Golf Courses and Parkinson’s occurrence

[Yvonnie313]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

[Aces4]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

I don't know about golf course exposure but this looks like a bit of hopeful news:

Stanford study reveals enzyme inhibitor may slow Parkinson'''s disease | Fox News (https://www.foxnews.com/health/stanford-scientists-totally-surprised-potential-parkinsons-treatment-discovery)

[Bogie Shooter]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

Did you read the whole article? A lot of maybes and mights.

[BrianL99]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

Perhaps reading the report would be informative.

(& most every credible source has criticized that report, it's methodology and its conclusions.)

[Caymus]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

Isn't it age related? A 55 and over community would probably be above average.

Where did you find data on the health conditions of Villages?

[UpNorth]

Sounds like you're getting something extra with a golf course view lot.

[Babbs1957]

If it's online, then it's true. They can't put lies on the internet.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Just a moment... (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716)

is this the study done? published in JAMA

[CarlR33]

Sounds like you're getting something extra with a golf course view lot. Guess with golf course view the course should provide homeowners who live close by copies of the safety data sheets (SDS’s) for the chemical products you maybe exposed to?

[jimhoward]

If you are a Golfer and you have even a trace of Parkinsons you notice it right away. So many older golfers struggle putting because of tremors.

So does living on a golf course give you Parkinson's or make you notice it sooner?

[Yvonnie313]

Perhaps reading the report would be informative.

(& most every credible source has criticized that report, it's methodology and its conclusions.)
Can I see the rest of that report? Is that from The Villages? I was referring to a national report which is why it made me wonder the situation in The Villages

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Can I see the rest of that report? Is that from The Villages? I was referring to a national report which is why it made me wonder the situation in The Villages

The study from which the social media has sourced is here in this post, published in JAMA

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2445623-post8.html

[CoachKandSportsguy]

In other golf course Parkinson's news, one of the long time managers at our local municipal course has Parkinson's. .

[SoCalGal]

Researchers and experts implicate pesticide exposure—from heavy chemical use on courses—via contamination of water or airborne drift. The study shows a correlation but can't prove that living near a golf course causes Parkinson’s. Other factors—like genetics, head injuries, or other environmental exposures—were not fully accounted for. Only the three years prior to diagnosis were included in the exposure analysis—though Parkinson’s typically develops over decades. Conducted in a specific region; results may not generalize broadly. Golf course pesticide use and water geology differ elsewhere. The study assumed exposure based on proximity and water system overlap, but did not test tap water or soil directly for pesticide levels. A disproportionate number of cases were urban, raising questions about air pollution or other urban-area triggers. Experts describe the findings as “striking” and “biologically plausible” due to known pesticide neurotoxicity. But they emphasize that more research is needed—ideally with broader geographic coverage, longer time frames, and actual pesticide measurements.

Residential Proximity to Golf Courses Linked to Parkinson’s Disease (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/residential-proximity-golf-courses-linked-parkinsons-disease-2025a1000bau?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

[USOTR]

Here another rumor you can push on social media. "Because of activity levels the average Village citizen lives 10 years longer than those who do not live in The Villages."


Chemicals are everywhere. From micro plastics in your table salt, to your toothpaste there is not getting around it in a modern country. Even the most pristine stream have some level of pollution in them, as well as most of the food you eat. Long story short, none of us are getting out of here alive, so you might as well enjoy yourself while we are here.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Here another rumor you can push on social media. "Because of activity levels the average Village citizen lives 10 years longer than those who do not live in The Villages."


Chemicals are everywhere. From micro plastics in your table salt, to your toothpaste there is not getting around it in a modern country. Even the most pristine stream have some level of pollution in them, as well as most of the food you eat. Long story short, none of us are getting out of here alive, so you might as well enjoy yourself while we are here.

