HEALTH STATUS OF THE RURAL POPULATION IN POLAND

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the health of the elderly, living in rural areas of Poland. The analysis based on a survey "The health status of the Polish population" carried out by the Central Statistical Office (GUS). In order to assess the differences in the health status of the villagers and townsfolk's we have examined the share of older people living in rural and urban areas in the structure of the whole population. We have also identified the measures of the health status. We have calculated, using the Sullivan method, the value of Healthy Life Expectancy, Disability Free Life Expectancy, Chronic Disease Life for the Polish rural and urban elderly population. The study has shown, the villagers live shorter in good health (without disability and chronic diseases). Presented study allows to formulate the desirable directions of changes to improve the health status of rural population. This should lead to more effective health care in rural areas.