Charkhris “Gap” Phomyoth’s vision for YoungHappy connects older adults offering social, educational and enriching experiences that combat isolation and inspire joy in later life.
In Thailand where respect for elders is rooted in culture, ageing has long been seen as a stage of rest and reflection. But as the country shifts into a fast-paced digital age, many seniors are finding themselves left behind, isolated in a society that is moving too quickly to keep them connected. Many older adults face loneliness, health issues and a digital divide that leave them disconnected from the modern world.
For Charkhris “Gap” Phomyoth, these challenges hit close to home. It started with something simple which was to help his parents. What seemed like a small act of care opened his eyes to a much bigger problem: countless seniors across Thailand were struggling to keep up with a society that was no longer designed for them.
Under YoungHappy, a platform dedicated to tackling the loneliness and limited opportunities faced by Thailand’s rapidly growing senior population, Gap is reimagining what it means to age with joy and purpose.
In a recent conversation with Koktail he shared how YoungHappy creates meaningful experiences that nurture both body and mind.
Empowering Seniors: The YoungHappy Story
Graduated in Applied Science at Kasetsart University, Gap initially went into business for a living, and then he came across a book by Muhammad Yunus called Banker to the Poor, which introduced him to the concept of social business.
“I became interested in this issue for two main reasons. The first was personal. When my father retired, I wanted him to stay active and happy but I didn’t know how. I thought providing comfort and money was enough, until I saw him growing bored and depressed. That experience made me realise that seniors need more than care; they need purpose and connection.
The second reason came from self-reflection. As I was approaching my 40s, I began questioning whether life was only about earning a living or if I could create something more meaningful.”
Social business completed the puzzle for him, combining his desire to help his father with the opportunity to make a broader impact on society. That was the starting point for founding YoungHappy in 2017.
YoungHappy is a platform designed to build and nurture a community for older adults. At its core it operates as an online community platform and also extends offline through organised activities and events. Its primary target group is the “young-old,” typically aged 50 to 65. By supporting this group, helping them make friends and stay socially engaged, YoungHappy helps promote healthier, more active lifestyles, which is one of the reasons for being able to delay illness and reduce medical costs. The central philosophy of YoungHappy is empowerment. Rather than viewing seniors as a burden the platform seeks to change perceptions.
Lifelong Learning and Social Connection for Seniors
“In the beginning our activities mainly catered to extroverts, but over time we introduced a wider variety, attracting both introverted and extroverted participants from Go players (a board game) to dancers to social innovators. Despite their differences everyone shares a common goal: they don’t want to age feeling lonely, inactive or useless. Creating connections and purposeful activities is so important.”
At YoungHappy a wide range of interests among seniors are celebrated. Some are explorers who enjoy travel and adventure; others are volunteers, eager to give back to society; and some simply seek fun and companionship.
Online, participants can join a variety of activities through the YoungHappy website or mobile app, connecting with others via Zoom to learn, chat and take part together. Offline events are held at various locations depending on the nature of the activity.
“One project I’m particularly proud of is the Senior Changemaker programme. It challenges the idea that older adults are vulnerable or incapable by bringing together seniors to train, collaborate and contribute to society in a 60-hour course. Participants gain skills, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose, while the community begins to see ageing as a stage of experience and ability rather than decline. Many continue to form groups and take on new initiatives. It shows that seniors can remain active, engaged and valuable members of society.”
Bridging Generations Through Technology
Technology plays a central role at YoungHappy because it allows people from all over Thailand to come together, regardless of location. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this need as lifestyles shifted and many seniors became more home-bound, increasing the risk of social isolation. The online platform not only helps them stay connected but also provides a cost-effective alternative to organising in-person gatherings.
While “online” might seem intimidating for some seniors, YoungHappy addresses this by designing an app that is both engaging and easy to use.
Courtesy of YoungHappy
“In developing our tools I realised that understanding older adults requires a step-by-step approach to digital skills: knowing how to use technology, communicating effectively and staying safe online. Mastering these can make daily life 10-20 per cent easier. The main barriers are perceived value and access. We run workshops teaching practical digital skills for daily life, communication and home safety. At YoungHappy, we believe that equipping seniors with these skills empowers them to live more independent, confident and connected lives.”
From Local to Regional: The Future Vision
Over the past eight years, the community model has proven highly effective in addressing the growing number of older adults, as not all seniors can, or wish to, live in care homes. Digital tools have become essential, providing a platform to connect friends and explore new activities that promote a healthy, engaging lifestyle. The business model has been recognised with the UNDP Social New Gen Award, celebrating its social innovation in creating one of the most trusted communities for older adults and it engages tens of thousands of seniors through both online and offline platforms.
Looking ahead, YoungHappy plans to scale across ASEAN. Current projects include partnerships in Vietnam and Malaysia, and exchanges like the Korean senior residency programme in Thailand which blends work, travel and cultural immersion, essentially a “work-and-travel” experience for older adults. The vision is for YoungHappy to become a regional hub for active, engaged seniors.
“We believe our community helps them grow in three ways. First, as Learners, staying curious and confident through lifelong learning. Second, as Supers, trying new things for themselves or volunteering to support society. Third, as Influencers, inspiring younger generations like the case of a former bank employee who dreamed of opening a coffee shop which failed during COVID. Through a course with Shopee, he learned to sell online and successfully launched his products, discovering a whole new world in the process.
Our goal is simple: helping older adults remain active, connected and enjoying life to the fullest.”
