"Rent a Retiree" in Slow Motion

Zeitlupe interviewed Reto. It was a great interview, a fantastic issue, and a conversation that really made us think.

Did you know that back then—in 2009—we had to fight on both sides? The retirees didn’t want to go back to work yet. And our customers asked, “Why should I book retirees?” Today, we no longer ask ourselves that question. But it’s been a long journey.

What has changed since then? Everything. And nothing.

The underlying feeling is the same: people want to feel needed. No matter how old they are. Anyone who suddenly finds themselves no longer needed falls into a void. That was true in 2009—and it’s just as true today. The only difference is that today, more people are aware that this void exists. And that we can fill it.

What we've learned over the past 17 years:

65 isn’t old. It sounds like a slogan—but it’s reality. As Reto puts it in the interview: “Twenty years ago, 65 was old. Today, you’re still in your prime.” Anyone who knows our community knows that’s true. Martin, 85, still does bookkeeping. Hans, 81, repairs coffee machines, cars, and tennis rackets—seven days a week. Rita, who joined us last summer, comes home “feeling energized” after every assignment.

That's Rent a Retiree.

Of course, there’s another side to the story. Around 300,000 people over the age of 65 in Switzerland live at or near the poverty line. This fact is rarely spoken of openly. Many of our members are grateful for every job they get—not as a hobby, but because it helps them make ends meet. That’s part of the picture, too. And we take that seriously as well.

Rita Maura has only been with us for a little over two years. Thank you for your contributions.

Here’s another quote from the interview that we don’t want to keep from you:

"If retirees aren't challenged enough, they can turn into complainers."

That's right. And that's exactly why we do what we do. 😄

Thank you to *Zeitlupe* for the lovely portrait—and to everyone who has been with us since 2009. You are the reason we’re far from done.

👉 You can read the full interview in *Zeitlupe* 06/2026—or just grab a coffee with your favorite retiree.

Hans has been with us for 9 years now and is very active. Thank you too for your loyalty, dear Hans.

And last but not least, our Martin. He’s been with us as an ambassador for 16 years now. Wow, thanks, Martin. We’ll be celebrating in four years.

If you'd like to read the full interview online, click here to go directly to *Zeitlupe*. Enjoy!