India is one of the best places in the world to age gracefully, as the younger have always looked after the older here. Yet, a lack of information and of professional support leaves families to deal with issues of senior care on their own.
“Not anymore!” says Vladimir (Vladi) Ruppo, the promoter of a Bangalore-based startup BeautifulYears
We are creating on-line communities of people taking care of ageing parents with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Diabetes, etc. Here you can ask any question on senior care, and get answers from our experts, as well as advice and support from people like you, in situations like yours.
Vladi, 51, is a seasoned software executive with almost 30 years of international experience. Born and brought up in St. Petersburg, Russia, he worked for 12 years in Jerusalem, Israel, and for the last 15 years he has been in Bangalore.
Vladi came here in 2000, to set up a branch office of a British MNC. He has brought it up from zero to 2,200 people. “At this stage in my life, I am looking into doing something of value and meaning.” says Vladi. “There is so much to be done to help people age better. And we are just starting!”
With a dozen people on board, BeautifulYears has got a solid start. It is not only a social platform; it is also an e-shop for life-improving senior care products as small as nail cutters with a magnifying lens, book holders, tablet cutters and crushers, motorized wheelchairs, patient hoists and much more.
In addition to locally manufactured products, BeautifulYears is going to import advanced high-tech products from overseas – from augmented reality glasses for Parkinson’s patients, allowing them to steady their walking, to special shoes for diabetic patients; apparel for bedridden patients and much more.
Those who buy senior care products probably need related services – and there are plenty of them. BeautifulYears lists providers of caregivers, physiotherapists, home diagnostics services, medical equipment suppliers, as well as senior living facilities. The BeautifulYears.com team verifies all services, talking to their owners and visiting some of them. Most importantly, these services can be reviewed by people who have availed these services.
Users are the true owners of the BeautifulYears platform, and indeed, they are endorsing it:
I am very impressed with the BeautifulYears! Community discussions are relevant and I have found valuable tips helping me to take care of my elders. I intend to purchase some of their products. I have become a regular visitor to the site!
Srivibhavan Balaram (Vibhav), a technology and engineering leader from Bangalore.
BeautifulYears is now launching in Beta version, with an aim to improve lives of senior people and of those who take care of them, by:
- Creating communities for mutual support
- Bringing innovative products
- Providing socially reviewed listings of senior care services and housing options.
“May all senior people and their families enjoy many beautiful years together!” wishes the BeautifulYears team.
Keeping Elders Happy: The Beautiful Years team with Vladi [center]
For more information, please log on to BeautifulYears