In a rapidly evolving world, retirement and aging are no longer synonymous with slowing down. JORNY, a pioneering hospitality startup, is transforming how midlifers—those in their 50s, 60s, and beyond—experience the second half of their lives. With a unique hybrid hospitality model that blends online and in-person experiences, JORNY is tapping into a multi-billion market opportunity, offering personal growth, meaningful connections, and new adventures for a demographic that refuses to count down their remaining years.
A Vision Rooted in Personal Growth
Founded by Eliran Bar, a seasoned entrepreneur, and adventurer, JORNY was born out of a personal quest for growth and exploration. Eliran’s diverse experiences, from flying airplanes to scuba diving across the world and competing in Ironman races, have fueled his passion for lifelong learning and personal development. At 51, Eliran views the second half of life not as a time to retire but as an opportunity to explore new horizons. This mindset forms the foundation of JORNY’s mission: to provide midlifers with the tools and community to rediscover their passions, form new friendships, and continue growing well into their 80s.
The inspiration for JORNY came from a visit to The Villages in Florida, one of the largest retirement communities in the world, where Eliran noticed a pervasive sense of monotony. Despite the beautiful surroundings and array of activities, the residents seemed to be going through the motions, lacking excitement or inspiration. This experience led Eliran to create JORNY—a space where people can make new connections and share passion and experiences that promote mind, soul, social, and spirit.
Tackling the Loneliness Epidemic
One of the issues JORNY addresses is the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation among older adults. According to the World Health Organization, while the last century brought us another 20 years of much healthier lives, loneliness is one of the leading causes of mental health decline, often contributing to physical illness and reduced quality of life. JORNY’s solution is to build a global community where midlifers can connect with like-minded individuals, whether through online platforms or at JORNY’s in-person locations.
In this community, members can embark on tailored programs that foster personal growth and self-development, whether through workshops, retreats, or extended stays at JORNY’s vibrant locations. These programs are designed to reignite passions, encourage lifelong learning, and create lasting bonds. JORNY’s hybrid hospitality model blends the best of both worlds—offering immersive in-person experiences combined with the convenience of online engagement.
A Growing Market and Potential
JORNY is entering a booming market, with a significant portion of U.S. travelers being over the age of 60. The company aims to capture a meaningful slice of the multi-trillion-dollar international travel market. Unlike traditional retirement communities or hospitality services that often cater to passive leisure, JORNY’s offering is unique in its focus on active, meaningful engagement. The company targets a lucrative segment of 55-75-year-olds, many of whom are increasingly seeking new experiences and personal growth.
JORNY’s programs are specifically curated to meet the needs of this demographic, offering everything from local events to global retreats. With five planned resorts and five urban centers in the pipeline, JORNY’s expansion strategy focuses on providing vibrant, engaging spaces where members can continue their growth journey.
A Strong Leadership Team and Impressive Growth
Backed by a world-class leadership team, JORNY is well-positioned to execute its ambitious plans. CEO Eliran Bar brings years of experience leading global organizations, including as VP of The Kabbalah Center. The rest of the team is equally impressive, with leaders hailing from major companies like Nike, Unilever, TripAdvisor, and Grant Cardone. This diverse expertise ensures that JORNY’s vision is grounded in both hospitality and community-building excellence.
The company’s early success is already evident. JORNY has raised $1.3 million in its first round of funding and boasts 90,000 engaged members in its online community, many of whom are converting to the platform. With an ambitious goal to secure 5,500 paying members by the end of 2024, JORNY is on track to become a dominant player in the hybrid hospitality space.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Midlifers
As JORNY continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to redefine what it means to age. With its unique blend of online and in-person experiences, JORNY offers midlifers a chance to live the second half of their lives to the fullest. Whether through personal growth programs, new friendships, or global adventures, JORNY is giving people the tools to keep exploring, learning, and thriving well into their 80s and beyond.
For those seeking more than just a traditional retirement, JORNY represents a new beginning—a journey of lifelong growth and connection.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