Best medical response to the JAMA article:

May 18, 2025
Limitations
Marcus Shaker, MD, MS | Dartmouth Health
Thank you for this thought-provoking analysis. As the authors highlight, environmental toxins likely have an underrecognized impact on human health. Still, before calling your realtor, it is worth highlighting several limitations of this study.

First, the authors present data on relative risk, so it is important to remember that the absolute risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is low, and even considering the elevated adjusted odds ratios, most individuals living near golf courses will not develop PD.

Second, as the authors note, there is not a dose response seen for those within a 3-mile radius of the golf course. Together with the lack of statistical significance provided in Table 1, this raises concerns for confounding. It appears that the risk of urban residence and White race are higher in cases than distance from a golf course. From Table 1, cases live a median 1.72 miles from a golf course and controls live 1.98 miles away. Is a median difference of 0.26 miles likely to have a plausible impact when there is no dose-response gradient within 3 miles? Are pesticides used on golf courses within 3 miles of a residence more likely to impact PD risk than those used on individuals' own lawns, or those used inside their own homes? And what of the health benefits of green spaces?

Overall, this study reminds us to be aware of unrecognized harms, but further research is needed before planning your next move because of proximity to a golf course.

[golfing eagles]

Researchers and experts implicate pesticide exposure—from heavy chemical use on courses—via contamination of water or airborne drift. The study shows a correlation but can't prove that living near a golf course causes Parkinson’s. Other factors—like genetics, head injuries, or other environmental exposures—were not fully accounted for. Only the three years prior to diagnosis were included in the exposure analysis—though Parkinson’s typically develops over decades. Conducted in a specific region; results may not generalize broadly. Golf course pesticide use and water geology differ elsewhere. The study assumed exposure based on proximity and water system overlap, but did not test tap water or soil directly for pesticide levels. A disproportionate number of cases were urban, raising questions about air pollution or other urban-area triggers. Experts describe the findings as “striking” and “biologically plausible” due to known pesticide neurotoxicity. But they emphasize that more research is needed—ideally with broader geographic coverage, longer time frames, and actual pesticide measurements.

Residential Proximity to Golf Courses Linked to Parkinson’s Disease (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/residential-proximity-golf-courses-linked-parkinsons-disease-2025a1000bau?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Add to that it was a retrospective study of only 419 patients and a control group of 20 and what you have is basically a useless study with no valid conclusions. Don't move to the middle of the desert just yet.

[eeroger]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

You have to also remember that The Villages has a very large number of veterans. How many of those were in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange. Parkinson's is a presumed disease related to A. O. However many Villagers were exposed to pesticides through their occupation - i.e. farmers, landscapers, etc. Not to worry.

[bowlingal]

move here, but don't buy on a golf course.

[Bogie Shooter]

move here, but don't buy on a golf course.
Or one near a retention pond, one with grass growing around it, one with a pool.🤦*♂️

[LuLinn]

Best response here

[Eagle06]

In other golf course Parkinson's news, one of the long time managers at our local municipal course has Parkinson's. .

And how “old” is this “long time manager”? Seems Parkinson’s is more prevalent in older adults and aren’t we that population here in The Vil?

[MandoMan]

Just a moment... (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833716)

is this the study done? published in JAMA

Interesting study. Thanks for sharing that. Does our water come from a deeper aquifer? I think it does for at least most of The Villages.

If Parkinson’s can be caused by pesticides on golf courses, I would urge all golfers to stop licking the soles of their shoes clean after playing.

[Aces4]

Best medical response to the JAMA article:

May 18, 2025
Limitations
Marcus Shaker, MD, MS | Dartmouth Health
Thank you for this thought-provoking analysis. As the authors highlight, environmental toxins likely have an underrecognized impact on human health. Still, before calling your realtor, it is worth highlighting several limitations of this study.

First, the authors present data on relative risk, so it is important to remember that the absolute risk of Parkinson disease (PD) is low, and even considering the elevated adjusted odds ratios, most individuals living near golf courses will not develop PD.

