Reader TTS

In its survey of what makes the perfect retirement village, a sense of community and friendly neighbours came out top but 64 per cent also listed broadband as “very important”. Changing

attitudes to modern technology are increasing as more people get to grips with using Skype on their laptops to see and talk to family, downloading Facebook and other apps or going online for

everything from groceries to clothes, gifts and books. These days it’s often easier to make a doctor’s appointment online, too, and most local councils are quicker to deal with on their

websites than in person. That’s why so many retirement living providers are including access to wi-fi in their new-build properties. Anchor claims to have excellent wi-fi connection across

all parts of its new Hampshire Lakes development between Yateley and Sandhurst in Hampshire. Residents can connect their phones and laptops or tablets to free wi-fi in the village’s communal

areas and pay to be hooked up in their own homes. There is even a fortnightly IT drop-in session to teach residents how to use the technology and help with problems.  “Hampshire Lakes is

very much a contemporary village, with all apartments and shared facilities designed to meet the needs of our residents, including high quality internet access which is so integral to

lifestyles in 2018,” says Anchor’s housing operations director Howard Nankivell. The village is set in woodland beside Yateley Lakes and has 74 one and twobedroom apartments and a 36-room

care home, with a further 45 one and two-bedroom apartments being built in its second phase. It has an indoor pool and gym in its state-of-the-art Wellness Centre and Spa beside the Lakeside

Bistro, Zest Juice Bar and Cotton’s Delicatessen where residents can buy local produce. There’s also a hair salon, library and landscaped gardens. Apartments in the second phase of the

development are now available to reserve from £348,000 (0808 102 4177; anchor.org.uk). But while some people want communal gardens, only 25 per cent of those questioned in the Anchor survey

ranked the idea of village greens as “very important”, which is why many retired people are happy with more modest developments. Among them is George Thewlis, 71, who lives in a studio flat

at Anchor’s Cherry Tree Court near Wigan in Lancashire.The retirement housing scheme in Wigan offers 10 one bedroom, 1 three bedroom and 30 studio purpose-built properties for rent for over

55s.The property is situated very near Wigan and has excellent transport links to Preston and Chorley.The local shops are within walking distance and Cherry Tree Court runs a variety of

social activities throughout the week.There is also a communal lounge, a guest room, a garden, an on-site laundry and 15 parking spaces. Like Hampshire Lakes, though, it has good access to

Wi-Fi: “There is a really strong broadband connection here at Cherry Tree Court which enables me to email my friends abroad, shop online and Facetime my family over in southern Ireland

almost every day,” says George. “I have always taken an active interest in technology and recently I’ve begun helping my neighbours with any problems they have – from showing them how to set

up their iPad, print from their PC or download an app on their mobile. “I’m very happy to help because I know how important the internet is in my everyday life and it has been a great way

of getting to know new people here – I’m now known as the in-house technician!” Monthly fees start from £476.25 and include rent, service charge, heating, hot water and water rates. (0808

102 4177; anchor.org.uk). It goes without saying that thanks to organised activities – and George – there’s also that all-important sense of community and friendly neighbours.