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local shop, and with very little social contact and limited access to services it's no wonder elderly people feel so withdrawn from society.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 programme equates to approximately £75 per month!"
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