the most common are diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In the case of diabetes, the glycation process is intensified, which accelerates atherosclerosis development and diabetic complications. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between the classical biochemical parameters of diabetes and atherosclerosis, as well as parameters which may indicate a nephropathy, and the parameters strictly related to glycation, taking into account the pharmacological treatment of patients. Methods: We analyzed the patients’ serum concentrations of fluorescent glycation product—pentosidine, concentrations of soluble receptors for advanced glycation products (sRAGE), lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), galectin 3 (GAL3), scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), and scavenger receptor class B (SR-BI), as well as the level of lipid peroxidation and free amine content. Among the identified correlations, the most interesting are the following: sRAGE with triglycerides (r = 0.47, p = 0.009), sRAGE with SR-BI (r = 0.47, p = 0.013), SR-BI with LOX-1 (r = 0.31, p = 0.013), and SR-BI with HDL (r = −0.30, p = 0.02). It has been shown that pentosidine and reactive free amine contents are significantly higher in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease. Pentosidine is also significantly higher in patients with arterial hypertension. Malondialdehyde turned out to be higher in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 that was not treated with insulin or metformin than in those treated with both medications (p = 0.052). GAL3 was found to be lower both in persons without diabetes and in diabetics treated with metformin (p = 0.005). LOX-1 was higher in diabetic patients not treated with metformin or insulin, and lowest in diabetics treated with both insulin and metformin, with the effect of metformin reducing LOX-1 levels (p = 0.039). Our results were the basis for a discussion about the diagnostic value in the clinical practice of LOX-1 and GAL3 in geriatric patients with diabetes and also provide grounds for inferring the therapeutic benefits of insulin and metformin treatment.

Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Frontotemporal Dementia Knowledge Scale

INTRODUCTION

Taking into account a progressive increase in the number of individuals affected by dementia and the importance of being knowledgeable about its symptoms, it has become crucial to develop well-validated instruments for measuring knowledge about dementia. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Frontotemporal Dementia Knowledge Scale (FTDKS) in a Polish population.

METHODS

The FTDKS was translated into the Polish language based on the most highly recommended methodological approaches for translating and validating instruments for cross-cultural healthcare research. Psychometric properties were evaluated in a sample of 869 individuals (general population, healthcare professionals, and caregivers) who completed the questionnaire. The reliability of the FTDKS was tested as an internal consistency using both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega factor analysis. The convergent and discriminant validity was assessed using the Heterotrait-monotrait Ratio of Correlation between scores of FTDKS, vocabulary intelligence, and Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (AKDS).

RESULTS

The results indicate that the scale produces satisfactory psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega over 0.80). The internal consistency was slightly higher in the population of healthcare professionals and caregivers than among the general population.

DISCUSSION

The internal consistency of the Polish version of FTDKS demonstrates a similar validity to the original version. The FTDKS can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions among caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general population.

Expectations of family nurses among residents of a midsize eastern European city: A population-based cohort study in Poland

To improve the quality of care, patients' needs and expectations must be understood, and this can be achieved through learning their attitudes and expectations connected with using health services. The main aim of this study was to describe and analyse Białystok residents' expectations of family nurses. This cohort study was carried out in association with the ongoing project "Bialystok PLUS" in Poland. The respondents (n = 412) were administered a multiple-choice questionnaire concerning family nurses and the responses were analysed in association with the respondents' socio-demographic data and health self-evaluation results. Data were collected between September 2017 and September 2019. Our research found that the respondents' socioeconomic status was associated with their expectations concerning the use of prevention services offered by family nurses. A statistically significant association was found between marital status and knowledge of their family nurses. The demand for medical counselling from family nurses (concerning diet, coping with stress, physical activity) was significantly negatively correlated with age, with younger persons expecting that service more often than older persons. A significant association was also observed between respondents' age group and their opinions concerning the need for home visits by family nurses. The respondents who expected home visits by family nurses declared lower self-evaluated health compared to the other respondents. Findings suggest that services by family nurses should include an assessment of each patient's situation, including their health self-evaluation and socioeconomic status. The fact that younger persons expect family nurses to provide counselling on health matters obliges nurses to learn how to provide health information tailored to patient needs.

Small Differences in Vitamin D Levels between Male Cardiac Patients in Different Stages of Coronary Artery Disease

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality in males older than 65 years of age. The prevalent vitamin D deficiency in the worldwide population may have multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. This study sought to determine the association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the stage of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Polish male subjects. Additionally, subjects with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) were analyzed for potential differences in 25(OH)D levels in comparison with those diagnosed with stable CAD. The study was conducted prospectively in a group of 669 male patients subjected to coronarography examination. CAD stage was defined using the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score. Patients without significant coronary lesions had significantly higher 25(OH)D levels than patients with single-, double-, or triple-vessel disease (median, 17 vs. 15 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D were apparent when MI was identified as the cause of the then-current hospitalization in comparison with stable CAD, as well as in patients with a history of MI; all of these cases had lower levels of 25(OH)D in comparison with patients with no such history. Male patients with single-, double-, or triple-vessel CAD, acute coronary syndrome, or a history of MI presented lower serum 25(OH)D.

