We’re all getting much older – it won’t be long before a quarter of us are over retirement age. Pensioners already out number the under 16s and the over 80s are the fastest growing age group.
We’re trying to keep fitter and healthier than ever before and we’re demanding more from our later years.
For some, moving to a retirement village is the answer. Already a popular choice in America, retirement villages are springing up across Britain - purpose-built communities offering security, companionship and independence for the over 55s.
Silverville follows the lives and loves of some of the 350 residents of a new retirement village in Milton Keynes. How will they cope - and how can they thrive - as they get to grips with a different way of living?
Retirement communities are one option for our rapidly aging population; residents can buy their own apartment or bungalow, share the ownership, rent, or be funded by social services and there’s care on hand if they need it.
The village – which cost more than £30 million to build - has a shop, hairdressers, gym, bar, restaurant and a packed schedule of leisure activities and events.
As the government puts increasing emphasis on promoting independence for older people, offering them choices, and improving their quality of life. Retirement villages could be the answer for some.
Find out more
Real-life stories: The Oldest Generation research project.
Too-early retirement? Can you keep working past 50?
Silverville in more depth:
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OU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 1
Is love in the air at the retirement village?
Read nowOU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 1Level: 1 Introductory
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OU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 2
A proposal and a new resident show how relationships change for residents of the retirement village.
Read nowOU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 2Level: 1 Introductory
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OU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 3
Rose has bad news for Bert - but Ken is finding his feet.
Read nowOU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 3Level: 1 Introductory
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OU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 4
Keeping fit and keeping pets - just because you're in a retirement village doesn't mean life stops.
Read nowOU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 4Level: 1 Introductory
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OU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 5
Bill helped shape Milton Keynes - now he has to get used to a new corner of the town.
Read nowOU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 5Level: 1 Introductory
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OU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 6
Concluding the stories of life in a retirement village.
Read nowOU on the BBC: Silverville - Episode 6Level: 1 Introductory
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Silverville: What do you think?
We really want to hear what you think about the complex choices involved in helping older people decide where they want to live - and where they're able to live. Here, Jonathan Hughes introduces some of the big questions - share your responses in the comments area.
Read nowSilverville: What do you think?Level: 1 Introductory
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