INDIA: Seniors Social Networking Web Site Launched

. MUMBAI, India / PRNewswire / May 6, 2009 Verdurez.com, a social networking website, targeted at Indians aged 55 years and above has been launched. The aim is to reduce the feeling of loneliness and isolation which comes with old age and promote life after fifty-five, declares a press release. Verdurez members can network through blogs, forums, book club, image galleries, polls, daily discussions, classifieds and chat rooms. They can read health, lifestyle and money related articles, look at editor's pick of news from the web and play logic puzzles. Membership is free to all. Recent topics of discussion have included the urban Indian voter, technology and its role in modern life and the fulfilment of childhood dreams. A debate on work opportunities for seniors saw Verdurians expressing their desire to continue working after retirement. Keeping this in mind, a job board will be launched shortly. The website also hopes to raise awareness of senior citizens' needs. In its latest poll 'Should the Indian Government have Ministry of Senior Citizens', over 70% of members voted in favour. Many Verdurians have been vocal about their need to make friends, have space to voice their thoughts without being judged by younger generation and remain active. One member feels Verdurez helps bring out their "pachpan ka bachpan". According to a 2006 report by Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the number of senior Indians going on-line is rapidly increasing. The study shows that "these are successful senior Indians enjoying living life to the full and have adopted & adapted to technology and predominantly use it for emotional reasons." The name Verdurez comes from the word verdure, which means freshness and flourishing vegetation. This reflects the promoter's belief that life doesn't stop when one reaches a certain age, a new phase in life begins which can equally flourish with vigour and freshness. Incidently, Verdurez.com is promoted by Ishita Sukhadwala, a London-based web-preneur and co-founder of DogMateOnline, a website for dog owners looking for a mate for their dog. URL: www.verdurez.com