Prevalence of Chronic Polypharmacy in Community-Dwelling Elderly People in Poland: Analysis of National Real-World Database Helps to Identify High Risk Group

Introduction: Multimorbidity often comes with age, making elderly people particularly prone to polypharmacy. Polypharmacy, in turn, is a risk factor for adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, non-adherence to medication, negative health outcomes, and increased healthcare services utilization. The longer the exposure to polypharmacy is, the higher the risk of these consequences is. Therefore, a detailed assessment of the prevalence and drivers of chronic polypharmacy in the elderly is particularly important. Aim of study: To find out the prevalence of chronic polypharmacy in the elderly population of Poland, and to characterize the subgroup with the highest risk of this problem, using real-world data. Methodology: A retrospective analysis of data on dispensation and healthcare services utilization held by the national payer organization for the year 2018. Chronic polypharmacy was defined as possession, as a result of dispensation, of five or more prescribed drugs within 80% of each of the consecutive 6 months. Results: Chronic polypharmacy was found in 554.1 thousand patients, i.e. in 19.1% of the national 65+ cohort. On average, those patients were 76 years old, and 49.3% of them were female. The vast majority (68.6%) continued their polypharmacy for the period of the whole year. There was a marked variation in geographical distribution of chronic polypharmacy with the highest value of 1.7 thousand per 100,000 inhabitants in the Łódź Voivodeship. Patients exposed to chronic polypharmacy filled prescriptions from 4.5±2.36 healthcare professionals. The average number of drugs they used was 8.3±3.84 DDD per patient per day. The most often prescribed drugs were Metformin, Atorvastatin and Pantoprazole. The average annual hospitalisation rate in those patients was 1.03±2.4. Conclusion: This study was the first of this kind involving a nationwide assessment of chronic polypharmacy in Polish elderly people. We found that this problem affected one fifth of Polish older adults and it remains stable due to its direct relation to chronic conditions. Thus, our results confirm that this phenomenon is highly important for the national health policy and requires relevant interventions. The planned introduction of pharmaceutical care in Poland is expected to help in solving the problem.

Selection, optimization and compensation strategies and their relationship with well-being and impulsivity in early, middle and late adulthood in a Polish sample

BACKGROUND

The model of selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC model) characterises the life management strategies that contribute to successful development. Although the SOC model is an important developmental theory, until now there has been no Polish version of a measurement tool for SOC strategies. The studies conducted so far have consistently indicated a relationship between the use of these strategies and well-being. In contrast, the relationship between SOC strategies and impulsivity has not yet been empirically examined, although there are theoretical premises to assume its existence. The aim of the study was to compare the use of SOC strategies in early, middle and late adulthood, and to investigate the relationship between the use of SOC strategies and well-being and impulsivity, using a newly developed Polish version of the SOC Questionnaire (SOC48-PL).

METHODS

The study applied a quantitative approach. The sample comprised 589 Poles from three age groups: early adulthood (n = 186, 20-35 years), middle adulthood (n = 165, 40-55 years) and late adulthood (n = 238, 60-85 years). In the study, in addition to the SOC48-PL questionnaire, the Short Depression-Happiness Scale (SDHS) and the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (S UPPS-P) were used.

RESULTS

Developmental differences in the use of SOC strategies are rather slight, with considerable individual differences within age groups. The study revealed some indications of a 'developmental peak' of SOC strategies in middle adulthood. The use SOC strategies is positively related to well-being. In turn, the relationship between the use of SOC strategies and impulsivity is negative, especially for two dimensions of impulsivity: lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance.

CONCLUSIONS

The results only slightly confirm the assumed age-related differences in the use of SOC strategies and point to a large role of individual differences. The revealed positive relationships of SOC strategy use with well-being and negative with impulsivity are consistent with expectations. With the present study, the SOC48-PL questionnaire may find application in further studies on the SOC model involving the Polish population, as well as in the measurement of SOC strategies in psychological practice. Furthermore, the identified associations of SOC strategies with well-being and impulsivity can be taken as initial indications for the development of interventions based on teaching the use of SOC strategies. Cross-cultural comparisons, long-term longitudinal studies on changes in the use of SOC strategies over the life course, and combining quantitative and qualitative approaches in the analysis of the use of SOC strategies in practice are worth mentioning as directions for further research.

