Marloes(75)

After my husband passed away I lived alone in an upstairs apartment in Hilversum. My daughter Marleen had been living with her German husband in Bonn for ten years. They had two children, and I missed them terribly. When I fell and broke my hip, I realized I didn't want to grow old alone in Hilversum. Marleen suggested coming to Bonn. After much hesitation — moving abroad at my age! — I took the step.

The pension side was simple. My AOW was transferred by the SVB, my supplementary pension by PFZW. I had to deregister from the BRP and register through the Anmeldung in Bonn. The Finanzamt sent me a Steuernummer, because Germany taxes foreign pensions. My Steuerberater handles the annual Einkommensteuererklärung — most retirees with only AOW and a small supplementary pension pay hardly any German tax thanks to the Grundfreibetrag (tax-free allowance).

The Krankenversicherung was my biggest concern. At my age private insurance is extremely expensive. Through my daughter I discovered I could register as a retired EU citizen with the GKV through voluntary insurance. I chose Barmer, for €410 per month including Pflegeversicherung. The Pflegeversicherung — the mandatory long-term care insurance — was especially important for me. If I need care, the Pflegekasse covers part of home care or nursing home costs.

Bonn surprised me. The city is smaller and quieter than I expected — no big-city hustle, but not boring either. The Rheinufer is beautiful for walks, the Museumsmeile has interesting exhibitions, and the Bonner Münster is impressive. My apartment is walking distance from Marleen — a Seniorenwohnung with step-free access and a Hausnotruf (alarm system) for €680 warm.

Senior care in Germany is well organized. The Pflegestützpunkte offer free advice on care and support. I've signed up for Tagespflege (day care) two days a week — there I do gymnastics, crafts and eat a warm meal. It costs €25 per day, partly covered by the Pflegekasse. My Hausarzt in Bonn is attentive and takes time — something I hadn't experienced in the Netherlands for a long time.

At 75 I feel happier than in years. I see my grandchildren every week, walk along the Rhine, go to concerts at the Beethovenhalle and have a circle of friends through the Kirchengemeinde. The move was an emotional rollercoaster — leaving everything behind at that age is tough. But being close to my daughter and the tranquility of Bonn give me a sense of security I didn't have alone in Hilversum. My advice to seniors: you're never too old for a new beginning. If your children live in Germany, consider it seriously. The care, affordability and quality of life are worth it.