Redefining travel for the elderly, SeniorWorld is taking senior citizens on an empowering journey of joyful ageing. Travel+Leisure India & South Asia talks to MP Deepu, co-founder of this venture, on how the team brings together like-minded companions and helps them experience the freedom of travelling in life’s second innings.
A pioneering organisation committed to improving the quality of life for elderly persons by using technology and specialised services, SeniorWorld has on offer an extensive selection of products and services that strive to close the digital gap, foster interpersonal relationships, and enable seniors to embrace technology for a higher standard of living. Think user-friendly smartphones, interesting social networks, and carefully tailored trip experiences via their travel vertical, SilverWings Holidays.
Excerpts from the interview with MP Deepu:
T+L India: What inspired you to start SeniorWorld and focus on catering to the needs of senior citizens?
MP Deepu: SeniorWorld was inspired by a strong vision of promoting positive ageing. Rahul Gupta (co-founder) and I have had extensive experience as C-Suite executives. We felt a calling to serve the elderly population in India, which we believe was often overlooked. This led us to establish the company in 2015.
With the senior population on the rise, the need to cater to their needs and aspirations is becoming increasingly important. By the year 2050, it is estimated that one in five individuals will be senior citizens. Despite this significant demographic shift, much of the focus in various industries remains primarily on designing products and services for the youth. We saw an opportunity to create a platform that genuinely caters to the specific requirements of seniors and enriches their lives in meaningful ways. Through our journey, we have remained committed to treating every customer like our own parents, instilling this core value in our team members. This approach enables us to anticipate our customer’s needs and offer personalised solutions that truly make a positive impact on their lives.
T+L India: How has SeniorWorld evolved since its inception?
MP Deepu: Since its inception, SeniorWorld has undergone significant evolution, constantly adapting to the changing needs and aspirations of senior citizens. We embarked on our journey with senior-friendly feature phones, recognising the importance of technology accessibility for the elderly. As we progressed, we expanded our offerings to include safety devices, ensuring the well-being and security of seniors in their daily lives. Recognising the desire for exploration and social engagement among seniors, we ventured into the domain of assisted travel, offering them unforgettable experiences with like-minded individuals. Over the years we also managed to create a thriving community of over 3 lakh+ seniors on Facebook. One of the most remarkable milestones in our journey has been the recent development of the SilverWings community app. This app aims to become the heart of our platform, fostering meaningful connections, social engagement, and learning opportunities for seniors.
T+L India: What were some of the challenges you faced along the way?
MP Deepu: One of the primary hurdles was breaking stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding ageing. We needed to showcase that the elderly population could embrace technology and experience its benefits fully. Additionally, we faced the challenge of adapting our products and services to cater to the diverse and unique needs of seniors. Each senior has their preferences and requirements, and tailoring our offerings to accommodate this diversity requires continuous innovation and a deep understanding of their perspectives.
Moreover, as pioneers in this space, we encountered the challenge of building trust among seniors and their families. Convincing them of the benefits of our products and services and demonstrating our commitment to their well-being required consistent efforts and transparent communication.
T+L India: Can you tell us about SilverWings Holidays, the travel-related services and the assistance SeniorWorld provides to seniors? How do you address their specific needs during travel?
MP Deepu: SilverWings Holidays was started in 2016 to make travel a fulfilling and enriching experience for seniors, ensuring their comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the journey. Since then, we have organised over 500 trips across 20+ countries, serving more than 10,000 seniors.
What sets SilverWings apart is its commitment to providing personalised care. Each tour is led by a dedicated and experienced care manager, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Our streamlined booking process ensures ease and convenience, with dedicated associates trained to interact effectively with seniors. We meticulously select well-located hotels, curate sightseeing experiences, provide comfortable transportation, and design slow-paced itineraries that cater to the specific needs of seniors. Small group sizes allow us to deliver highly customised experiences, fostering new friendships and cherished memories along the way. Moreover, we place a strong emphasis on the safety of seniors. Our team takes proactive measures to minimise risks during travel, and we provide emergency support if needed. We believe that age should never be a barrier to fulfilling one’s travel dreams, and with SilverWings, we make those dreams a reality for our seniors.
T+L India: What have been some of the most memorable or heartwarming reactions you’ve got from seniors while travelling with SilverWings?
MP Deepu: One senior traveller shared, “This trip was the best I have felt in years. I could let go of inhibitions and enjoy every moment to the fullest.” We take great pride in creating an environment where seniors can feel free to be themselves and embrace the joy of travel without any reservations.
A beautiful example was a lady who wanted to cover herself with sand while lying on the beach. While her kids might have been embarrassed by such a playful act, she felt completely at ease with her like-minded travel companions, and that’s what makes the experience with SilverWings so special.
