A vibrant community for Bengaluru's 40-plus

A new Bengaluru community for people in their 40s is proving that midlife is a time to reignite passions, not slow down – for them, age is truly just a number. Kaushal Mishra, 48, explains, “I felt India lacked a true platform or community for the midlife demographic. I wasn’t initially sure if this was a genuine need, but after talking to people, what I heard was consistently eye-opening. Many shared that their social activity declined after their mid-to-late 30s due to various factors. It was this realisation that sparked the idea to create this community.”

‘FOR THOSE IN MIDLIFE, ESPECIALLY 35 AND ABOVE, SOCIAL LIFE OFTEN TAKES A BACKSEAT’
“Life after 40 is a transitional phase – no longer young, but not yet old. Yet, nothing seems to cater to this age bracket,” observes Kaushal. “Countless platforms focus on younger audiences. In India, with a median age under 30, social spaces lean towards youth – think beer gardens, late-night stand-up, or rave parties. For those in midlife, juggling ageing parents, young kids, and work, social life often takes a backseat. While senior citizen communities have gained traction, the 40-50 age group is invisible, and invisibility breeds isolation. We’re creating new experiences through these communities.

‘WHEN YOU’RE 40, YOU OFTEN FEEL LIKE YOU’RE GATECRASHING’
Kaushal points to discomfort as the reason social life often dwindles for those nearing 40. “We feel like we’re gatecrashing, uninvited and judged for our appearance. This leads us to simply stop going out. I wanted to create spaces where people in midlife truly belong and can shine, rather than fade into the background,” he notes.

‘THE IDEA OF WAITING UNTIL RETIREMENT TO PURSUE PASSIONS IS A FLAWED MINDSET'
Kaushal states, “It’s not medicine or supplements that slow ageing, but a sense of belonging. Feeling connected to something larger boosts one’s value and purpose. The true magic, whether in a tabla class or a running club, comes from the social bonds we form. Numerous studies confirm that community involvement is the strongest antidote to ageing. The idea of waiting until retirement to pursue passions is a flawed mindset. Empirical research consistently shows that the best preparation for old age begins in your 40s, and community engagement is the most effective way to do it.”

‘BENGALURU IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR FOSTERING COMMUNITIES’
Kaushal, who has been here for over two decades, says, “Bengaluru is a city with a young mindset, not just a young population. It’s a cultural melting pot, drawing diverse individuals, which makes communities more vibrant. Also, it’s pleasant weather and access to unique spaces—from pottery studios to vineyards and carpentry workshops—facilitate easy connections around shared passions.”