Do villagers drink a lot?

[TrudyM]

When I was there last year I noticed the number of bars and how packed they seemed.:beer3: Do you think that people are just being social or do you think people really drink a lot. With my meds I can't have more than one and I assumed a lot of people our vintage would also be taking meds that say don't drink. When I see a golf cart going all crazy I wonder are they drunk.

[tomwed]

When I was there last year I noticed the number of bars and how packed they seemed. Do you think that people are just being social or do you think people really drink a lot. .
How many bars did you see packed?
How many bars would it take to keep 110,000 Villagers drunk?
Let's do the math, shall we?
If a 110 people pack a bar that would mean we would need a 1,000 bars to sustain a drunk community.
Did you see more then 5 packed?

Name a hundred bars.

[Halibut]

People can drink at home, as well. I know a few couples who settle in for the night at home with a box of wine. :)

Interesting question, though. I wonder how alcohol consumption in TV compares to the general population and to other retirement communities. My very unscientific guess is "about the same."

[TrudyM]

I am just curious if people thought that they drink more now they live in the villages. Also is it an integral part of social life in the villages? If a person doesn't drink does it make them odd person out?

[kcrazorbackfan]

Define a lot. A lot for me is more than 1 beer, others don't really get started until after a 6 pack. I don't have anything against people who drink -until they try to drive. I arrested too many drunks and worked too many wrecks caused by drunk drivers in my career.

[DonH57]

I'm curious if you knew how many of these people packing the bars were villagers or other locals from surrounding communities since many of the establishments are open to all. I do see golf carts going all crazy from time to time but they are usually not sure of what they are doing or shouldn't be operating anything with an engine and wheels.

[wudda1955]

I think some people drink more, some less. It's no different than back where I came from. You don't have to drink to fit in. There are lots of people who don't drink at all and they're fine here.

[Chi-Town]

I think Villagers drink a lot less. The most popular cocktail seems to be water with a lemon.

[chuckinca]

And 2 for 1 during Happy Hours!

.

[Skybo]

I don't think you saw any "bars". What you saw were restaurants that had outdoor table and bar seating. They were probably packed because most people prefer sitting outside. I know I do. Unless the weather is extremely cold or hot...most restaurants are sparsely populated on the inside, while their outdoor areas are hopping. Some people are drinking a lot, some are drinking a little, and many people aren't drinking at all. In any case, most are laughing and having a good time.

[SALYBOW]

Some do but many do not. I don't drink at all and no one every criticises me.

[NYGUY]

You may not have seen the license plate but, "The Villages is a drinking community with a golfing problem".

[PR1234]

You may not have seen the license plate but, "The Villages is a drinking community with a golfing problem".

Ha ha seems that way some times! Hubby and I were surprised by how much drinking goes on around here when we first came down. What I don't understand is how people can get up and keep going the next day! Guess we're just light weights:shrug::shrug:

[billethkid]

Nobody drinks any more or less than they did before they moved here.
TV residents don't drink any more or less than people our age any where else.
Do you drink more when on vacation? Some do!
Well being retired and living in TV is moe akin to being on vacation and we have the time to have another from time to time.
Do some drink too much? Of course just like every place else on the planet.
Let's not make a banquet out of a ham sandwich!

[Bonanza]

If you've ever been made aware of the AA and support meetings in the area,
you would know that there are plenty of alcoholics living in TV.

[Greg Nelson]

I for one do not drink, but I used to..too much or so I was told. The AA group I visited last week was well attended. It amazes me that the price of cigs is out of sight, but booze remains the same. You can still buy a 1.5 liter of cheap vodka for the same price as I paid back in the 90's.......in Europe if you get a DUI you're done driving.

[OBXNana]

I haven't spent a lot of time in The Villages, the bars are restaurants and people may have been eating rather than drinking. I don't recall any bars where the intent is simply to drink and only snacks are served.

On a personal note, we do seem to drink more on vacation than we do when we're at home. We can't retire for a couple years and when we have the luxury of spending time in The Villages, we still feel like we're on vacation. As a result, we may have a couple drinks with dinner and something we don't do in PA.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I have been drinking more in the 6 months since I moved to TV than I did before I came here. I used to have maybe 3 glasses of wine a year and now it's more like 3 a week. Same thing with eating out. But things are gonna change for me and the party's over. Back to reality- fewer drinks and healthier eating.

