New Delhi, India — Much has been written about the young generation joining Facebook. And undoubtedly, today it is the fastest growing social networking site online. But a unique social networking website for older Indians is becoming popular among baby boomers. Verdurez.com caters to senior internet savvy people to combat loneliness and make new friends with the click of a mouse and in the comfort of their own homes.
According to the brain behind Verdurez.com, it is India’s first unique social networking website for elderly Indians. Members can blog, chat, read articles, play puzzles online, make friends, reminisce about the past, look ahead to the future, debate in Senior Indian forums and enjoy life among a community of like-minded people.
Traditionally, several generations of one family used to live under the same roof, with the grandparents often taking care of their grandchildren while the parents went to work.
But while this remains the case in most rural households, city dwellers are increasingly moving out of the family home, leaving the older generation to live alone. Perhaps it is the idea of turning 50 and beyond, or maybe just that life has gotten harder these days and people want to revisit the times when life was more carefree. There is a definite upward trend of senior surfers getting online.
“Old age does not mean end of the road; there is still lots to do, especially in this age of the internet,” says Verdurez founder Ishita Sukhadwala, a London-based consultant.
Users need to be at least 55 to join Verdurez while the oldest members are in their 70s.
While a dating service and a job board for seniors are in the pipeline, Verdurez users can meet new people online, exchange ideas and share their life experiences.
“One of our members, after he joined us, he lost his wife, he posted a blog on what he went through, what he felt and the regrets he had,” Sukhadwala said. “It was very touching.”
People are now joining Verdurez in droves to the delight of their children who know their parents are spending their time productively and fruitfully.
Becoming a member of this extraordinary social networking site for senior older Indians around the globe is FREE.
According to government officials, India’s elderly population is expected to double by 2026 to 173 million.