That's why I asked!
Afaik, the old paper licences don't expire until you reach 70. The new photo card type do have to be renewed every ten years. They claim that it's to ensure you keep a good likeness on the document. But there is no provision for it to be checked by the authority and no requirement for it to be certified as a good likeness, unlike when a photo card licence is first applied for. So paradoxically, any old photo will do on renewal.
Because it's actually a revenue earner, of course the holder has to pay for the privilege.
I think if your wife can still read her driver number, she can apply for a new licence by simply changing her address. This time it will have to be a photo card type because the old ones are no longer issued.