[jblum315]

Don't forget that many of the people you see at bars which are also restaurants are just eating, not just drinking, especially those you see at outside bars. They like to sit outside and eat

[perrjojo]

If you've ever been made aware of the AA and support meetings in the area,
you would know that there are plenty of alcoholics living in TV.

Yes, there are a lot of AA groups but the intent of those attending AA meetings is to NOT drink.

[Taltarzac725]

The Villages Golf Cart DUI Lawyer - Florida Golf Cart DUI Attorney | Whittel & Melton, LLC (http://www.thevillageslaw.com/practice-areas/dui/golf-cart-dui/)

I thought this was interesting.

[Bonny]

Wellll.... I know I'm not an alcoholic, because alcoholics go to meetings and I don't go to meetings.
My parents always told me, don't be a quitter !!
Besides, I only drink on days that end with a "y". :pepper2:
just kidding. ;)

[Wandatime]

Some do, and it is more than we may think according to this news article:

A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that binge drinking among middle-aged adults is more prevalent than previously believed. - ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MensHealthNews/story?id=8341707#.UOrt-Injk6w)

"A recent study indicated that drinking large amounts of alcohol is now more prevalent among middle-aged adults than previously thought.

Twenty-three percent of men and 9 percent of women between 50 and 64 years old reported drinking at least five alcoholic beverages in the same day, in the previous month, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry."

[TheVillageChicken]

Wellll.... I know I'm not an alcoholic, because alcoholics go to meetings and I don't go to meetings.
My parents always told me, don't be a quitter !!
Besides, I only drink on days that end with a "y". :pepper2:
just kidding. ;)

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d4/2d/f9/d42df9fe2a91c79d87bf2006ed020e68.jpg

[Laurie2]

Some do, and it is more than we may think according to this news article:

A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that binge drinking among middle-aged adults is more prevalent than previously believed. - ABC News (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MensHealthNews/story?id=8341707#.UOrt-Injk6w)

"A recent study indicated that drinking large amounts of alcohol is now more prevalent among middle-aged adults than previously thought.

Twenty-three percent of men and 9 percent of women between 50 and 64 years old reported drinking at least five alcoholic beverages in the same day, in the previous month, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry."


Wow!

Wandatime!

You just made my day!

64 is considered middle-aged!

I'll drink to that! (But no more than two.)

:beer3:

[Bonny]

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d4/2d/f9/d42df9fe2a91c79d87bf2006ed020e68.jpg
:1rotfl:

[CFrance]

Wellll.... I know I'm not an alcoholic, because alcoholics go to meetings and I don't go to meetings.
My parents always told me, don't be a quitter !!
Besides, I only drink on days that end with a "y". :pepper2:
just kidding. ;)
I'm flat out stealing this.

[Bonny]

I'm flat out stealing this.

;) !!

[Barefoot]

I know I'm not an alcoholic, because alcoholics go to meetings and I don't go to meetings.

:evil6:

[cquick]

Many retirees enjoy a cocktail or two when being social with friends.

[zonerboy]

Is the Pope Catholic?

[blueash]

Is the Pope Catholic?

Some Catholics don't think so

Is the Pope Catholic? Critics Rally Around Benedict As Talk of Schism Looms - The Daily Beast (http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/11/02/is-the-pope-catholic-critics-rally-around-benedict-as-talk-of-schism-looms.html)

[graciegirl]

///

[golf2140]

Wellll.... I know I'm not an alcoholic, because alcoholics go to meetings and I don't go to meetings.
My parents always told me, don't be a quitter !!
Besides, I only drink on days that end with a "y". :pepper2:
just kidding. ;)

Bonny,

That made my day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:beer3:

[jlongman]

I do

[billethkid]

I have learned over the years to limit when I drink and since doing so has helped signigicantly....I ONLY drink when alone or with somebody:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Bonny]

I have learned over the years to limit when I drink and since doing so has helped signigicantly....I ONLY drink when alone or with somebody:eclipsee_gold_cup:
:beer3:

[blueeagle65]

A LOT of alcohol is consumed in TV. My personal observation is that many go for quantity (and LOW cost) over quality. Just check w/ any retailer and they'll confirm that. When we first moved here and stopped in Kindred Spirits I saw a big display of large plastic bottles of scotch. I told the sales guy I had never heard of the brand and he just said it was cheap and it was alcohol - two of The Villagers' favorite things. Five and six dollar wine also flies off the shelf, too.