Association of physical fitness with quality of life in community-dwelling older adults aged 80 and over in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Background

Aging is a progressive and irreversible process that negatively affects the quality of life (QOL). Older adults face difficulties related to worsening health, lowering the level of physical and mental efficiency. We aimed to analyze the associations between physical fitness and QOL in Polish older adults considering sex differences.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed from March to August 2015. The sample consisted of 100 community-dwelling adults (67 women, 33 men) with a mean age of 82.94 ± 2.67 years. The World Health Organization QOL, Short Form questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) were used. Biometric data, social and environmental situation, nutritional and lifestyle behaviors have been also collected using a questionnaire designed by the authors.

Results

The results obtained in individual domains of WHOWOL-BREF indicate a good level of QOL in all the examined domains. Statistically significant sex differences were obtained in physical (p = 0.01), psychological (p = 0.04) and environmental (p = 0.02) domains in WHOQOL-BREF. It was noted that men perform better in terms of the upper (arm curl, p < 0.001) and lower body strength (chair stand, p = 0.01), aerobic endurance (two-minute step test, p < 0.001), agility and dynamic balance (up and go test, p < 0.001) in FFFT.

Conclusions

Community-dwelling older adults aged 80–93 years in Poland present a good level of QOL, and the higher score was obtained in men. Also, men presented better physical fitness, showed a higher level of independence in daily activities, and assessed better their own QOL than women.

The Prevalence of Selected Potential Drug-Drug Interactions of Analgesic Drugs and Possible Methods of Preventing Them: Lessons Learned From the Analysis of the Real-World National Database of 38 Million Citizens of Poland

Introduction: Drug-drug interactions may lead to poor health outcomes, as well as increased costs and utilization of healthcare services. Unfortunately, real-world data continuously prove high prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) worldwide. Among identified drivers, ageing, multimorbidity and polypharmacy play a very important role. With these factors being widespread, the need for implementation of strategies minimizing the burden of pDDIs becomes an urgency. This, however, requires a better understanding of the prevalence of pDDIs and the underlying causative factors.

Aim of study: To assess the real-world prevalence of pDDIs and its characteristics in the general population of Poland, using analgesic drugs as a model, and to find out whether pDDIs are caused by prescribing coming from the very same prescribers (co-prescribing).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the 2018 dispensation data of the National Health Fund (NHF) - the only Polish public healthcare payer organization with nationwide coverage. We searched for selected pDDIs of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with antihypertensives, other NSAIDs (double use), oral glucocorticoids, oral anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and antiplatelet drugs; as well as opioides with SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentinoids, and benzodiazepines. A pDDI was deemed present if two drugs standing in a possible conflict were dispensed within the same calendar month.

Results: Out of 38.4 million citizens of Poland, 23.3 million were dispensed prescribed drugs reimbursed by NHF in 2018. In this cohort, we have identified 2,485,787 cases of analgesic drug pDDIs, corresponding with 6.47% of the Polish population. Out of these, the most prevalent pDDI was caused by “NSAIDs + antihypertensives” (1,583,575 cases, i.e., 4.12% of the Polish population), followed by “NSAIDs + NSAIDs” (538,640, 1.40%) and “NSAIDs + glucocorticoids” (213,504, 0.56%). The most persistent pDDIs among those studied were caused by “Opioids + Gabapentinoids” (2.19, 95%CI: 2.16–2.22 months). On average, 76.63% of all cases of pDDIs were caused by drugs prescribed by the very same prescribers.

Conclusion: Based on high-quality, nationwide data, we have found a high prevalence of analgesic drugs-related pDDIs in Poland. Over ¾ of the identified pDDIs were caused by co-prescribing, i.e., prescriptions issued by the same prescribers. The significance of the problem, illustrated with our findings on analgesic drugs-related pDDIs in Poland, deserves much more scientific and policymaker attention.

The Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Loneliness and Life Satisfaction in Late Adulthood: Evidence from Poland

Background

The life satisfaction of elderly persons has been extensively investigated and discussed. However, a literature review shows that relatively few studies have focused on the effect of loneliness on the life satisfaction of older adults. Some researchers have acknowledged that the character of the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction is still unclear, and this association is much more complex that it appears to be. Therefore, the main purpose of the current study was to understand how loneliness is associated with satisfaction, and whether self-esteem and educational involvement in the University of the Third Age (U3A) courses can affect this relationship among elderly people.

Methods

The research was conducted on a group of 179 elderly adults (65% women). We measured loneliness, satisfaction, and self-esteem. The data were collected via the paper-and-pencil format through convenience sampling, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Results

The results obtained show that loneliness correlated negatively with self-esteem and life satisfaction. Self-esteem was associated positively with life satisfaction. Self-esteem acted as a suppressor between loneliness and life satisfaction. The participation of older adults in U3A moderated the strength of the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction (direct effect) and between loneliness and life satisfaction mediated by self-esteem (indirect effect).

