Judith Schneider

Zeitpolster is an innovative social initiative from Austria that addresses the growing need for care and support in an aging society. The core concept is based on a simple yet powerful idea: people can volunteer their time to help older individuals or those in need of support today—and in return, they earn time credits which they can use for their own care in the future. This model fosters a culture of mutual assistance, solidarity, and sustainable care provision. Founded in 2018, Zeitpolster offers an alternative to traditional care systems, which are often overburdened and underfunded. Volunteers help with everyday tasks such as shopping, transportation, household chores, or simply providing companionship. The time they spend helping others is recorded and stored as a kind of "time savings account." When the volunteers themselves need help later in life, they can draw from this time credit and receive support from the next generation of volunteers. This concept not only relieves pressure on professional care services but also strengthens social bonds within communities. Participants often report an increased sense of purpose, improved well-being, and valuable intergenerational connections. Zeitpolster operates through a structured network with local coordinators who manage requests and offers, ensuring that both volunteers and care recipients are supported and matched appropriately. The initiative is inclusive, flexible, and designed to adapt to the specific needs of local communities. The model has gained national and international recognition in Austria and is being explored in other countries as a potential solution to the challenges posed by demographic change. Zeitpolster stands as a compelling example of how time, rather than money, can be used to build a sustainable and human-centered system of care for the future.