Second, as the authors note, there is not a dose response seen for those within a 3-mile radius of the golf course. Together with the lack of statistical significance provided in Table 1, this raises concerns for confounding. It appears that the risk of urban residence and White race are higher in cases than distance from a golf course. From Table 1, cases live a median 1.72 miles from a golf course and controls live 1.98 miles away. Is a median difference of 0.26 miles likely to have a plausible impact when there is no dose-response gradient within 3 miles? Are pesticides used on golf courses within 3 miles of a residence more likely to impact PD risk than those used on individuals' own lawns, or those used inside their own homes? And what of the health benefits of green spaces?

Overall, this study reminds us to be aware of unrecognized harms, but further research is needed before planning your next move because of proximity to a golf course.

There probably is a correlation, I know of many farmers who have suffered from Parkinson's disease and they handled many of those types of sprays, weed and pesticide control. But what's the diff..., we all have to die of something and it's hard to beat a golf course view.

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

Lived here over 10 years in 3 different neighborhoods and I don't know anyone with Parkinson

[gighilton]

Ive lived on a golf course my whole life, now 71! I've played golf on golf course since I was10. I currently live off of #1 Green at Southern Oaks. I , my wife and children are all healthy, and no Parkinson's. Maybe that information can calm your fears. But probably not! Do you know that more people die in cold months than in hot months...maybe you should come on to Florida regardless of Parkinson's! Good luck...
I

[mraines]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you
Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me.

[Aces4]

You probably shouldn’t move here. It’s too dangerous for you.

Yes, do not ask a civil question here because it's not the place for a civil answer!

[ByebyeMichigan]

Oh stop it …..live your life and stop worrying about everything you read , much of what is false or unproven……

[Whatnext]

The research should be on US greens keepers. See if there is an above average incident of Parkinson's in that group.
As GE pointed out, the test group was so small as to be irrelevant in the report.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Can I see the rest of that report? Is that from The Villages? I was referring to a national report which is why it made me wonder the situation in The Villages

So here's some info:

Parkinson's afflicts mostly old people. The older you are, the higher the likelihood you are to develop it (notice I didn't say risk - age isn't a risk factor, it's just the window of time when the disease is most likely to present itself).

The Villages is the largest community of old people in the country.

The Villages also has more golf courses than any other single community in the country.

The take-away from this: More old people move to the Villages to play golf than any other demographic. And so, you're likely to see more old people here getting Parkinson's than anywhere else. Not because of golf, but because of age.

Probability/statistics stuff. When mother nature wants to go fishing, she doesn't go to the pond with only 10 fish. She goes to the one with 1000 fish. The Villages has 150,000 fish.

[Indydealmaker]

The study from which the social media has sourced is here in this post, published in JAMA

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2445623-post8.html

Just remember if you are looking for credibility, this publication was all in in the COVID vaccine push.

[Howardras3589]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

Stop drinking tap water, stop eating all food you didn't grow, stop using all cleaning products unless you wear a haznat suit, stop washing your clothes. The list of chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis goes on and on. To blame chemicals around a golf course for Parkinsons disease is ludicrous.

Allowing fear of the unknown and the what ifs to stop you from living your life is sad.

[RoadTowed]

move here, but don't buy on a golf course.

Bottled water for drinking/cooking might be a good idea?

[Joecooool]

I attend the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America conference every year as a vendor. That profession has one of the highest rate of cancer of any profession due to the herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers they are exposed to every day. It's so prevalent, that a significant amount of the training they go through at these conferences includes dealing with cancer insurance claims.

It's not a stretch to assume that some of these airborne chemicals can also impact the residents who live next to a golf course. The guys spraying this stuff are wearing gloves, respirators, and long sleeves. That stuff then drifts into your yard where you have none of those protections. If I had a home on the course, I would NEVER leave my windows open, and I would only enjoy the outdoors well after the chemicals had been applied and the grass had been mowed.

