Over 55s: not the only gay in this village

In many ways lesbian, gay, bisexual people and heterosexual people share a similar outlook on ageing; according to a YouGov report commissioned by Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, less than half (45%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel positive about getting older and 47% of heterosexual people feel the same.

However, the level of anxiety felt by lesbian, gay and bisexual people across a range of issues is consistently greater than that of their heterosexual peers. The lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, found that almost half (48%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel that their sexual orientation has, or will have, a negative effect on getting older.

Danny Silver, Founding partner of The Villages - Rainbow, France's first gay active living village for the over 50s, comments,

"The lack of support felt by those reaching retirement is often worse for lesbian, gay and bisexual people who see the opportunity to access formal community groups and social networks diminishing as they get older. Many find traditional groups and networks for older people to be exclusively heterosexual and the majority of social activities targeted at gay people are too focused on the younger generation.

"This is why our latest gated development, The Villages - Rainbow offers the perfect living environment for greying gays who wish to remain active, social and open about who they are. Here at Rainbow we offer a huge range of activities that are inclusive to absolutely everyone, abolishing loneliness and feelings of being an outsider or even having to hide their sexuality."

Indeed, research shows that older gay men and lesbians often conceal their sexual orientation when entering later life accommodation, in effect 'recloseting' themselves during one of life's most vulnerable times. The Village Group - Rainbow offers a safe and accepting alternative to openly grow old with gay pride.