[Serenoa]

I haven't spent a lot of time in The Villages, the bars are restaurants and people may have been eating rather than drinking. I don't recall any bars where the intent is simply to drink and only snacks are served.

What about the drink shacks at the town squares? We don't drink (just choose not to) & were a little shocked when we saw these at each of the town squares on our Lifestyle visit. Sure seemed to us that quite a few villagers like their alcohol.

And what about the new World of Beer at Brownwood? They may only serve beer & wine, but couldn't it be called a bar? No food served there, is there?

[NYGUY]

....And what about the new World of Beer at Brownwood? They may only serve beer & wine, but couldn't it be called a bar? No food served there, is there?

World of Beer has been open for about a year in Brownwood with a new Restaurant coming to Spanish Springs soon and in fact it has a full bar with all its theme beer's from around the world as well as wine and liquor. And yes, they serve very good food....so no, it is not just a bar, but a nice place to enjoy food and drink.

[VT2TV]

if you look at the sign on the wall of the World of Beer, it shows the number of drinks their members have "enjoyed" at their establishment. One person I remember in particular has had more than 700 drinks there. (I actually think it was more than 9oo, but I am not sure) Like someone said, the store has been opened about a year. Of course that only included what was consumed there. I personally think there is a LOT of alcohol consumed in TV. I have been to numerous parties, and have NEVER been to a party where there was no alcohol. I am not a drinker, so maybe I notice it more than some. I also come from a fairly big area, but it was not the norm for people to drink at dinner, and def. not at lunch. Most of the times we are out to dinner, we are in the very few who do not consume alcohol. I guess there are areas of the country where it is common to order alcohol with meals, and if they can do that with responsibility, I have no problem with that. I will say that I rarely see anyone intoxicated in the restaurants-the squares are a very different story.

[justjim]

Well, let me put it this way. I've never met someone who drinks too much who thinks he/she does until they quit. Do you know what I mean?

We've lived in three different retirement communities and have friends that live in two others that we visit and my unscientific observation is that retirement community residents do drink a bit more. We also socialize more often too---thus drink more socially.

OP, I think you are probably correct in your observation of alcohol consumption. The Village squares as designed do encourage drinking. One or two drinks no problem but one drink after another over a three to five hour period is too much. I have friends who drink too much----fortunately they are not obnoxious and dont drink and drive---nothing worse than an obnoxious drunk.

[billethkid]

There has not been anything said in this thread that does not apply to almost any city one can name.
TV is a retirement "resort ". Resorts are different than everyday life in other cities.

For a population center of over 100,000 residents I amsurprised by what some are surprised at

[maybe]

I have at least tripled my drinking since coming to the Villages. I used to average about 2 or 3 drinks a year. Now I might be averaging one a month.

[Greg Nelson]

We're renting in Quail Ridge and it appearsthat my wonderful neighbors here are not heavy on the drinking which is fine with me. But, who knows what goes on behind closed doors?

[2BNTV]

I think most people drink a little more than they use to before, as this s a vacation type atmosphere. I also think when people notice they have been drinking too much, they cut back to their regular consumption of alcohol.

At least those who consider too much alcohol, doesn't help their health. IMHO

[DonH57]

I have at least tripled my drinking since coming to the Villages. I used to average about 2 or 3 drinks a year. Now I might be averaging one a month.

Sounds like you're headed down the twisted path with the rest of us! LOL:a040:

[golf2140]

Remember it's a community of 100,000 prople with limited bar seating.

[DonH57]

Remember it's a community of 100,000 prople with limited bar seating.

That's a fact.

[perrjojo]

Do Villagers drink a lot? That is much like asking, do New Yorkers or Texans, or insert the name of any city or state, drink a lot.

[Barefoot]

What about the drink shacks at the town squares? We don't drink (just choose not to) & were a little shocked when we saw these at each of the town squares on our Lifestyle visit. Sure seemed to us that quite a few villagers like their alcohol.

I think probably retired wrinklies do allow themselves a little more leeway when it comes to imbibing.
However, don't forget that the Drink Shacks in the three Town Squares aren't just open to Villagers.
They are open to the public.
There are many people at the Squares from surrounding areas. And many are guests of Villagers who are enjoying their vacations here.

