The present issue brings together a set of scholarly contributions that address several pressing social, educational, and demographic challenges facing contemporary European societies. The included articles explore topics ranging from labour market dynamics and community development to the well-being of older adults and early childhood education. Together, these studies reflect the interdisciplinary nature of current social research and highlight the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing societal change.
The issue opens with the article by Lucjan Żołtek, Zbigniew Wilk, and Adam Styczeń, which presents a comparative analysis of unemployment in Poland and Slovakia. By examining labour market trends and structural factors influencing unemployment rates, the authors provide valuable insights into the economic conditions of both countries and identify similarities and differences in their labour market developments.
The following contribution by Lucia Ludvigh Cintulová and Peter Slovák focuses on the phenomenon of loneliness experienced by older adults within the home environment. The authors explore the psychological and social dimensions of loneliness in later life, emphasizing the importance of social support, community engagement, and appropriate care strategies in improving the quality of life of seniors living at home.
Issues related to early childhood education are addressed in the article by Beáta Akimjaková and Božena Švábová, who examine emergent literacy and the development of graphomotor skills in children in pre-primary education. Their research highlights the role of experience-based learning as an effective approach for fostering early literacy competencies and supporting the development of essential motor skills during early childhood.
The topic of ageing and institutional care is further developed in the study by Katarína Bundzelová, Eva Grey, and Lucia Ludvigh Cintulová, which investigates the factors influencing the adaptation of seniors in nursing homes. The authors analyze various social, psychological, and environmental determinants that shape the adjustment process of elderly residents, providing important implications for the improvement of care practices and institutional environments.
The final article in this issue, authored by Zuzana Budayová and Lucjan Żołtek, addresses community work models and the provision of leisure activities. The study examines different approaches to community engagement and highlights the significance of leisure activities as a tool for strengthening social cohesion, participation, and overall community well-being.
Taken together, the contributions presented in this issue illustrate the complexity of social phenomena and underline the need for interdisciplinary perspectives in both research and practice. The editorial team hopes that these studies will inspire further academic discussion and contribute to the development of effective policies and practices in the fields of social sciences, education, and community development.