STD's and the Villages

[capecodbob]

It's getting really old when I tell someone I have a home in TV and they say something like "OH, they have the highest rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in all of Florida".
I did a search here on TOTV but could not find anything (that was kinda surprising) so I have posed this query.
I've not seen anything to back up this assertion that I'm questioned about all the time and I don't have any data to discount the accusation.
Someone out there must have the accurate data and would you please share it with me so I have an answer to the many sometimes "smart a$$" comments.
Thanks,
BB

[Schaumburger]

It's getting really old when I tell someone I have a home in TV and they say something like "OH, they have the highest rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in all of Florida".
I did a search here on TOTV but could not find anything (that was kinda surprising) so I have posed this query.
I've not seen anything to back up this assertion that I'm questioned about all the time and I don't have any data to discount the accusation.
Someone out there must have the accurate data and would you please share it with me so I have an answer to the many sometimes "smart a$$" comments.
Thanks,
BB

A few months ago I told I friend up here in Chicago that I would like to move to The Villages at some point in the future. I heard about the STD rumor from her also. I told her it was bad information...didn't know what else to say. How did this story/rumor ever get started in the first place because it sure has spread? Of course I'm sure the internet has helped to spread it.

[ugotme]

Florida STD Trends (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/std/trends/florida.html)

According to this chart, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties had a combined total of 8 cases of syphilis in 2010 out of a total 1,194 in Florida - .67%.

For the 10 years ended 2010 there were 120 cases out of 8,108 - 1.48%.

For all STD's (2010) the figures are: combined - 3,030 vs. 98,927 total Fl. - 3.03%

Doesn't sound high to me.

I will keep looking - haven't found anything just for The Villages YET

[blueash]

This has been covered many times on TOTV. It is a false claim. For the data see this thread
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/fox-news-view-villages-69847/
and read comment 14 where the data is posted

[kaydee]

I really shouldn't be responding to this post as I will come off as not contributing much. But, a few yrs ago there was an article regarding this crazy bit of info. I'm thinking it originated in the Orlando paper and of course it hit the airwaves. To my knowledge, most of us residents just blew it off. May be a case of pure jealousy and trying to slander our paradise. Don't hear anything about today around here. We live here and we love it. For those walking around with a STD ..that's their business and their problem.

[Polar Bear]

How about responding with something like "ridiculous urban myth" and simply moving on to the next topic. That's really all the attention it deserves.

[RayMan]

For whatever it's worth....About 5-6 years ago while still living in Miami, I heard the same comment. I played volleyball every Sunday with a group of guys, and one was a physician who had recently been relocated to The Villages to supposedly research/study the high number of STD cases in the area.

[Barefoot]

It's getting really old when I tell someone I have a home in TV and they say something like "OH, they have the highest rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in all of Florida".
I did a search here on TOTV but could not find anything (that was kinda surprising) so I have posed this query.
I've not seen anything to back up this assertion that I'm questioned about all the time and I don't have any data to discount the accusation.
Someone out there must have the accurate data and would you please share it with me so I have an answer to the many sometimes "smart a$$" comments.
Thanks,
BB


If you hit the search button above and type in "sexually", you'll be able to access past threads on this topic.

[maine04578]

I'm up here in Maine. A few months ago I mentioned to my surgeon that I was planning a trip to Florida. When he asked where, I said "The Villages" and got raised eyebrows and an earful about how "wild" it is in TV. My response was that with a population of 100,000 you're bound to run into a variety of folks--something for everyone!

[graciegirl]

For whatever it's worth....About 5-6 years ago while still living in Miami, I heard the same comment. I played volleyball every Sunday with a group of guys, and one was a physician who had recently been relocated to The Villages to supposedly research/study the high number of STD cases in the area.

My response to that is ...not likely. Who is gonna pay for that research and how is he gonna conduct it?

This could be funny. Excuse me madam, do you have an STD? No I drive a Honda sedan.

[Advogado]

It's getting really old when I tell someone I have a home in TV and they say something like "OH, they have the highest rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in all of Florida".
I did a search here on TOTV but could not find anything (that was kinda surprising) so I have posed this query.
I've not seen anything to back up this assertion that I'm questioned about all the time and I don't have any data to discount the accusation.
Someone out there must have the accurate data and would you please share it with me so I have an answer to the many sometimes "smart a$$" comments.
Thanks,
BB

Your answer should be that the story is a fabrication-- planted by the Developer in order to try to sell more houses. That response, I have found, generally ends the discussion.

[maine04578]

Google std the villages. The first hit will be the Orlando Sentinel article from May 2011 that covers this topic. It mentions other senior communities around the nation, but says the highest rate of increase in STDs is in The Villages, etc. Rate of increase is not the same as the number of cases, but all in all it's definitely old news--the kind that sticks around, obviously!

