Article

2021-09-22 -Short Attention Span Theater-

The Villages is a retirement ‘paradise' ‐ so why is that a problem?

[Market Watch] More older adults realize that intergenerational connections are not just valuable for them but for their communities and country.

The Villages, a master-planned retirement community in central Florida, is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the U.S., we learned from the 2020 Census. In a demographically changing and urbanizing America, this predominantly white, politically conservative stronghold bucked the trend as retirees lured by warm winters and pastel-hued homes surrounded by golf carts and pickleball courts, flocked in.

We are all free to choose how and where we want to live, of course, and new housing solutions for the rapidly growing population of older Americans are needed. But, to be honest, if communities like the Villages represent the future of aging, please count me, and many of us, out.

Posted by Besoeker 2021-09-22 06:59|| || Front Page|| [11129 views ] Top

The elderly are oftentimes seen as redundant, out of touch, and no longer capable of contributing to society. Is it any wonder they would begin to cluster in communities where they can be accepted ?

Avoiding high taxes, crime, urban traffic, bad politics, and cold weather are all traditional reasons for Florida relocation.

Posted by Besoeker 2021-09-22 07:56|| 2021-09-22 07:56|| Front Page Top

#2 A concentration camp, by choice.

Posted by Skidmark 2021-09-22 12:02|| 2021-09-22 12:02|| Front Page Top

#3 Yeah great, but they won't let me put up a pole barn for my stuff.

(Not that my wife wouldn't be thrilled...)

Posted by Mullah Richard 2021-09-22 12:06|| 2021-09-22 12:06|| Front Page Top

#4 Nobody's is being forced to live there. I have an old friend (both meanings true) that has sold his house in the early part of that development and moved back to Texas, to be closer to family.
A manufactured controversy.

Posted by ed in texas 2021-09-22 12:37|| 2021-09-22 12:37|| Front Page Top

#5 It's a choice. What's so wrong with that? Some people prefer a place like The Village, some don't. I prefer to live in the community instead of a 'waiting room for passing on'.

Posted by CrazyFool 2021-09-22 13:01|| 2021-09-22 13:01|| Front Page Top

#6 I am 75, I have problems mowing my fields, trimming my trees, fixing my farming equipment and painting my barn and home. I love dancing and talking to people who grew up like me. My first paying job was cleaning up at a dairy ( age 14) The people at the village grew up like me. We rode trains before air travel was available. The people at the village are my peers!

Posted by Grampaw Cooky 2021-09-22 14:58|| 2021-09-22 14:58|| Front Page Top

#7 /\ I can't dance, but I can trim trees, paint,, weld, and do residential plumbing and electrical. How big is your barn? Does it have a bath ?

Is there a pub in the village ?

Posted by Besoeker 2021-09-22 16:46|| 2021-09-22 16:46|| Front Page Top

#8 I have a friend who lived in The Villages. He and his wife recently moved back to our old home town - Erie, PA - the "buckle of the snow belt".

I'm not sure why.

Posted by Rambler in Virginia 2021-09-22 16:48|| 2021-09-22 16:48|| Front Page Top

#9 /\ Could have been the..... bugs.

Posted by Besoeker 2021-09-22 16:51|| 2021-09-22 16:51|| Front Page Top

#10 Be….er^^^
A farmer on each side has died of COVID. One older than I moved to a gated village. The skills you listed are common. Here is something for you to think about, after a day of tractor work, my watch stated I had climes 100+ flights of stairs, all while sitting in a tractor seat. My exercise ring says I spend ~58 minutes a day exercising.

Posted by Vinegar Ebbailing3759 2021-09-22 18:19|| 2021-09-22 18:19|| Front Page Top

#11 /\ Common people oftentimes have common skills. Sorry to hear about your neighbors. Be safe, stay healthy. If you feel like you're coming down with something strange, don't wait! Get to the doctor or hospital for the meds.

Posted by Besoeker 2021-09-22 18:51|| 2021-09-22 18:51|| Front Page Top

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