Methodological Approach for Research on the Dimensions of Resilience and the Mechanisms of Demographic Adaptation of Cities, Towns and Villages

The paper focuses on the methodological assumptions of resilience research and presents the research concept outlined in the project submitted to the National Science Center.Theoretical basis for the proposed analyses are based on the theory of social resilience (community resilience, demographic resilience) focuses on the ability of local communities to adapt to demographic changes, cope with the challenges associated with population decline, and build effective support mechanisms for older people through cooperation between various actors (local governments, NGOs, families), the concept of active ageing and ageing in place as an area of activity for local authorities, social organisations and the private sector aimed at counteracting the negative effects of demographic change, emphasising the importance of maintaining the social, educational and economic activity of older people as a factor strengthening community resilience and ensuring a higher quality of life for senior citizens, and local institutional and social capital - which explains how formal, but mainly informal, networks of ties and mutual assistance affect the well-being of seniors and local cohesion. The combination of these approaches allows for a comprehensive analysis of both structural demographic conditions and the role of institutional microsystems, intergenerational ties and local strategies that strengthen adaptability to the effects of population ageing and depopulation.