At 70, Paramjeet has visited not one but at least 27 countries. As a government school teacher, at the superannuation ceremony, Paramjeet only thought that this was the beginning of old age wherein you confine yourself to your bed and restrictive movement. But it turned out to be a different ballgame altogether.
“Today as I celebrate my seventy first birthday, I have already visited more than 27 countries. For me, these are new and exciting experiences. Because I don’t know whether I’ll be able to return to that nation, I attempt to do daring things on most of my travels. I enjoy exploring and seeing new countries’ cultures, learning about their histories, tasting their food and unique tea, and experiencing things I had only read about in books. All thanks to M.P. Deepu and Rahul Gupta, co-founders of SeniorWorld for making my dreams come true.,” says the retired government schoolteacher.
SeniorWorld is an online platform dedicated entirely to making life easier for the elderly. It sells senior-friendly products, offers care packages, and customises vacations to meet all of their requirements.
Most of the trips are adventurous which include river rafting in Bhutan, bungee jumping in Thailand, learning how to make mummies in Egypt, viewing beautiful sunsets, riding on the steepest train lines in the gorgeous Blue Mountains, and riding in hot air balloons in Australia.
“On these trips, we play in the snow and on the beaches; we become children.” I’ve also met a lot of new people who became my housemates and, eventually, lifelong friends. We have made such sweet memories,” adds Paramjeet, who keeps a journal detailing her trip, including the nations she visited, time changes, money, and cultures.
Back in India, the Amritsar-born woman lives in Gurugram with her husband. She travels throughout the world on her own money. “I am not financially dependent on anyone.” I’m spending everything I’ve saved.” Says a jubilant Paramjeet
Paramjeet is one of 5,000 elderly adults affiliated with SeniorWorld, a senior wellness firm that provides bespoke excursions for older people such as cancer patients, parents living in nursing homes, and those with disabilities.
M P Deepu and Rahul Gupta, both Haryana natives, founded SeniorWorld in 2015 with a strong mission of fostering positive ageing.
Deepu saw a vacuum in products and services for senior persons after working in the telecom industry for 18 years. “By 2050, the country’s elderly population is expected to double, implying that one in every five Indians will be a senior citizen.” Nonetheless, it is a forgotten demographic. “Most companies design primarily for youth, and the silver economy is an underserved market,” the 50-year-old says.
“We always faced an issue while buying products and services for our own family members, and we really wanted to change that. So we launched our own company with a vision to provide travel experience to older people, treating them exactly like we would our parents,” he adds.
Using this idea, his staff attends to the specific needs of the elderly while travelling and assists them in seeing areas of their choosing with other like-minded visitors.
“Travel is something that the elderly value greatly. These are folks who have retired, completed their obligations, but did not have the opportunity to travel as much as they would have liked. They do not have the time or money to go on their own now that they have time and money. “Unfortunately, as families become more nuclear, their children do not stay with them and have little time for their parents,” Deepu explains.
SilverWings Holidays, a division of the company, customises assisted travel services for travellers aged 55 to 95. The platform intends to redefine lifestyles by making older people more independent, engaged, and active with a planned route, curated scenic locations, comfortable seating in vehicles, and tour managers to assist them.
These members travel, participate in adventure sports, challenge prejudices, and learn new skills like as art, music, dance, technology, and many more. “Being in this industry has had a social impact on us, and that is what keeps us going,” he says.
“When we were in the Northeast, an uncle aged 87 years said he wanted to do ziplining, which was 200 feet above on a hill,” Deepu recalls. And when he did so, ten more people, including six ladies, were inspired and participated in the enjoyable activity.”
He claims that the trips are planned with senior persons’ health and safety in mind. For example, hotels are often positioned near hospitals in case of medical crises. “We also keep their children updated by posting updates and pictures with them during their parents’ vacation.” “It’s very hands-on work,” he adds.
They have already taken senior groups to over 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Kenya, Dubai, Australia, and numerous parts of India, including the Northeast, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Leh Ladakh.
“They are shattering stereotypes that these places are only for teenagers and not for senior citizens.” They go scuba diving and swim with dolphins. Our reaction is overwhelmingly positive. “We have 70% repeat customers,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Paramjeet, who travels to at least two different countries each year, is embarking on a new nine-day adventure trip to Japan, which transforms into a pink-hued paradise with cherry blossoms every spring.
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