Silver City brings together services, participation, and community support to help older residents of Rybnik live active, healthy, and independent lives.
CREATING A CITY FOR ACTIVE AGEING
Recognising the challenges of an ageing population, the City of Rybnik has developed a comprehensive approach to supporting older residents. Through Seniors’ Clubs, a Seniors’ Council, a peer-led helpline, a mobile library, and the annual Seniors’ Week festival, the initiative promotes health, learning, and social participation. In 2025 alone, more than 900 people took part in Seniors’ Week, while hundreds of seniors benefited from club activities, volunteer support, and home delivery of books. Local organisations further contribute through lifelong learning opportunities.
PUTTING SENIORS AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
Silver City combines municipal services with grassroots initiatives to create an integrated support network. A democratically elected Seniors’ Council advises the Mayor and helps shape policies based on the needs of older residents. Senior volunteers operate the helpline, providing support to peers and reducing social isolation. The city has also launched Poland’s first co-housing pilot for older women, offering a sustainable model of shared living that promotes independence and addresses energy poverty.
BUILDING HEALTHIER AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES
By encouraging active lifestyles and social engagement, the initiative improves physical and mental well-being while helping older residents remain independent for longer. It strengthens community ties, reduces loneliness, and promotes intergenerational solidarity by recognising seniors as valuable contributors to society. In doing so, Silver City helps lower the social and economic costs associated with ageing and provides a sustainable model for age-friendly urban development. Aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, the project demonstrates how cities can create supportive environments for healthy ageing.
