A NUMBER of residents at a retirement village in Painswick have said their favourite thing about Christmas is getting the chance to spend time with family and friends.

Research by Richmond Villages, specialists in luxury retirement accommodation, found that almost all (81%) of their over 60s residents at their villages throughout the UK said their favourite part of the festive season is spending time with loved ones.

Recalling her favourite Christmas memory, a resident from the retirement village in Painswick, said: “I loved going to see my daughter in her nativity plays. The hours of making the costumes whilst she learnt her lines was such fun.”

Whilst family time came out on top, 15% of respondents said their favourite thing about Christmas is attending church services and listening to choirs sing Christmas carols, a further 4% relish tucking into a Christmas dinner.

The research also revealed that there are a couple of tangible presents that are valued by the over 60s, with more than 1/4 of respondents enjoying jewellery, clothes and scarves, closely followed by perfume and alcohol with whisky being the favourite spirit of 5%.

The most cherished Christmas gift amongst the over 60s was revealed as jewellery, however only 8% of respondents had received or passed down jewellery to another generation. In fact, more than half of respondents said that they have never handed anything down to younger family members.

Stephen Griffin, village manager at Richmond Villages Painswick, said: “Christmas is such an exciting and busy time for all, but these results highlight the real importance of Christmas and how much it means to people over 60 to simply have company and see their loved ones at this time of year.

“Meaningful presents are cherished, and festive tipples are enjoyed, but spending time with friends and family is the greatest gift of all. At Richmond Villages the doors are always open for friends and family to come and visit residents and use the villages facilities.

"There are also many clubs, activities and events for residents to get involved in to make new friends and socialise. At Richmond we also understand it’s important for the over 60s to still do the things they love, so we provide transport for residents to the local area to go shopping, attend church and enjoy a meal out, ensuring they maintain their independence and living their best lives.”

For more information about Richmond Villages, visit www.richmond-villages.com