• Income gains since December 2012 outweighed by 9% increase in over-55s’ typical monthly expenditure (Aviva Retirement Report Jan 2014) 
• Payments on fuel and electricity costs rise by 5% in the last 12 months 
• The Villages Group Rainbow enables retirees to enjoy their golden years affordably.

In spite of the typical monthly income of British over-55s reaching £1,545 in January 2014 – the highest figure seen by Aviva in the 4 years since the insurance giant began tracking this data, it seems that many are still experiencing money worries.

Indeed, income gains since December 2012 have been outweighed by a 9% increase in over-55s’ typical monthly expenditure over the same period according to the Aviva Retirement Report (Jan 2014). Their extra outgoings add up to £116 a month or £1,392 a year – equivalent to a whole month’s worth of spending!

Further data from Aviva has shown that the typical housing costs (including mortgage or rent) have increased the most since December 2012 – by £24 a month – while over-55s’ typical monthly food bill has gone up by £23.

With payments on fuel and electricity costs also rising by 5% in the last 12 months, it means the typical British over-55 is putting an extra £53 a month towards the cost of food, housing and energy than they were a year ago.

Danny Silver, Managing Founder of The Villages Group Rainbow, comments,

“Funding retirement is tough for many with the added pressure of bill increases in almost every sector throughout 2013. With a growing number of British over-55’s struggling to cope financially, it is no surprise that innovative “active living” Villages offering a low weekly living cost are proving increasingly popular.

“The Villages Group Rainbow in the heart of south-west France would benefit any retirees looking for a way to enjoy their golden years without money worries. For just £40 per maison per week including management, maintenance, property taxes, weekly maid service of your villa, plus all on-site activities, you can live in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon.

“Indeed when it comes to the day-to-day cost of living, it’s a well-known fact that food and wine in France can be bought so much cheaper than in the UK making the euros go much further than the pounds!”

So for those approaching their golden years and contemplating a move overseas, the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France is a natural choice. Boasting a superb climate, stunning countryside and a relaxed lifestyle as well as being regarded as one of the best places in the world to retire to, it is no wonder the Languedoc is top choice for many British and European active retirees.

It is for just these reasons that The Villages Group Rainbow has decided to develop Europe’s first active living resort ‘Village’ for the LGBT community over 50 to enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canal du Midi.

The Villages Group Rainbow will provide a village community of around 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi, one of Europe’s longest and widest canal systems.  This village site will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, Jacuzzis, saunas, and gymnasium not forgetting great entertainment programmes, perfect for living an active and happy life within a community of like-minded individuals.

For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email info@thevillagesgroup.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com/rainbow.