At 70, Bhupinder Kaur has faced the quiet challenges of solitude, navigating the emotional complexities of life as a divorcee. Time often felt like an endless stretch of loneliness, until Khyaal entered her life. “I’m a divorcee, and navigating life alone takes a mental toll,” she shares. But through Khyaal’s compassionate counseling sessions, Bhupinder has found the strength to manage her emotions and confidently voice her needs.
India, home to over 140 million senior citizens, is expected to see this number swell to 194 million by 2031. While many elderly individuals are eager to embrace technology, the lack of digital literacy, coupled with a reluctance to seek help from their children, often leaves them feeling excluded and overwhelmed.
Hemanshu Jain, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and engineer, witnessed this struggle firsthand. “My father was grappling with online transactions and technology,” he recalls. “He would call me while I was traveling for work, asking me to pay bills or order supplies remotely, often from a different time zone.”
Hemanshu teamed up with fellow entrepreneur Pritish Nelleri to create ‘Khyaal,’ an app exclusively designed for senior citizens. Launched in 2022, Khyaal offers a comprehensive solution to the digital challenges faced by the elderly while fostering a sense of community.
From WhatsApp Groups to a Comprehensive Platform
Khyaal began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a series of WhatsApp groups aimed at alleviating the isolation of senior citizens. These groups hosted live workshops, games like Tambola, and expert talks, drawing participation from over 10,000 seniors across interest-based communities.
“Initially, we had no clear roadmap,” Hemanshu admits. “We just wanted to provide support and a sense of belonging during a difficult time.”
The app has since evolved into a dynamic platform that offers digital skills training and connects users with services they need. From learning how to navigate apps like BigBasket, Swiggy, and Zomato to participating in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, Khyaal empowers seniors to live independently.
Building Connections and Confidence
The app also facilitates social connections. Bhupinder, who has been an active user for over two years, cherishes the friendships she has made. “I’ve found a good friend through Khyaal. We talk at least twice a week,” she says.
Entertainment, Travel, and Financial Security
Khyaal goes beyond digital education to offer entertainment, travel, and financial tools. From quiz nights and Antakshari to cooking classes and screenings of classic Doordarshan series, the app keeps its users engaged and energized. “I love Antakshari nights where I get to sing with fellow music enthusiasts,” says Mala Mehta, a cancer survivor and Khyaal user.
For those seeking adventure, Khyaal organizes curated travel packages. Bhupinder recently joined a group trip to Kashmir. “They took such good care of us throughout the trip,” she says, highlighting the meticulous planning that ensures comfort and safety for senior travelers.
To address financial concerns, the app offers a Visa-powered Khyaal card, providing a secure secondary bank account to protect primary accounts from fraud. Seniors can also invest in Khyaal Digi-Gold, a digital gold investment option developed in partnership with CaratLane.
Growing Together
The Khyaal community is integral to the app’s success. Hemanshu and Pritish regularly seek feedback to improve user experience and introduce new features. “Our users are very collaborative,” Hemanshu notes. The app is also expanding to cater to regional audiences and Tier 3 cities, ensuring accessibility for seniors across linguistic and geographic barriers.
A Lifeline for the Golden Years
With over one million downloads, Khyaal has become more than an app; it’s a lifeline for India’s senior citizens. For Bhupinder, it has provided purpose and joy in her later years. “Before Khyaal, I felt lonely and unproductive. Now, my days are filled with activities that make me happy and keep me learning,” she says.
As India’s senior population grows, platforms like Khyaal demonstrate the transformative power of technology in fostering independence, connection, and dignity. Ageing gracefully in the digital age is not only possible but empowering.
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