[Villages PL]

Remember it's a community of 100,000 prople with limited bar seating.

So what you're saying is: There must be a high turnover of drinkers at each establishment so that everyone has a chance to get in?

[Villages PL]

Do Villagers drink a lot? That is much like asking, do New Yorkers or Texans, or insert the name of any city or state, drink a lot.

Consider this: There are loads of bars in The Villages. I never saw so many until I moved here. What happens when people visit here from up north or wherever? In my opinion, the numerous bars are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle. The bars act as a magnet to those who are inclined to drink as a form of entertainment.

Therefore, I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who consume alcohol. Alcohol is everywhere in The Villages.

[Buffalo Jim]

Consider this: There are loads of bars in The Villages. I never saw so many until I moved here. What happens when people visit here from up north or wherever? In my opinion, the numerous bars are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle. The bars act as a magnet to those who are inclined to drink as a form of entertainment.

Therefore, I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who consume alcohol. Alcohol is everywhere in The Villages.

Consider the following logic :

There are loads of supermarkets in the Villages . I never saw so many supermarkets until I moved here . What happens when people visit here from up North or wherever ?
In my opinion , the numerous supermarkets are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle . The supermarkets act as a magnet to those who are inclined to eat and cook as a form of entertainment .
Therefore , I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who consume food . Food is everywhere in The Villages ! :mmmm::mmmm::loco:

[billethkid]

there are no more bars here than in other communities over 100,000.

There are no more bars here than in any other vacation spot.

If one is going to measure where there are loads of bars....well how about cruise ships???? Not only are there loads of bars there are loads of ship employees walking around to bring you one by the pool in the hall in the theatre in the library in the shopping centers.....then they turn around and have loads of sales for buying all the booze you can carry off the ship.

I think I will go back to measuring clouds as that is much more realistic....and by the way bartender freshen up my drink!!!

[Barefoot]

There seems to be a Bealls or Kohls or Anthonys or Walmart or Best Buy or Shoe Biz or Bealls Outlet or Walmart or Target or Kayes ..... everywhere I look there's a store. As well, there are many specialty shops in the Town Squares.

Perhaps instead of being big drinkers, Villagers are big shoppers.

Consider this:
There seems to be loads of stores in the Villages. I never saw so many stores until I moved here. And people are clamoring for more stores, like Costco and Steinmart. What happens when people visit here from up North or wherever?
In my opinion, the numerous stores are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle. The stores act as a magnet to those who are inclined to shop and spend as a form of entertainment. Therefore, I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who like to shop. Stores are everywhere in The Villages !

[PennBF]

Drinking is just natures way of helping to "thin the herd".:mornincoffee:

[tomwed]

Drinking is just natures way of helping to "thin the herd".:mornincoffee:
I thought it puts on the weight. Boy, am I relieved.

[Skybo]

Consider this: There are loads of bars in The Villages. I never saw so many until I moved here. What happens when people visit here from up north or wherever? In my opinion, the numerous bars are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle. The bars act as a magnet to those who are inclined to drink as a form of entertainment.

Therefore, I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who consume alcohol. Alcohol is everywhere in The Villages.

Where are the "loads of bars" that you are referring to? Are you speaking of the restaurants surrounding the squares and/or the Country Clubs?

[Bonanza]

Yes, there are a lot of AA groups but the intent of those attending AA meetings is to NOT drink.

The percentage of those who attend AA meetings and actually quit
is really quite small.

[graciegirl]

Consider the following logic :

There are loads of supermarkets in the Villages . I never saw so many supermarkets until I moved here . What happens when people visit here from up North or wherever ?
In my opinion , the numerous supermarkets are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle . The supermarkets act as a magnet to those who are inclined to eat and cook as a form of entertainment .
Therefore , I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who consume food . Food is everywhere in The Villages ! :mmmm::mmmm::loco:

I just love you Buffalo Jim. Merry Christmas.

And this is what I have to say...

There are loads of churches in The Villages. I never saw so many churches until I moved here. What happens when people visit from up North or wherever?

In my opinion, the numerous churches are a big selling feature to those who like such a lifestyle. The churches act as a magnet to those who are inclined to go to churches. Therefore, I believe we have a higher than average percentage of people who go to churches. Churches are everywhere in The Villages and they are building more.

