Not long ago, the choice of a place to live in old age seemed obvious and final. Today more and more older Poles decide to move — often difficult, emotional, but dictated by everyday life. Some people leave their houses in the countryside and move to cities, others, after years in apartment blocks, choose a house with a garden. Their stories show how much seniors' housing needs are changing – and how big a challenge this poses for the real estate market.
Alicja and Wiesław Nowak spent their entire lives in the countryside. They grew up there, built an almost hundred-meter-high, two-story house and raised three children. For years, this was their world – with a garden that Mrs. Alicja tended with passion, and a house that Mr. Wiesław built with his own hands.
The decision to sell did not come easily.
— The children were shocked when we informed them that we want to sell the house – Mr. Wiesław recalls. — We know that they loved him very much and have many memories associated with him, but I am aware of his many imperfections. Maybe because I built it myself, he laughs.
The Nowaks' new apartment
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Wiesław Nowak
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Mrs. Alicja admits that initially they wanted to wait.
— We thought we would wait another 2-3 years until our grandchildren grow up and have time to enjoy their home in the countryside, but A determined customer showed up and sales were quick.
The sales process itself also had a touch of family emotions. — Our older daughter is a real estate agent. She was angry with us for doing everything ourselves, says Mr. Wiesław. “She thinks we sold the house too cheap,” he adds with a laugh.
– My daughters said that the plot itself should cost as much as we charged for the whole thing – adds Mrs. Alicja. — Yes, I know, the garden was nice, I put a lot of heart into it.
– Money too – Mr. Wiesław smiles.
“Money too,” admits Mrs. Alicja. — But we had already found an apartment that we wanted and for which we needed cash.
However, the decision was mainly due to everyday difficulties, as well as the fact that they had been associated with the city all their professional lives and had many friends there.
— Life in this house was taking its toll on us more and more – says Mr. Wiesław. — We are both retired, we have a little less strength, and we also suffer from various health-related ailments. We could no longer cope with burning the stove or climbing the stairs. My wife was also getting more and more tired of tending the garden. I couldn't mow the big lawn.
— We worked in this city. We have friends here, maybe even more than in our home village. We didn't move to a foreign environment, he adds.
He was important too independence aspect.
— The children didn't want us to sell the house. We understand that. But they went 200 km away, where they have their jobs and their families. They promised to help as much as they could – my son, whenever he came, helped with wood and mowing the grass. They even offered to pay for ongoing assistance. But we wanted independence, that we could do everything ourselves. That's why we decided to move to the city, explains Mrs. Alicja.
The new apartment turned out to be the answer to these needs.
— We wanted to be close to a shop, doctors, church and, if necessary, access to a taxi – says Mr. Wiesław. — We managed to buy an apartment on the ground floor, with a balcony, with enough space for the two of us (we have two large rooms and a separate kitchen). You can literally go shopping for rolls in slippers.
– The area is nice and green, although I preferred to live closer to the center – admits Mrs. Alicja. — I have friends from work there, I know the area better. But this apartment spoke to us despite everything.
Today they do not regret this decision.
— Do we regret it? NO. I finally feel peace and independence – assures Mr. Wiesław. — I don't have to worry about having to get up at night, go to the boiler room and add coal so as not to freeze in the morning at winter temperatures. We don't have to remember to turn on the boiler to have hot water. I don't look out the window with fear that the grass is already high and I will soon have to run a lawnmower marathon again in 30-degree heat.
— I don't regret it either, although I do feel sorry for my children and grandchildren. And the garden – adds Mrs. Alicja. — Sometimes my 9-year-old granddaughter says, “Grandma, it's a pity you don't live in that house anymore.” And the daughter once even went to see the house after the sale, the owners invited her inside. She came back crying.
Finally he appears reflection about the future.
– But this is our life and our decision – emphasizes Mr. Wiesław. — I liked living in the countryside, we still go back there, we have family and friends there. But I'm glad I did I no longer have to worry about things that used to keep me awake at night.
– Maybe the time has finally come we will be able to afford a real retirementwith frequent visits to children and grandchildren, with trips, with rest – adds Mrs. Alicja. — It's just a pity that the balcony is so small, I would plant more geraniums…
— As long as we can survive, we'll live here. But I admit that I can't imagine ever being a burden to my children. So seriously I am considering an end of life nursing home – admits Mr. Wiesław.
“I just don't know if my children and grandchildren will allow it,” Mrs. Alicja smiles.
From apartment to house: “why do you need this in your old age?”
Danuta Korolczuk and her husband made the opposite decision – After years of living in a block of flats, they moved to a house on the outskirts of Międzyrzec Podlaski.
— After spending our whole life in the city, in a three-room apartment in a block of flats, we decided to change everything, he says.
The impulse was everyday life.
— At 60 square meters it was getting tight — queues to the toilet, many household members, lack of privacy, even simple use of the bathroom was embarrassing.
The idea of building a house had been maturing for a long time.
Stages of building a house. In the photo, Mrs. Danuta's husband
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Danuta Korolczuk
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— At some point we decided that we had to do something about it: either a bigger apartment or a house. Our 30th wedding anniversary was approaching and then the decision was made – we are building a house.
The process was spread over time and required a lot of effort.
— We started preparations much earlier. When the children were still small, we opened a savings book at the bank, taking advantage of the construction tax relief. We paid small amounts, sometimes we increased them, e.g. thanks to tax refunds. This money was very useful to us.
Today, years later, they have no regrets.
— After ten years We are very happy with this decision. Of course, there are also disadvantages.
The challenge is the daily maintenance of the house: – The biggest challenge is the furnace – its operation and the fact that in winter it is difficult to leave the house unattended for a few days. Over time, the garden and everyday duties may also become a problem.
Nevertheless, the balance remains positive.
— I love working in the garden, the smell of cut grass, it gives me great satisfaction – assures Mrs. Danuta. — We are happy with a place for a swimming pool for our granddaughter, freedom of parking and space. And beautiful surroundings.
Mrs. Danuta appreciates the time spent in the garden and the opportunity to grow her own vegetables and fruits
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Danuta Korolczuk
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— Friends asked us why we needed all this “in old age”, why so much work. But we don't feel it.
However, Mrs. Danuta looks realistically into the future.
— I don't rule out that one day we will return to the apartment in the block of flats, because sooner or later each of us will need help.
Seniors and the real estate market: new needs
The stories of these two families show that The housing needs of seniors today are very different — and variable over time. Some people look for comfort and safety in the city, others for space and nature.
It is this diversity of decisions that makes the real estate market must change.
Senior housing: a growing market segment
Senior housing is no longer a niche. The aging of society and the growing number of people over 60 years of age mean that the senior living segment is becoming one of the key trends.
The scale of needs is huge and the available offer is still insufficient. You can read more about this here: A revolution on the senior housing market. Investors saw the potential.
Nursing homes and apartments for seniors: a necessity, not a choice
More and more people – like Mr. Wiesław – openly talk about nursing homes or serviced apartments as a real option for the future.
This is a signal to the market: the needs are already there. Now a response is needed – in the form of well-designed, accessible and diversified senior housing in Poland.
