80-year-old after 40 years as a teacher: Now she's becoming a taxi driver!

80-year-old after 40 years as a teacher: Now she's becoming a taxi driver!

Cologne shows how mobility for older people is being rethought. The focus is on Monica Kowalzik, who is embarking on a new professional path at the age of 80. After almost 40 years as a teacher in Verden, where she taught French, German and sports, she now has her taxi license in hand. In late summer she will start working at Aller Taxi as part of the women's taxi project, supported by her colleagues. Kowalzik has received a health certificate certifying her suitability for personal support. This health check, which lasted almost three hours, covered both physical fitness and cognitive skills. Her children were initially skeptical about her plans, but she has now received their blessing.

With her new job, Monica wants to actively participate in the community, give something back and get in touch with other people. “I bring a lot of calm and responsibility and appreciate the flexibility in my new job,” says Kowalzik. She will now not only work as a driver, but also work in project coordination.

Voucher systems for seniors

Initiatives to support older people are in high demand not only in Cologne, but also in other cities. The city of Bolzano has also introduced a voucher initiative for taxi rides, which includes various programs, including the “women’s taxi,” which is specifically intended for women aged 16 and over. This program will be continued until 2025 and from January 2025 the “Taxi SOS” offer will also be introduced, which gives young women in emergency situations a free ride to home or to a first aid facility.

The “Taxi Senior” program offers 30 vouchers per year for people over 70 years old, with a refund of 3 euros per trip. The “Südtirol Pass” entitles its holders to 50 vouchers for night-time journeys between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., while the “Taxi Mobility” program provides 60 vouchers annually for people with disabilities. These initiatives show that in many regions there is a strong focus on the mobility of older people, who often rely on it.

Help for socially disadvantaged seniors

In addition, there are programs such as those run by Pro Senectute in Basel, which look after socially disadvantaged older people. As part of a new donation project, senior citizens in need will receive a book of vouchers worth 50 francs, which can be used for rides in a taxi or a disabled transport service. It is remarkable how such measures help older people maintain social contact and promote mobility. Many older and health-impaired people often rely on support in order to take part in social activities.

These offers make it clear that mobility also plays an important role as life expectancy increases. Voucher systems and innovative projects such as the women's taxi not only help to find practical solutions for everyday life, but also promote cooperation in society.

As Kowalzik prepares for her new job as a taxi driver, it is to be hoped that such initiatives will increasingly find their way into other cities. Society benefits when older people can actively participate in life.

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