[wendyquat]

Oh no, now are you going to tell me that guys "on the prowl" don't wear blue shirts and sit at the bar at Katie Belles waiting for women carrying gold purses?:22yikes:

[billethkid]

Please moderator hit the delete button!

btk

[Golfingnut]

The original article stated that "in cities with a population over 80,000 people, The Villages had more reports of STD,s among folks over 55 years of age." Talk about spinning a statement. I will give you a new spin to start a rumor from.

The Villages Florida has a supernatural event going on!!!! This city has more men with grey hare than any other city of its size in the whole United States. The best minds in the country are looking for answers for this weird situation. Some think it may be sexually transmitted.

[Bryan]

I'm with Advogado on this - "the story is a fabrication-- planted by the Developer in order to try to sell more houses." Quit trying to hide the rumor and instead, spread it or maybe even enhance it! Comments like "Of course we do. Where else is life after 50 so much fun?" also tend to stifle that particular line of discussion. Somebody's gotta be in First Place - why not The Villages? Rumors, like toothpaste, can't be put back in the tube. Ridicule is our best defense.

[LatDoc]

It's always hard to debunk the myth with facts. Especially a juicy one.
I like to just respond by saying "you can't get it by drinking the water".
This works for me.

[karostay]

When my wife and I are asked about the STD epidemic in the Villages.We reply with we have sex frequently have yet to contract an STD
You information must be incorect :D

[BettyCrocked]

Here's the article.
After viagra came around, STD cases among the ethical generation increased dramatically. Since this community is made up of 100,00 people from the free love generation, it's not surprising that is would increase here, also. Not determined by a "poll" asking people. Determined by the CDC stats reported by doctors.
It's really not a big deal if you don't plan on sleeping around.

Seniors STDs rise: Seniors STDs rise with active sex lives - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-05-16/health/os-seniors-stds-national-20110516_1_std-cases-syphilis-and-chlamydia-older-adults)

[Bonnevie]

it's almost as though people delight in telling us this. I'm sick of it, too. Maybe they are jealous they can't move to TV.

[Advogado]

I'm with Advogado on this - "the story is a fabrication-- planted by the Developer in order to try to sell more houses." Quit trying to hide the rumor and instead, spread it or maybe even enhance it! Comments like "Of course we do. Where else is life after 50 so much fun?" also tend to stifle that particular line of discussion. Somebody's gotta be in First Place - why not The Villages? Rumors, like toothpaste, can't be put back in the tube. Ridicule is our best defense.

Right-- lighten up and turn the rumor into humor.

[tucson]

How many years have people been talking about this???

[Bogie Shooter]

Here is the previous thread with 82 posts, the answers have to be there!
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-shed-std-label-79786/

[saratogaman]

That story has been run several times over the years by FOX News and the NY Post and disclaimed by public health officials. Consider the source.

[tucson]

Who's the source?

[graciegirl]

I don't know but I take kind of a perverse pride in letting the general public think that rather than all we do down here is have our rockers retreaded.

[Mama C]

My response to that is ...not likely. Who is gonna pay for that research and how is he gonna conduct it?

This could be funny. Excuse me madam, do you have an STD? No I drive a Honda sedan.

OK-- That is funny!

[capecodbob]

it's almost as though people delight in telling us this. I'm sick of it, too. Maybe they are jealous they can't move to TV.

Yes, I get the same feeling. TV might be great but we found a flaw.
And if what I'm read is true (ya never know these days) the story is NOT true.
I even had a lady tell me yesterday that it was true cuz a nurse told her the story. So I said to her please show me where I can read honest data that backs up the claim.
That was the end of that conversation.
BB

[vj1213]

Here's my answer...well, yes we do have a lot of std's here. We love the std's...then when you get that strange look, you say well you do know what std stands for...."swimming...tennis... & dancing" . Isn't that what you were asking about?
It shuts them up every time.

[Happyliz]

It's getting really old when I tell someone I have a home in TV and they say something like "OH, they have the highest rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in all of Florida".
I did a search here on TOTV but could not find anything (that was kinda surprising) so I have posed this query.
I've not seen anything to back up this assertion that I'm questioned about all the time and I don't have any data to discount the accusation.
Someone out there must have the accurate data and would you please share it with me so I have an answer to the many sometimes "smart a$$" comments.
Thanks,
BB

My kids were worried about me moving here because of the STD scare. My response to my kids was, "You have to have sex in order to catch it!"

[PPreu]

I have a friend who lives in Sun City, just south of Tampa. He delights in telling me HIS community has the highest rate of STDs anywhere. So I asked him, "Is it Sin City or Sun City." It seems, like all urban myths, it resurfaces in another form, contstantly evolving to fit the time and place.

