Money
Retirement
Saga Zone: over-50s at heart of internet social networking revolution
Saga Zone, the social networking site for the over-50s is launched today, as the older generation proves that social networking is not just for tech-savvy teenagers
Saga Zone has already attracted 13,000 members and works in a similar way to its younger counterparts, Facebook and Myspace.
Saga 'Zoners', as its members are called, are able to add their own detailed profiles, message each other, join groups, write a blog and contribute to web forums on wide-ranging subjects from gardening tips to health, personal finance, relationship advice and more.
The oldest Saga Zoner to join the website so far is 87 and the site is attracting equal numbers of men and women.
And Saga Zone members have been busy turning their online communication into real-life friendship. This week, 16 Zone members are enjoying a holiday at Saga's Hotel Cavalieri in Malta. The trip was organised via the site's message boards.
This launch comes on the back of a Populus survey for Saga that reveals the grey pound is helping to drive the online economy.
Almost three quarters of adults have bought flights online. More than half have purchased train and event tickets while books (73%), electrical items (67%) and CDs (63%) are also popular.
Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga Group, said: "The internet is a place where the over 50s are thriving.
"Saga Zone is a place where they can mingle and chat about issues important to them, be they amusing or serious."