Some heartwarming reactions we have received are, “I never thought I’d be able to travel again, but SilverWings made it possible,” and “The slow-paced itinerary was a blessing. I didn’t feel rushed, and I could truly savour every moment of the trip.” The attention to detail and thoughtfulness in planning the trips have been greatly appreciated, making our seniors feel valued and cared for at every step.
The sense of camaraderie and kinship that develops during our trips is something our seniors deeply cherish. They often express that travelling with SilverWings feels like being with their own family. Our dedicated and experienced care managers play a significant role in fostering this warm and loving atmosphere. They go above and beyond to ensure that every senior feels cared for, respected, and valued, sometimes even more than their own children.
T+L India: How does SilverWings ensure the safety and security of senior citizens while travelling?
MP Deepu: The safety and security of seniors during travel are of utmost importance to us. We take proactive measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey for all. Our team meticulously plans each trip, considering various factors that contribute to a safe and comfortable travel experience. We carefully select destinations, accommodations, and sightseeing activities that are senior-friendly and pose minimal risks. Our dedicated and experienced care managers play a vital role in overseeing the safety of our senior travellers throughout the trip. They are vigilant and attentive to any potential risks or challenges that may arise.
The group travel experience offered by SilverWings is another aspect that enhances the safety and security of our senior travellers. Travelling in small, like-minded groups fosters a sense of camaraderie and friendship, creating a supportive environment where seniors can look out for each other.
To further prioritise health and well-being, we incorporate regular breaks and relaxation opportunities in our itineraries. We understand the importance of taking breaks and providing time for rest, ensuring our seniors can enjoy their journey without feeling rushed. In case any medical assistance is required during the trip, we ensure access to reliable medical facilities and healthcare professionals.
We strive to provide them with a worry-free and enriching travel experience, allowing them to explore the world with confidence and joy.
T+L India: What are your plans and goals for SeniorWorld?
MP Deepu: SeniorWorld’s plans and goals revolve around empowering and enriching the lives of senior citizens, giving them the tools to lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives. With the recent introduction of the SilverWings app, SeniorWorld aims to provide seniors with a comprehensive platform that caters to their social, health, and safety needs.
Recognising the importance of social connection and engagement, especially with 65% of urban seniors expressing loneliness as an issue, we have built the community aspect around 4E’s: express, engage, explore, and enjoy. By offering a variety of engaging content and opportunities to interact with like-minded individuals, the app aims to create a strong and supportive community for seniors.
By continuing to innovate and meet the evolving needs of seniors, SeniorWorld aims to remain a trusted and valuable companion on their journey of positive ageing.
T+L India: What advice would you give to fellow travellers when travelling with the elderly?
MP Deepu: Travelling with the elderly can be a rewarding experience, as it allows for meaningful connections and shared memories. Approach it with understanding, empathy, and compassion. Thoughtful planning and consideration are key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Prioritise their comfort and specific needs, involve them in the planning process and listen to their preferences. Pack wisely and keep their health a top priority by carrying necessary medications and medical information. Opt for senior-friendly accommodations with accessible amenities and comfortable beds. Take regular breaks, and be patient with their pace.
T+L India: What measures can be taken at a state level to ease travel for the elderly?
MP Deepu: Several measures can be implemented to ease travel for the elderly and ensure their comfort and safety:
- Improved Accessibility: Enhance accessibility in public transportation systems, airports, railway stations, and bus terminals to accommodate the needs of seniors with reduced mobility. This includes wheelchair ramps, elevators, designated seating areas, and clear signage. Assist seniors with boarding, alighting, and guidance on accessible routes, local attractions, and safety tips.
- Healthcare Facilities: Ensure the availability of medical facilities and first-aid services at major travel hubs. Having trained medical personnel on standby can provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
- Senior Travel Discounts: Offer special travel discounts and concessions for seniors to make travel more affordable. This can encourage more elderly individuals to explore new places and visit their loved ones.
- Age-friendly Destinations: Promote age-friendly destinations that cater to the specific needs of elderly travellers. This may include well-maintained sidewalks, comfortable seating areas, and access to clean and hygienic restrooms.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate the general public about the needs and challenges faced by elderly travellers. This can foster a more inclusive and understanding travel environment.
T+L India: A destination you admire for its initiatives to ease travel for the elderly, and why?
MP Deepu: Japan stands out for its commendable initiatives to ease travel for the elderly. The country has taken extensive measures to create an age-friendly environment, making it exceptionally accommodating for senior travellers. Japan’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its well-developed infrastructure with elevators, escalators, and tactile paths in public transportation and tourist sites. Designated priority seating areas in trains and buses ensure that seniors have comfortable and accessible seating during their journeys. Moreover, Japan’s focus on universal design architecture ensures that buildings and public spaces are inclusive and barrier-free for people of all ages and abilities. The country’s cultural values of respect and compassion further contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for elderly tourists.
Related: Senior Citizens In Japan Are Travelling The World From Their Homes!
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