Management of senior citizens leisure time as the challenge of modern cities illustrated by the example of Szczecin

Improving the quality of life of residents is one of the priority objectives of the policy pursued in cities. An important role in this area is played by the recreational function of cities, especially by the creation of suitable conditions for recreation by residents. The article assumes that in the face of demographic and the lifestyle changes taking place in the society, the undertakings of cities aimed at leisure time management of residents should, in particular, focus on the needs of the elderly. The theoretical part of the article presents the reasons for treating seniors as important participants of recreation. The practical part is based on the results of surveys conducted among seniors - city dwellers and on the analysis of activities undertaken by the city of Szczecin in the field of activation of seniors’ recreation. The considerations taken up in the article focus on issues concerning recreation in public space.