Europe bans most pesticides and insecticides because of these reasons. There are alternatives that can keep the course in top shape and reduce the known health risks. But they are expensive and would require regulations to force compliance.

Here is one of thousands of articles on the subject - Pesticide Dangers at Golf Courses Much Higher in the U.S. than Europe, Study Finds - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog (https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2023/03/pesticide-dangers-at-golf-courses-much-higher-in-the-us-than-europe-study-finds/)

[RcCalais]

Sounds like you're getting something extra with a golf course view lot.

??????

[RcCalais]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

There are quite a few that spend almost as much time on the golf course playing as in their home. How dose the Villages Parkinson's compare to the national average?

[Aces4]

I attend the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America conference every year as a vendor. That profession has one of the highest rate of cancer of any profession due to the herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers they are exposed to every day. It's so prevalent, that a significant amount of the training they go through at these conferences includes dealing with cancer insurance claims.

It's not a stretch to assume that some of these airborne chemicals can also impact the residents who live next to a golf course. The guys spraying this stuff are wearing gloves, respirators, and long sleeves. That stuff then drifts into your yard where you have none of those protections. If I had a home on the course, I would NEVER leave my windows open, and I would only enjoy the outdoors well after the chemicals had been applied and the grass had been mowed.

Europe bans most pesticides and insecticides because of these reasons. There are alternatives that can keep the course in top shape and reduce the known health risks. But they are expensive and would require regulations to force compliance.

Here is one of thousands of articles on the subject - Pesticide Dangers at Golf Courses Much Higher in the U.S. than Europe, Study Finds - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog (https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2023/03/pesticide-dangers-at-golf-courses-much-higher-in-the-us-than-europe-study-finds/)

Please, no facts!:evil6: You are upsetting those Villagers hugging their security blankets. There is nothing to see here... keep walking.:ohdear:

[Velvet]

You know in statistics, we could make just about anything correlate to anything else. It depends on which particular set of data you chose to use. My father-in-law died of Parkinson’s and he never was near a golf course. My gut instinct tells me that this correlation is highly unlikely.

[Yvonnie313]

Researchers and experts implicate pesticide exposure—from heavy chemical use on courses—via contamination of water or airborne drift. The study shows a correlation but can't prove that living near a golf course causes Parkinson’s. Other factors—like genetics, head injuries, or other environmental exposures—were not fully accounted for. Only the three years prior to diagnosis were included in the exposure analysis—though Parkinson’s typically develops over decades. Conducted in a specific region; results may not generalize broadly. Golf course pesticide use and water geology differ elsewhere. The study assumed exposure based on proximity and water system overlap, but did not test tap water or soil directly for pesticide levels. A disproportionate number of cases were urban, raising questions about air pollution or other urban-area triggers. Experts describe the findings as “striking” and “biologically plausible” due to known pesticide neurotoxicity. But they emphasize that more research is needed—ideally with broader geographic coverage, longer time frames, and actual pesticide measurements.

Residential Proximity to Golf Courses Linked to Parkinson’s Disease (https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/residential-proximity-golf-courses-linked-parkinsons-disease-2025a1000bau?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Thank you for finding this for me.

[Dilligas]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you
In the article you are quoting, "Areas that shared drinking water supplies with water used near golf courses were the most greatly impacted, the study shows. Researchers believe this shows that the pesticides used on golf courses could contribute to the amount of Parkinson's cases".
That is a factor that is unlikely in The Villages. TV water golf courses with reclaimed water and water run off into collection basins, or on the course itself when extreme rainfall amounts. The drinking water in TV comes from one of the largest aquifers in the country. TV also has a state of the art water purification system. Your home has 2 supplies of water...one for drinking and one for irrigation.
The article quoted areas in Minnesota where you do not have the controls that exist in TV.

