Kaprun lies in the northern Austrian Alps, a small, welcoming mountain village not far from the German border. Three years ago, a local car dealer named Markus Kaufmann joined forces with his wife Iris to launch the Mobil 60+ association and its companion social program. The aim was simple yet powerful: empower able-bodied seniors to volunteer as drivers and companions for fellow elderly residents. They use an electric car to help with errands, doctor visits, social meetups, or any destination the elderly want or need to reach. The core idea is to keep the community close by giving seniors a reliable way to stay mobile without relying on others for every trip.
What makes the program special is that the helpers are typically retirees themselves. They bring time, patience, and real-life experience to the table, while the elderly passengers preserve their independence and social lives. This arrangement also taps into a sense of purpose for the volunteers, many of whom value feeling useful and needed. It creates a reciprocal energy: the young at heart stay engaged, and those who might otherwise feel sidelined remain active and connected.
Markus Kaufmann has consistently highlighted the warm reception from the elderly participants. They report feeling more autonomous, less isolated, and better able to maintain meaningful social connections because they can rely on a trusted network for rides. Kaufmann, who remains energetic and involved, shares clear insight into why the program resonates so deeply. He understands firsthand the importance of personal mobility and the uplift that comes with everyday freedom.
Since the service began, more than 4,500 trips have been completed in the Kaprun region. Today, 13 volunteer drivers operate the program, offering rides from Monday through Friday. Helpers are on the road from 8 a.m. to noon and then again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., ensuring dependable coverage for medical appointments, shopping, social visits, and community activities. The project has attracted support from multiple sources, including the federal government, local authorities, the European Union, and private sponsors. Passengers contribute a nominal fee of one euro per journey and an annual membership of ten euros, which helps sustain the service while keeping it affordable for seniors on fixed incomes. (Sources: program records and testimonials)
Kaufmann’s pilot in Kaprun has inspired him to consider expanding beyond the village. He envisions a broader reach across Austria, building on the hard-earned lessons and practical tools the project has developed. Over the past three years, the team has gathered substantial know-how—from start-up frameworks to administrative software—that forms a practical starter package for new communities, volunteer groups, and organizations seeking to support the elderly. The goal is to share these resources so more seniors can stay mobile, connected, and active in their communities. (See program handbook and partner notes for details)
In today’s aging societies, the number of older residents is rising, and with it, the need for dependable senior transportation. The Mobil 60+ model demonstrates how community-driven efforts can reduce isolation, support independent living, and strengthen social networks among older adults. It also highlights a broader trend: more older drivers are stepping up to help others in places that value neighborly care and practical, low-cost mobility options. The Kaprun initiative stands as a clear example of how small communities can innovate to meet the needs of their aging populations, while also creating a blueprint that other towns may adapt to their own local realities. (Analyst note: demographic shifts and transport solutions)
The project has become a case study in sustainable, community-based transportation for seniors. It shows that when local residents organize around common goals, the results can be meaningful and lasting. The hands-on work of volunteers and the empathy that underpins their actions form a cycle of support—one that keeps older residents connected to the people and places that matter most to them. This is not merely about getting from A to B; it is about preserving independence, dignity, and social participation as lives evolve with age. (Cited observations and participant reflections)
- The rising share of older people in industrialized nations is driving demand for safe, reliable senior transportation, as more older drivers begin to contribute their time and expertise to their communities. (Population data from regional health reports)
- The idea of community-driven mobility has gained attention as a practical response to aging populations and changing transportation needs. (Policy briefs and municipal case studies)
Related posts:
A Master’s Degree in Innovation and Global Mobility Strategy: Safe, Connected and Sustainable Mobility Valencian Elder Care Promises Center on Families and Community Reframing Senior Employment in Spain: Challenges, Policies and Pathways for Growth Broadening Free Medications: 65+ and 0–18 Access Expanded Senior Living Growth in Spain: Coastal Urban Hubs Attract International Seniors Driver Age and Road Safety Volunteer Movements in Russia and Global Trends Global Mobility Call 2023: Madrid hosts Europe’s premier mobility summit Contribute talent Iberdrola’s Global Volunteer Program: Building Impact Through People and Partnership The incident in Yekaterinburg highlights bus door safety for seniors and ongoing transit safety discussions New procedures for supplying volunteers with weapons, equipment, and medical care explained