Mumbai: The pace at which technological advancements are reshaping our world often overlooks the needs of seniors, a sentiment echoed among the elderly in India. As digital innovations progress rapidly, many seniors feel excluded from the benefits of modern technology.
To address this significant gap, MP Deepu & Rahul Gupta founded SeniorWorld with a clear mission: to bridge the digital divide and ensure that seniors have access to technology that enhances their quality of life. By focusing on senior-friendly solutions and personalised services, SeniorWorld aims to provide a more inclusive digital experience, empowering the elderly to stay connected, safe, and engaged in today’s fast-evolving world.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with SeniorWorld founders MP Deepu & Rahul Gupta to talk about their inception, their unique offerings – easyfone, SilverWings Club and SilverWings Holidays; on the role that families, especially working children, can play in supporting their retired parents, and much more…
Edited Excerpts:
On the inspiration behind starting SeniorWorld and how did you identify the needs of the senior demographic in India
SeniorWorld was founded with a vision of promoting positive ageing and addressing the unique needs of the elderly population in India. The founders, MP Deepu and Rahul Gupta, both experienced C-suite executives, felt a calling to serve seniors, a demographic often overlooked in society. Their desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the elderly led them to establish SeniorWorld in 2015.
Several factors contributed to the founding of SeniorWorld:
1. Rising senior population: With the increasing senior population in India, there was a growing need to cater to their specific needs and aspirations. The founders recognised this significant demographic and saw an opportunity to create a platform that would address their requirements.
2. Lack of focus on seniors: Many industries continued to primarily focus on products and services designed for the younger population, leaving a gap in the market for services tailored to seniors’ needs and preferences.
3. Opportunity for impact: With projections showing a substantial portion of the population would be senior citizens by 2050, the founders saw an opportunity to create a company that could profoundly impact older adults’ lives. They aimed to enhance the quality of life for seniors and enrich their experiences.
4. Personal connection: The founders’ personal experiences and values inspired the initiative. Treating every customer like their own parents became a core value, guiding their approach to customer service and personalised solutions.
To identify the needs of the senior demographic:
● Research and insights: The team conducted extensive research, speaking to friends, family, and seniors to understand their needs and challenges.
● Social media engagement: They created a Facebook page, which quickly started attracting senior followers. This platform provided valuable insights and learnings about seniors’ preferences, challenges, and desires.
● Community feedback: Engaging directly with the senior community allowed them to gather firsthand feedback and continuously adapt their offerings to better serve the seniors.
Since its establishment, SeniorWorld has remained dedicated to its mission of promoting positive ageing and providing seniors with products and services that enhance their well-being and happiness.
On the business model of SeniorWorld and how it generates revenue while catering specifically to the needs of seniors
Our business model at SeniorWorld is centred on a B2C approach, offering customised products and services specifically designed for the elderly.
We generate revenue through the sale of our senior-friendly mobile phones (easyfone), available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, and through retail partners such as Vijay Sales, Oxygen and myG. Additionally, we provide hassle-free senior travel packages that can be booked via our app, website or sales team. Our app, SilverWings, is free to download, with some premium services available for a fee of Rs 125 per month.
On the role that technology plays in enhancing the lives of seniors in India, and the challenges you faced when launching senior-specific products and services
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the lives of seniors in India by providing them with tools and solutions that improve their quality of life, safety, and independence. Senior-specific products like easy-to-use mobile phones, healthcare apps, and online platforms for social engagement and learning help seniors stay connected, manage their health, and access essential services conveniently.
However, launching senior-specific products and services comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, there is the issue of creating awareness and educating seniors about the benefits and usage of these technologies, as many may be unfamiliar or hesitant to adopt new tools. Secondly, designing products that cater to the unique needs of seniors, such as simplified interfaces and larger displays, requires extensive research and development. Thirdly, gaining the trust of seniors and their families is crucial, as they need to feel confident that the products are safe, reliable, and genuinely beneficial. Lastly, there are logistical challenges in ensuring widespread distribution and support, especially in rural areas where access to technology and services may be limited. Despite these challenges, the positive impact of technology on the lives of seniors makes it a worthwhile endeavour.
