Former speaker of Parliament Robin Gray stands outside his home in the Brooklands retirement village in Mosgiel in 2006. New Zealand's ageing population has increased demand for smaller houses and sections for senior citizens. Retirement companies have responded to this demand by building such dwellings in retirement villages. People who buy them can lead largely independent lives but still use communal amenities and services provided by the village – Gray plays bowls on the village green and uses its gardening service. Some facilities also have hospital-like care that residents can move to if their health deteriorates.