International migrations of Polish pensioners in the context of the cumulative causation theory

Abstract

Nowadays we deal with both rapid population ageing and considerable increases in international migrations of people over 65. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to present the destinations Polish pensioners choose when moving abroad. The most popular destination country is Germany, which results from the family networks binding pensioners with this country. This fact is confirmed by the cumulative causation theory, which argues that a combination of several factors is necessary for migrations to occur. Pensioners face low incomes, and after retirement they seek opportunities to raise them. However, going abroad to work is not easy due to lack of knowledge of foreign languages. Mobility is facilitated by existing migration networks, i.e. migrants move to join their families and friends.