[billlaur]

only when their thirsty:a040:

[Anthony Kulp]

When I was there last year I noticed the number of bars and how packed they seemed.:beer3: Do you think that people are just being social or do you think people really drink a lot. With my meds I can't have more than one and I assumed a lot of people our vintage would also be taking meds that say don't drink. When I see a golf cart going all crazy I wonder are they drunk.
Hi Skybo,
I have been to the Villages many times. I also have been sober for over 15 years (I occasionally attend AA meetings) and very perceptive to what you are talking about. A few things you have to take into consideration are;
What day of the week did you notice this
Were you there during season
Were people actually drinking alcohol or waiting for a table.
I currently live in Fort Lauderdale and do see a lot of drinking here because we are a vacation destination during the whole year. Also, I notice when people first retire to Florida they think they are on permanent vacation and realize within 6 to 9 months that they are not and eventually get settled in to a more active and healthy lifestyle. As a matter of fact I am always happy to see all of the healthy people with great attitudes about life and health that sticks out in my mind.
After blabbing on and on, my answer would be that I do not see people drinking any more than any other city.

[bobbym]

The drinking here is a lot less then the drinking in Minnesota but in MN they have the Vikings.

[blaZen]

Willie says he has seen more old drunks than old doctors:mornincoffee:

[DonH57]

The drinking here is a lot less then the drinking in Minnesota but in MN they have the Vikings.

LOL :1rotfl:

[CFrance]

The drinking here is a lot less then the drinking in Minnesota but in MN they have the Vikings.

Willie says he has seen more old drunks than old doctors:mornincoffee:
You guys are cracking me up.:wave:

[Jimturner]

Like their on fire. I am a light drinker, but even so, I have seen more Hevesy drinking by old folks here than any place else I have lived

:beer3::beer3:

Have fun in this last chapter of our life. I will try to get four beers down tonight. Wish me luck.

[Chi-Town]

Like their on fire. I am a light drinker, but even so, I have seen more Hevesy drinking by old folks here than any place else I have lived

:beer3::beer3:

Have fun in this last chapter of our life. I will try to get four beers down tonight. Wish me luck.
I'm a light drinker also. I start drinking when it gets light out.

[CFrance]

I'm a light drinker also. I start drinking when it gets light out.
I drink no wine before its time. It's time.

[graciegirl]

On New Years Eve we always tried to celebrate and stay in the same place. We told our kids and grandkids, please stay the night where you celebrate New Years, the big danger is being on the roads.

I stopped drinking about ten years ago. I personally find I have just as much fun without drinking, but a lot of folks enjoy having a drink or two.

Just be safe. I want to celebrate a lot of New Years with y'all.

[Bonny]

On New Years Eve we always tried to celebrate and stay in the same place. We told our kids and grandkids, please stay the night where you celebrate New Years, the big danger is being on the roads.

I stopped drinking about ten years ago. I personally find I have just as much fun without drinking, but a lot of folks enjoy having a drink or two.

Just be safe. I want to celebrate a lot of New Years with y'all.
Or three or four ! ;)

[manaboutown]

Some heavy drinkers I happen to know refer to New Years as "Amateur Night" since so many folks who normally do not drink much drink and drive. It is definitely a good night to stay off the roads.

[Chi-Town]

Amateur night used to be the night before Thanksgiving due to the college kids coming home for break. Not the case here, of course. I think it's the first night after check-in.

[shelljoe7169]

too bad stay home

[DonH57]

I think it was Rodney Dangerfield who joked that his old man was a workaholic, every time he thought about work he got drunk. I miss ole Rodney.

[Jimturner]

On New Years Eve we always tried to celebrate and stay in the same place. We told our kids and grandkids, please stay the night where you celebrate New Years, the big danger is being on the roads.

I stopped drinking about ten years ago. I personally find I have just as much fun without drinking, but a lot of folks enjoy having a drink or two.

Just be safe. I want to celebrate a lot of New Years with y'all.

I had 4 beers last night. The beer, the extra food and loss of sleep gave me a hangover this morning. Since spreading 4 beers over 5 hours did not give me a buzz, I would have had the same good time without the dragging feeling today.

Oh well, maybe next year.