On some unique features of the easyfone that make it senior- friendly
Introduced in 2015, easyfone offers a range of customised, easy-to-use mobiles for seniors, designed with an inclusive approach. Features include big buttons, loud sound, effortless charging, photo dial, and an external torch. Recognised as a game changer by NexBrands Inc, two standout features for seniors are:
1. CareTouch: This remote configuration functionality allows children and caregivers to monitor the senior’s location, well-being, and safety. They can also change menu settings, set alarms, and reminders on their behalf.
2. Dedicated SOS Key: This key can save valuable time in an emergency. A single press triggers a siren to alert nearby people, while also calling and sending SMS messages to five emergency contacts.
Easyfone has positively impacted around one lakh plus families, making it a trusted choice for senior-friendly mobile technology.
On SilverWings Club fosteing social and wellness engagement among seniors
With 65 per cent of urban seniors experiencing loneliness, we launched SilverWings app to help elders live fuller, more connected lives. Designed with feedback from our three lakh plus seniors community on Facebook, the app focuses on the four E’s: express, engage, explore, and enjoy. It offers daily engaging content, fosters connections through shared interests, and provides technology classes, hobby exploration, and group holidays. It also supports wellness with daily yoga sessions, doctor talks, health articles, and medicine reminders. As Mrs Mahajan from Noida said, “SilverWings is my daily dose of tonic for engagement and fun.”
On the kind of travel experiences that SilverWings Holidays offers
Introduced in 2016, SilverWings Holidays offers customizable and assisted travel services specifically designed for seniors. Our goal is to ensure that every customer enjoys a unique and memorable experience unmatched in the industry. With over 500 trips organised and more than 10,000 satisfied customers, we have explored 20 plus countries. Our diverse tour options range from spiritual tours, where seniors can explore sacred sites and immerse in spiritual experiences, to adventure tours with thrilling activities tailored for them, and nature tours that allow them to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature in various scenic locations. In India, our destinations include Varanasi, Gujarat, Kerala, North East, Madhya Pradesh, Coorg, and Kashmir. Internationally, we cover Japan, Europe, Dubai, Bali, Vietnam, Egypt, and many more.
Exclusive features of our tours:
● Safe and hassle-free tours: Ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.
● Care: Services of a dedicated and experienced tour manager.
● Comfort: High-quality, well-located hotels, curated sightseeing, comfortable transportation, and a slow-paced itinerary.
● Fun and Friendship: Travel with fellow seniors, rediscover yourself, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
● Small Groups: Offering a highly customised experience.
SilverWings Holidays is committed to providing senior travellers with safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experiences that foster new friendships and unforgettable memories.
On the role that families, especially working children, can play in supporting their retired parents
Families, especially working children, play a crucial role in supporting their retired parents in several ways. Firstly, they can provide emotional support by maintaining regular communication and spending quality time together. This helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation often experienced by seniors. Secondly, families can assist in managing their parents’ healthcare needs, ensuring they attend medical appointments and adhere to prescribed treatments. Financial support is another significant aspect, where children can help manage retirement funds and expenses, ensuring their parents’ financial security. Additionally, involving seniors in family decisions and activities helps them feel valued and engaged, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Ultimately, creating a supportive environment where seniors feel cared for and included enhances their overall well-being during retirement.
We actively involve family members and caregivers in supporting seniors’ social lives through various features and programs. Our easyfone includes a CareTouch feature, allowing caregivers to guide and monitor seniors remotely. During group travel, we form dedicated groups to keep caregivers updated about their seniors’ trips. On the SilverWings app, we conduct intergenerational sessions where caregivers can join seniors in activities, fostering bonding and meaningful interactions. These initiatives ensure a collaborative and supportive environment for enhancing seniors’ social lives.
On your upcoming offerings and services and other future plans to support positive aging
To further combat senior loneliness, we are enhancing the SilverWings app to add more interest-based clubs, innovative sessions and interactive workshops, and organising city meet-ups for face-to-face interactions. We also plan to partner with local organisations to host community events, develop health and wellness programs, and introduce volunteer and mentorship opportunities. These initiatives aim to provide seniors with diverse, engaging ways to connect, fostering meaningful and lasting relationships.
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