Official government figures show that at present 26% of the population is aged 50 or over and predictions are that it will have risen to 28% by 2015. With average temperatures in Ireland ranging from as low as -4°C in winter and about 23°C in summer, rising heat and fuel costs as well as constant talk of the "RipOff Republic", the Spanish property market is offering an alternative lifestyle for those approaching retirement age.

Simple Overseas Properties has launched the newly completed Adorea Benalmádena development, a community of 48 apartments which is tailored especially to the needs of independent seniors. Homes at Adorea are only available to people over 55 years of age, are situated in a quiet residential area 500 metres from the beach and close to the golf club at Torrequebrada.

The 48 apartments all have sea views, a single bedroom, a living area, a furnished kitchen and a bathroom that has been specially adapted for senior residents. There are three types of apartments - standard, terraced and larger models, which have an interior patio and direct access to the swimming pool and garden area.

The services at Adorea Benalmádena include multilingual staff; a restaurant with special menus; a social area to meet with neighbours, friends and family; a reading room that includes two computers with free internet access, reunion room, a sauna, swimming pool, gymnasium and laundrette.

Residents can also consult with a nurse on-site once a day and with a doctor once a week.

Within the resort, Club Adorea organises various activities and events, such as yoga and tai-chi classes in the morning, day trips, art exhibitions, wine-tasting or bridge tournaments.

Residents have the option of either renting or buying a lifetime lease on the properties.

Rental prices for an unfurnished apartment start from Euro1,150, with Euro110 per month for furnishings.

To avail of the "Vitalicios", or right of use, the payment structure is 10% on reservation and 30% on contract with the remaining 60% to be paid during the first year from the date the contract is signed.

The price of the right of use is determined depending on the age of the person and the payment option they choose.

The younger the person, the more expensive the right of use is as they are expected to use the property for a longer period. When purchasing a right of use, buyers also have the option to purchase it with or without a return. With the return, the initial price is more expensive but the buyer has the possibility of recovering part of the investment during the first 10 years.

Therefore prices range from Euro55,132, for an 80-yearold person buying a right of use on a standard apartment without return, all the way up to Euro116,694 for a 60-yearold person buying a right of use on a top of the range apartment with a return.

An additional community fee of Euro400 per month includes management services, 24-hour safety alarm in all apartments connected to reception, nurse consultancy one hour per day, medical consultancy for one hour two days per week, cleaning and maintenance of the community areas, membership of Club Adorea, free access to the internet in the social area, satellite TV and free internet in all apartments.

For further information, contact Simple Overseas Properties: 1850 200 711;

www. simpleoverseas. com.