What Seniors Can Learn From Pankaj Kapur’s ‘Thode Door Thode Pass’: Just Digital Fasting?

Among the many old age concerns, loneliness stands out, especially for those left alone after losing a partner. While it affects all age groups for various reasons, including social media, constant gadget use, and a culture of staying perpetually online, the OTT series Thode Door Thode Paas tackles this head-on. Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur stars as a retired naval captain and a widower, who longs to spend time with his family, comprising his son, daughter-in-law, their children, and one unmarried son, who lives next door.

The story begins with the captain returning from his trip unannounced and finding that neither of the family members had time or inclination to talk to him. Despite his attempts, they were too busy and sometimes even rude in their responses when the elderly man tried reaching out to talk. However, unlike the typical seniors in real life, this fictional character took it on his shoulders to find a solution to the problem instead of sulking alone in his room.

He finds that every member in the family is busy with their work or on social media, and despite living under the same roof, they are emotionally disconnected and care only about themselves. He found the digital devices and the habit to remain available online 24 hours, the culprit, and found a solution, “digital fasting”.

Although it might feel idealistic at some point in time, certain aspects of his solution give food for thought for seniors to pave their way successfully through a similar situation.

Here are five takeaways from this warm and witty series.  

A Purpose And Financial Consolidation

In the series, Kapur plans to sell some of his property and go on a world tour with the money. But before this, he wants to spend time with family, and thus, come out with a unique offer with a condition: Rs 1 crore for six months of digital fasting. He offers to give the money to each family member before he sets sail again after six months. However, they need to stop using all their digital devices for six months. While the sum of the amount and the offer condition can be unusual, it suggests timely financial consolidation in old age and finding a purpose, or a hobby, or a long-lost desire to pursue, instead of depending on younger family members for engagement. At the same time, it also suggests creating bonds with family members, as one can buy others’ time with money, but it may not necessarily be quality time.

Loneliness Is Real

Loneliness is a real feeling and shouldn’t be ignored. According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Commission on Social Connection in 2025, every one in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness. It has an impact on health and well-being. As per the report’s estimates, it can be linked with around 100 deaths every hour across the world.

The cure to this issue is emotional connection. But it is easier said than done, considering the busy lives of the people, lack of patience, and no time for bonding. So, find a community, a family member, a friend, a pet, or even an online group of friends if mobility is an issue, to feel heard and connected. Most importantly, don’t ignore.

Don’t Shun Digital Technology

Some seniors, for various reasons, hesitate to use digital devices. It could be fear of making a mistake, spoiling a gadget, or simply finding it easier to depend on children than to learn using a mobile app themselves. But the captain shows that even though he felt lonely, he was ready to update himself with contemporary digital technology. It was refreshing to see that he transferred funds to his family members online instead of giving them signed cheques.

Many seniors ignore using mobile apps, UPI, etc., out of fear of making a mistake, but shunning technology or artificial intelligence (AI) cannot remain a solution for long.

Money Is An Enabler

Money is an enabler. It can make life easier, bring comfort, and one can even use it for others’ welfare. Like the captain in the web series, keeping money for yourself in old age is important. Being emotional, giving away wealth with an expectation of being taken care of in old age, could be precarious. So, save, invest, and use money thoughtfully, not impulsively, not emotionally.

Many seniors can connect with the first two episodes, where the elderly feel isolated and not desired, but the last three of the five-episode series are the ones where the captain takes responsibility to create bonds with his family and make his presence valuable.