Inaccessible homes: how aging housing infrastructure affects older residents in southwestern Poland

Maria  Hełdak; Alina Kulczyk-Dynowska; Anna Nowel-Śmigaj; Katarzyna Przybyła

doi:10.31648/aspal.11629

Published: 2026-06-24

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2026)

Inaccessible homes: how aging housing infrastructure affects older residents in southwestern Poland

Maria Hełdak

, Alina Kulczyk-Dynowska

, Anna Nowel-Śmigaj , Katarzyna Przybyła

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.11629

Abstract

Motives: The progressive aging of society poses growing challenges for urban housing policy, particularly in post-industrial cities such as Wałbrzych and Jelenia Góra in southwestern Poland. Many older residents live in municipal housing that is technically degraded and poorly adapted to their mobility needs.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the technical condition and housing standards of municipal residential buildings in central districts of Wałbrzych and Jelenia Góra, with particular attention to the needs of older residents. It also investigates local government initiatives designed to improve mobility and eliminate architectural barriers in public housing.

Results: The findings confirm that municipal housing units are characterized by significant deterioration and a lack of basic adaptations for people with reduced mobility. Public opinion surveys reveal a strong demand for architectural improvements and better access to mobility aids. The study underscores the broader relevance of these challenges in the context of aging societies and the need to modernize public housing infrastructure accordingly.

Keywords:

housing standards for the elderly, housing adaptations for the older adults, low quality of life, housing support programs

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Hełdak, M. ., Kulczyk-Dynowska, A., Nowel-Śmigaj, A., & Przybyła, K. (2026). Inaccessible homes: how aging housing infrastructure affects older residents in southwestern Poland. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum, 25(2), 299–312. https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.11629

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Maria Hełdak

maria.heldak@upwr.edu.pl
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6171-8548

Affiliation:

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław Poland

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Institute of Spatial Management, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 55 Grunwaldzka Street, 50357 Wrocław, Poland

Alina Kulczyk-Dynowska

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1312-3224

Affiliation:

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław Poland

Anna Nowel-Śmigaj

Affiliation:

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław Poland

Katarzyna Przybyła

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9717-1599

Affiliation:

Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław Poland