[BethBowen]

Environment can be up to 85% cause for movement disorders. The Fox Foundation had has volumes on the subject. Fertilizer and insect sprays along with other poisons can be dangerous if you have the propensity from heredity.
The Parkinson’s support groups in The Villages has a newsletter that has links to a great deal of onfo on Parkinson’s. My husband was a leather craftsman. We also lived in log cabin that was sprayed many times with insecticides and herbicides. He died of Parkinson’s.

[tophcfa]

I attend the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America conference every year as a vendor. That profession has one of the highest rate of cancer of any profession due to the herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers they are exposed to every day. It's so prevalent, that a significant amount of the training they go through at these conferences includes dealing with cancer insurance claims.

It's not a stretch to assume that some of these airborne chemicals can also impact the residents who live next to a golf course. The guys spraying this stuff are wearing gloves, respirators, and long sleeves. That stuff then drifts into your yard where you have none of those protections. If I had a home on the course, I would NEVER leave my windows open, and I would only enjoy the outdoors well after the chemicals had been applied and the grass had been mowed.

Europe bans most pesticides and insecticides because of these reasons. There are alternatives that can keep the course in top shape and reduce the known health risks. But they are expensive and would require regulations to force compliance.

Here is one of thousands of articles on the subject - Pesticide Dangers at Golf Courses Much Higher in the U.S. than Europe, Study Finds - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog (https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2023/03/pesticide-dangers-at-golf-courses-much-higher-in-the-us-than-europe-study-finds/)

It’s all pretty much the same stuff that Deans, Massey, Florida Pest Control, LeeCo, Fertigator, and all the other lawn care and pest control companies apply at our Villages homes. How many Villager’s dogs have died of cancer? All that stuff leaches into the aquifers. My wife and I only drink and cook with bottled water at our Villages home. Anyone who would eat anything caught out of a body of water in the greater Villages area has a death wish. I can’t believe the people who drop their cigars on the greens when putting and then pick them up and put them into their mouths? It is what it is, do the best you can to not let any of the toxic stuff enter your body.

[justjim]

Keep posting these theories and perhaps I can purchase a golf course lot under $200,000. Well, maybe that’s a bridge too far. We have a special friend in her mid fifties that was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and from what she tells us the doctors have no valid idea what causes this awful disorder/disease. For what it’s worth, she has never lived on a golf course and doesn’t play the game. Fore.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

the article in JAMA statistically proved increased risk in a specific area. Risk is extremely difficult to quantify, and has wide std dev bands in humans.

Doesn’t mean any particular person will get PD, just means that the risk is non zero. Can it generalize to other locations? maybe, but lots of chemicals sprayed on crops, lands ends up in places which damage the ecology.

On Long Island, the vineyards spray seepage and lawn fertilizer seepage has killed the quahog shellfish population, proven by the last long time shell fishing group. We spoke for an hour with them last summer on LI Sound !

So yes, the earth is slowly being ecologically damage, and there will be a tipping point famine someday

[Topspinmo]

Did you read the whole article? A lot of maybes and mights.

Like I might die someday? I think no one knows. Just collect study money with might be this or might be that and get paid.

[Velvet]

the article in JAMA statistically proved increased risk in a specific area. Risk is extremely difficult to quantify, and has wide std dev bands in humans.

Doesn’t mean any particular person will get PD, just means that the risk is non zero. Can it generalize to other locations? maybe, but lots of chemicals sprayed on crops, lands ends up in places which damage the ecology.

On Long Island, the vineyards spray seepage and lawn fertilizer seepage has killed the quahog shellfish population, proven by the last long time shell fishing group. We spoke for an hour with them last summer on LI Sound !


So yes, the earth is slowly being ecologically damage, and there will be a tipping point famine someday

I respect JAMA, nevertheless, I can’t quite see what there would be on a golf course, that does not occur anywhere else that would cause an illness which we don’t know what causes.

[Whatnext]

Just remember if you are looking for credibility, this publication was all in in the COVID vaccine push.

