As divorce among over-60s climbs, active living resorts in France provide the answer for silver separators
Divorce among the over-60s is at records levels with UK pensioners being the only age group where the divorce rate is climbing. It seems that many pensioners could well be facing old age alone and with the recent government’s ‘granny bashing’ taxes putting further pressure on those in their third age could dedicated active living resorts for the over 50’s present the best alternative for silver separators?
Whilst the overall divorce rate among all UK age groups fell by 11% between 2007 and 2009, the figure for the over-60s rose by 4.2% to 11,507 over the same period according to research by the Office of the National Statistics. Attributed to the rise in ‘silver separations’ experts have suggested that many find it difficult being in the presence of their spouse once retirement kicks in and with the mindset of the over-60s having transformed with the milestone now representing the next phase of their lives, more and more are looking to get divorced.
Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, comments,
“Over the past few years ‘silver separations’ have been on the rise in the UK and a motionless housing market, falling pension values and Osborne’s latest budget could well put further pressure on divorce rates. Of course, nowadays, the attitude of the older generation has changed. Rather than being scared to move on many will now view their 60s as an exciting new stage in their life pushing them to re-assess their lifestyle whether that be taking up a new hobby or relocating abroad.”
And it’s not just the UK that is seeing a surge in third age divorce rates. In the US one in four of all divorces now involve people aged between 50 and 64 according to data compiled by AARP.
Indeed, the change in marital composition of this age group highlights that policymakers can no longer concentrate solely on widowhood in later life but pay attention to the never-married and divorced. In the UK, the government has been consistently called on to invest in social care and housing allowing those in their third age to remain living independently.
With this in mind, Danny Silver believes that the Villages in France provide the ideal lifestyle choice commenting:
“Perfect for those who are in search of a new life, our active living resorts suitable for anyone over the age of 50 provide services and amenities that encourage an active, happy and healthy lifestyle focussed around a strong community of like-minded individuals. Our Village resorts across France will provide a lifestyle that we believe will be most attractive to active 50+s who want to live their lives to the full in one of the top ten expat countries in the world, one that affords a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural landscapes and low living costs away from the doom and gloom of divorce and government ‘granny bashing’.”
For those in their third age contemplating a move overseas, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France will make for a wonderful place to relocate. Chosen for its three C’s – climate, coast and countryside as well as being one of the best places in the world to go canal boating, Languedoc is one of the most visited parts of south west France and as a result of Languedoc’s popularity, The Villages Group has decided to develop an active living resort ‘village’ for those over 50 to enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.
The Villages Group will provide a village community of around 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi. This village site will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life within a community of like-minded individuals.
For more information on a fresh alternative and unique lifestyle choice for those in their third age please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.