Adam Trimingham’s article on July 29 about our county shedding its reputation as the Costa del Geriatrica was witty and wise.

But he and credit firm Experian, which produced the research on which the column was based, appear to have overlooked one reason for the changing picture. That is the growing number of Britons who have retired abroad in the past few decades.

Aided by rising property prices in the South of England and the generally cheaper cost of life and property in places like France and Spain, tens of thousands have been lured to retirement in Provence or on the Costa del Sol.

The weaker pound has made it more expensive there of late but the trend is well established and supports Mr Trimingham’s conclusion that many of today’s elderly are showing imagination and energy in their retirement choices. The downside is that those qualities are lost to their home towns.

In places like Brighton, we have been fortunate enough to benefit from the hard work and drive of many Polish immigrants, among others, and the vibrant town centre life underscored by thousands of university students.

Like so much in life, there are good and bad points in all these things but Mr Trimingham is to be commended in sharing his engaging and knowledgeable overview and lacing it with such warm humour. Long may he continue to do so.

Len Adams, Bear Road, Brighton