They helped save a lot of lives then.

[westernrider75]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

I would think if you research any 55 and older area you will find more Parkinson’s disease than if you research an area like Middleton with a younger population. Same way with many diseases that become more prevalent as we age. Just my opinion.

[Ea327]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

I play golf 6 days a week. Am I doomed?

[Moderator]

Please Stick to the topic. Posting move elsewhere is an unkind response to new OP, that has a question.

[jimmy o]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you
All over the news and social media? Hmm, I haven’t heard anything about it. If there was any relationship to that at all it seems groundskeepers and golfers would be more exposed.

[golfing eagles]

All over the news and social media? Hmm, I haven’t heard anything about it. If there was any relationship to that at all it seems groundskeepers and golfers would be more exposed.

It's out there, but it was a poorly designed and controlled limited retrospective study that proved nothing. I'm sure others will do legitimate studies, and we'll see if there is anything to it

[rochellepfaff]

I just posted in General but should have posted here. There are reports all over the news and social media lately stating that living close to a golf course raises your chances of developing Parkinson’s Disease by 126 percent! After digging I found TV has quite a large population of people with Parkinson’s. Thats very frightening to me. Since I haven’t moved to The Villages yet but would like to, what are others saying or doing about this to avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals that is causing this? (If you haven’t heard this yet, it’s simple to google it and find the info). I’m truly afraid but want to find an answers and solutions to ease my worries. Thank you

If that was true, then wouldn't the landscapers who care for the golf courses also have a high instance of Parkinsons? They are exposed to the chemicals every day.

[jimjamuser]

I can think of one factor that could LINK proximity to golf courses to Parkinson's disease. All the GASOLINE golf carts with no smog control devices on them constantly producing methane and CO2. You can smell their exhaust, especially coming from used vehicles. Homes that are close to the 1st hole parking area would get a lot of those deadly exhaust gases. Also, homes close to well traveled Villages residential streets would inhale a lot of exhaust gas from GASOLINE golf carts. I would like to know if people living in golf communities that require ELECTRIC golf carts experience less Parkinson's problems. There are also other factors like fertilizers and insect killers that are applied to the fairways and greens that could add to the Parkinson's problems.

[Indydealmaker]

They helped save a lot of lives then.

That is what we were informed by the stellar journalists from the mainstream media and the vested interests.

[golfing eagles]

I can think of one factor that could LINK proximity to golf courses to Parkinson's disease. All the GASOLINE golf carts with no smog control devices on them constantly producing methane and CO2. You can smell their exhaust, especially coming from used vehicles. Homes that are close to the 1st hole parking area would get a lot of those deadly exhaust gases. Also, homes close to well traveled Villages residential streets would inhale a lot of exhaust gas from GASOLINE golf carts. I would like to know if people living in golf communities that require ELECTRIC golf carts experience less Parkinson's problems. There are also other factors like fertilizers and insect killers that are applied to the fairways and greens that could add to the Parkinson's problems.

The factor that comes to my mind is lithium from electric carts

[asianthree]

If that was true, then wouldn't the landscapers who care for the golf courses also have a high instance of Parkinsons? They are exposed to the chemicals every day.

Depending on the state. Northern golf courses employees have very short exposure/employment compared to year round exposure. Round up settlements are still ongoing.

[Yvonnie313]

Please Stick to the topic. Posting move elsewhere is an unkind response to new OP, that has a question.
I appreciate your comment. It truly has surprised me how many people are so snarky to me rather then just see my post as a genuine concern looking for accurate answers.

