Retirees move abroad to escape the loneliest place in Europe
Britain has been revealed as one of the loneliest places in Europe in which to grow old according to a recent study from charity WRVS. However, in spite of this somewhat depressing news, hope is not lost with the perfect solution existing just a short hop across the channel.
According to the research from WRVS which analysed results of the annual European Social Survey, older people in the UK have limited opportunities for socialising, are more likely to suffer from long term health conditions and live in poverty compared to most other European nations.
Further revealing the seemingly despairing reality faced by Britain’s older generation, data from Age UK has shown that one in every twenty British pensioners suffers from severe loneliness, hardly surprising given that only 6% of older people in the UK leave their homes just once a week (Age UK 2012).
Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of ‘active living’ resorts for over 50’s The Villages Group, comments,
“It’s extremely sad that Britain’s ageing population feels so isolated. Shockingly, around 2 million retired British people find it difficult to reach the Post Office, GP or even their local shop, and with very little social contact and limited access to services it’s no wonder elderly people feel so withdrawn from society. To make matters worse continued pressure on energy and food bills mean that many older people are being forced to take a step closer towards the poverty line.
“By stark contrast, France is one nation that delivers the exact opposite when it comes to caring for their elderly and that’s why we chose this nation as the location for our new active living resorts for over 50’s. These resorts will be focused around developing strong communities of like-minded individuals where they will never feel alone. We’re just completely dedicated to health and happiness for all.”
While France has less expensive housing, a relaxed pace of life and cheaper living costs, the Villages in France offers a range of amenities and services suitable for those in their ‘third age’. Here a community of friends can mingle, embark on fun and engaging on site entertainment choices for an active and sociable life as well as numerous options for physical fitness and well-being including a gym and indoor pools.
Silver explains,
“As people get older loneliness can start to creep its way in but it doesn’t have to be that way. Rather than choosing an expensive care home in the UK why not chose a sunshine resort that encourages physical and social activity? Right now, retirement villages in the UK are grabbing a lot of attention – the BBC did a recent article explaining that they could be the answer for the UK’s ageing population but I believe that our active living villages in France for over 50’s offer a far better option and a cheaper one too. In the UK maintenance such as gardening, swimming pools and window cleaning can cost around £600 per month where as ours which also includes French land taxes as well as full entertainment program equates to approximately £75 per month!”
For those in their third age thinking about a place to live a great life at an affordable price, 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 their first “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 107 villas on the banks of the Canal du Midi and will afford full on-site amenities including tennis courts, indoor pool, gymnasium and quality entertainment and cultural programmes, perfect for living an active and fulfilling life with friends.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email villages@pdfparis.com or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.