The
image of retirement has changed dramatically in recent years. With the
state pension age creeping up and financial uncertainty on the increase,
more and more individuals are facing the prospect of working well
beyond their official age of retirement. But it’s not just the age of
retirees that has changed – these days, a growing number are demanding
‘active retirement.’
Prudential’s recent Class of 2013 research
found that 21% of those surveyed said that they don’t like the idea of
being at home all the time in retirement, and it’s no coincidence that
Jane Fonda, herself now in her 70s, has just released a new yoga DVD
aimed specifically at those over 50.
The Prudential report also
found that 52% of respondents plan to stay physically fit in retirement,
29% plan to improve their mental fitness and 33% plan to spend more
time socialising. Research conducted for HSBC’s latest Future of
Retirement – Why Family Matters report (2011) found the same thing, with
around half of all global respondents viewing retirement as a time of
happiness, satisfaction and freedom. This freedom is about wanting to
keep active, socialise and make the most of their golden years.
Le Village-Canal du Midi
in the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon area of southern France
epitomises the new style of active retirement that has become so
increasingly in demand. It is run by The Villages Group, which
specialises in providing active living communities for those aged 50+.
The resort offers luxurious, one-level houses set in the idyllic French
countryside.
The emphasis is on active living and the wide range
of activities on offer includes tennis, archery, aerobics, equestrian
events, sailing, boating and swimming in the village’s outdoor and
indoor pools. Owners enjoy special membership to the stunning nearby
golf course and free bicycle hire. The development even boasts access to
four ski resorts, all within a 55 mile radius.
Social engagements abound, with a focus on arts and crafts, music, dance, wine and theatre. Danny Silver, expert in French real estate and MD of The Villages Group, explains the community’s ethos,
“The
over 50’s no longer just want to sit around drinking tea and eating
biscuits. Our clients are demanding more from their retirement and are
looking to keep fit both physically and mentally. They want to enjoy
quality activities and entertainment in a beautiful, sun-drenched
setting, so that is exactly what we are providing at Le Village-Canal du
Midi.
“As our clients are also concerned about environmental
factors, all of the houses have been designed to have low carbon
footprints, with glazing positioned to maximise solar gain and high
levels of insulation and energy retention. This has the added benefit to
our owners of reducing their living costs compared with traditionally
built houses.”
House prices at Le Village-Canal du Midi start
from around ã200,000, which includes all closing costs and the first
year’s management fee and taxes; weekly maintenance costs are ã40 per
week including all activities. All houses are finished to an
exceptionally high standard and clients have a choice of colour scheme
and have an input into interior design factors such as the style of
kitchen.
It is good to see companies responding to client demand
in the way that The Villages Group has done. The over 50’s no longer
need to slide into old age gracefully and be condemned to sitting around
in their slippers. With the creation of Le Village-Canal du Midi, they
finally have the environment they demand in order to fully enjoy their
golden years.
For more information please contact The Villages Group on + 33 1 4007 8625, email
vi******@pd******.com
or visit www.thevillagesgroup.com.
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