[Yvonnie313]

It’s all pretty much the same stuff that Deans, Massey, Florida Pest Control, LeeCo, Fertigator, and all the other lawn care and pest control companies apply at our Villages homes. How many Villager’s dogs have died of cancer? All that stuff leaches into the aquifers. My wife and I only drink and cook with bottled water at our Villages home. Anyone who would eat anything caught out of a body of water in the greater Villages area has a death wish. I can’t believe the people who drop their cigars on the greens when putting and then pick them up and put them into their mouths? It is what it is, do the best you can to not let any of the toxic stuff enter your body.
Thanks for a real answer. I appreciate you responding honestly

[Yvonnie313]

In the article you are quoting, "Areas that shared drinking water supplies with water used near golf courses were the most greatly impacted, the study shows. Researchers believe this shows that the pesticides used on golf courses could contribute to the amount of Parkinson's cases".
That is a factor that is unlikely in The Villages. TV water golf courses with reclaimed water and water run off into collection basins, or on the course itself when extreme rainfall amounts. The drinking water in TV comes from one of the largest aquifers in the country. TV also has a state of the art water purification system. Your home has 2 supplies of water...one for drinking and one for irrigation.
The article quoted areas in Minnesota where you do not have the controls that exist in TV.
Now this is the answer I was looking for. Facts from someone who lives there and knows what and where the water comes from and how it all relates to what the reports say are contributing factors. Thank you, remember I said I don’t live there but would like to someday and this report gave me pause. I just needed more info and thank you for answering so thoroughly. I appreciate it. :)

[Yvonnie313]

In the article you are quoting, "Areas that shared drinking water supplies with water used near golf courses were the most greatly impacted, the study shows. Researchers believe this shows that the pesticides used on golf courses could contribute to the amount of Parkinson's cases".
That is a factor that is unlikely in The Villages. TV water golf courses with reclaimed water and water run off into collection basins, or on the course itself when extreme rainfall amounts. The drinking water in TV comes from one of the largest aquifers in the country. TV also has a state of the art water purification system. Your home has 2 supplies of water...one for drinking and one for irrigation.
The article quoted areas in Minnesota where you do not have the controls that exist in TV.
Now this is the answer I was looking for. Facts from someone who lives there and knows what and where the water comes from and how it all relates to what the reports say are contributing factors. Thank you, remember I said I don’t live there but would like to someday and this report gave me pause. I just needed more info and thank you for answering so thoroughly. I appreciate it. :)

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I respect JAMA, nevertheless, I can’t quite see what there would be on a golf course, that does not occur anywhere else that would cause an illness which we don’t know what causes.

Not disagreeing with your point. . . However, what I do know is that the EMR/EHR systems have lots of data which can be analyzed for potential analysis such as this. The downside is that for a nation wide study to be done then many different hospital systems data would have to be merged together to get a non localized view to begin to find any unique smoking gun. . so if you get an idea, and have some time / money, the data for research is more readily available, and if enough data / studies have enough influence that there is a statistical anomaly worth finding a smoking gun, we might make some progress into the unknown

The teaching hospital and PhD program adjacent to where coachk works does use some of the EMR data in their research.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Now this is the answer I was looking for. Facts from someone who lives there and knows what and where the water comes from and how it all relates to what the reports say are contributing factors. Thank you, remember I said I don’t live there but would like to someday and this report gave me pause. I just needed more info and thank you for answering so thoroughly. I appreciate it. :)

Although yes, TV has separate water systems, which may appear to contradict opinions in the research study, the Florida aquifer is not immune from having water, rain or otherwise, making it down to the aquifer. the question being, where do you think the FL aquifer water comes from? Likewise, the FL aquifer is large, and does flow, so the water might not just come from the villages real estate.

Airport deicing / other chemicals poisoned some of Cape Cod's aquifers, miles away. . it was found through monitoring, not through medical records.

So retiring at 67, and the average lifespan is 83. . you have on average 16 years of declining youth invincibility health left. . . and you might not make it here due to an automobile/flood/tornado/accident you can't predict. . . . so the unfortunate very low probability random chance outcomes should never prevent one from moving here or there. .

good luck just don't fall prey to your hard wired brain's survival instinct to avoid any and all potential random chance negative outcomes.