Conclusion

The mediatory role of self-esteem and the moderating role of educational activities in the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction in late adulthood have important developmental and social implications. It appears that although feelings of loneliness and social isolation have a negative association on the life satisfaction of older adults, this relationship may be altered by empowering seniors’ self-esteem through their involvement in lifelong learning. Such a solution supports the functioning of older people also at the social level.

Aging Society and the Selected Aspects of Environmental Threats: Evidence from Poland

The article addresses problems of population aging in Poland and the selected environmental hazards exerting a negative impact on seniors’ health. The introduction presents the reasons underlying the above-mentioned aging process and provides the characteristics of the primary environmental threats. The next part covers the most important trends and indicators related to the demographic situation in the country. The core of the study is focused on presenting and interpreting the results of empirical research on the periodization of the population aging process in Poland, in the years 2004–2019, using the multidimensional statistical analysis method including, in particular, the data classification method. The key demographic factors differentiating the development phases of the population aging process include, in order of their significance: longer life expectancy of the population, narrowed gross reproduction rate, declining birth rate, and total migration balance. In addition, the article provides the analysis of the selected environmental threats’ impact on population aging in Poland, among which the following were indicated: high temperatures, solar conditions, heavy rainfall, strong winds, droughts, and fires. Moreover, the process of longer life expectancy in fine health is essentially related to two issues: the level of medical care, with particular attention paid to check-ups and preventive measures, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. In summary, it should be highlighted that the elimination of all pollutants or the reasons of environmental hazards is not possible; however, the actions primarily focused on reducing the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere and other forms of environmental pollution should definitely be taken.

Standard expected years of life lost (SEYLL) due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Poland from 1999 to 2014

Purpose

The aim of the study is to analyze the standard expected years of life lost (SEYLL) due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Poland from 1999 to 2014 by sex and place of residence.

Methods

The number of deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (J40 –J44 and J47 according to ICD-10) over the period 1999 to 2014 was analyzed based on data obtained from the Central Statistical Office in Poland. Standard expected years of life lost due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were calculated by sex and place of residence according to the living population (SEYLL_p) and the number of deaths caused by the disease (SEYLL_d). Changes in the calculated measures were evaluated using joinpoint models. The annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) were also calculated.

Results

The study revealed that COPD contributed to 1.8% of the total number of deaths which occurred between 1999 and 2014. The greatest decrease in the analyzed measures was observed among males from rural areas (p<0.05) (SEYLL: AAPC = -1.6; 95%CI: -3.0;-0.2; SEYLL_p: AAPC = -2.0; 95%CI: -3.4;-0.6; SEYLL_d: AAPC = -1.1; 95%CI: -1.2;-0.9). A statistically significant increase in the SEYLL and SEYLL_p indices was observed among female city dwellers (SEYLL: AAPC = 2.4; 95%CI:0.7;4.0 and SEYLL_p: AAPC = 2.4; 95%CI: 0.8;4.1).

Conclusions

All studied measures were higher in the male group than in the female group, regardless of the place of residence. A male who died of COPD in Poland in 2014 potentially lost 14.9 years of life, whereas a female lost 14.2 years.

Do we need orthogeriatrics in Poland? Changes in the age structure and location of hip fractures

Background

Patients with hip fractures present a great challenge for surgeons due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy as well as difficulty in communicating. These could be attributed to a recent trend in the aging patient population (80 years and older) as compared to the past. The aim of this study is to analyze age structure and location in male and female patients’ population with hip fracture over 50.

Materials and methods

Hospital records between 2005 and 2014 with ICD-10 codes S72,0, S72,1 and S72,2 were included in the analysis. All fractures occurred in citizen aged 50 years and over living in the district of Tarnowskie Góry and the city of Piekary Śląskie in Poland.

Results

Within the study period, 1258 hip fractures were registered. The mean age of the patients was higher every year, starting from 77.27 ± 9.52 in 2005 to 80.80 ± 9.65 years in 2014 (p < 0.01). The average age also increased in both gender groups from 73.85 ± 8.30 to 77.89 ± 9.52 years in male and from 78.14 ± 9.66 to 81.98 ± 9.49 years in female, respectively. The median age value was changed from 78.00 to 83.00 years in the total population. We noted a significant increase in female with trochanteric fracture; however, the level of neck fracture was almost the same. In men, crude rates for both trochanteric and cervical fractures slightly increased.

Conclusions

As the age of patients increases, fractures were shown to be more complicated. Given the scale of the phenomenon and its determinants, we emphatically conclude orthogeriatrics is needed in Poland.