[eweissenbach]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

[ilovetv]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

What Ed said.

[golf2140]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

Great Post

[Cyndiloowho]

On May 16, 2011 the Orlando Sentinel reported "In Central Florida, where The Villages and other retirement communities sprawl across several counties, reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia increased 71 percent among those 55 and older in that same period. And South Florida saw a 60 percent rise in those two sexually transmitted infections among the same age group, according to the Florida Department of Health."

This statement can easily be misinterpreted as STDs are higher in TV. But in truth, it says there was a 71 percent increase. So if there was one case and it suddenly jumped to 70 cases, this could still be well below the actual numbers elsewhere. Or could be above normal. You just don't know from this reporting.

I had heard this same rumor and decided to do some research on it. Now i know better. I hope this helps ease everyone's angst on this subject. :)

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I don't know but I take kind of a perverse pride in letting the general public think that rather than all we do down here is have our rockers retreaded.

I'm with you, Gracie. I like it too. Who cares if it is or isn't true? If you participate, then be safe and if you don't, then don't worry. It's not like Bubonic plague that will 'get' you when you go to the grocery store or visit the squares.

[patfla06]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

I'm with you too!

[capecodbob]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

I choose to know what is true and what is not. I would not post the question if I were not interested in the answer. If you're not interested in this question (or the answer) why even bother to post on this thread. :shrug:

[graciegirl]

I choose to know what is true and what is not. I would not post the question if I were not interested in the answer. If you're not interested in this question (or the answer) why even bother to post on this thread. :shrug:
HOW could you know for sure? Why would it matter? Who would have these statistics as hard facts? People live here full time and part time. People consult doctors on campus and off campus or not at all.

If you are a person having sex with multiple partners than you should not have unprotected sex. If you are concerned about this hurting your property values, I doubt it would. If you had the statistics in hand to show your friends who believe that we have a high rate of people affected with STD's that we DON'T, they probably will not take it seriously.

Stuff like this often is perpetuated by people who are just plain jealous that they don't live here.

When a good part of the younger world think of older people as not enjoying all qualities of a healthy, fulfilling life, I think this rumor is kind of ...better than them thinking that sexual activity comes to a screeching halt and stops being part of life as we age. What single people do is their own business. Most of us live in relationships of long standing and we are faithful to those relationships.

[Barefoot]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

I choose to know what is true and what is not. I would not post the question if I were not interested in the answer. If you're not interested in this question (or the answer) why even bother to post on this thread. :shrug:

The thought that Wrinklies are having wanton, unprotected sex is certainly fodder for a comedian like Ed. He is being his usual entertaining self, and some humor is much needed when discussing this tired old topic. If you want more information on this rumor, why not check our the thread offered by Bogie.

Here is the previous thread with 82 posts, the answers have to be there!
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-shed-std-label-79786/

[Villageswimmer]

Enough already. Time to put this thread to bed. No pun intended.

[Number 6]

Seriously, who cares? I would respond; well, if you are interested in having frequent unprotected sex with multiple partners there may be better retirement communities for you! My wife and I are concerned about many things in choosing where to live, but the STD rate is not one of them.

Me too! I don't see why we should be ashamed of this. Hey, there is something in The Villages for everyone

[looneycat]

Me too! I don't see why we should be ashamed of this. Hey, there is something in The Villages for everyone

why should we care if they don't also go nightie night with multiple sex partners like we all do! sheesh, it's just plain jealousy...good night pam, joan, leah....
:1rotfl:

[capecodbob]

Thanks to all who gave answers to my question. I appreciate you efforts and honesty.
And to those with the goof-ball remarks, thanks for your blah, blah, blah. You also added data that showed that some in TV are probably celibate. The only thing you might get is a headache! :icon_bored:

[Barefoot]

The Villages scandals: IRS, STDs, golf carts, and made-up history. - Slate Magazine (http://www.slate.com/articles/life/florida/features/2013/oh_florida/the_villages_scandals_irs_stds_golf_carts_and_made _up_history.html)

I'm not posting this because I agree with it, quite the contrary. I think it is a nasty and biased article. I apologize if it's been quoted before .. It's the first time I've seen it. The article came up when I googled The Villages. No wonder people get the wrong impression of this beautiful City.

[Villages PL]

It would be nice if people would bother to read the Orlando Sentinal article more carefully. It states "central Florida, where The Villages and other retirement communities sprawl....." It's about ALL retirement communities in central Florida.

And it's about a trend: Just like saying there are more and more cases of heart disease and/or cancer.

What would one expect when all of the retirement communities advertise that they are "active adult communities". :thumbup:

The bottom line: The Villages is no better or worse than any other central Florida retirement community.

[Bogie Shooter]

It's all been said....................let this thread die a quick death!

[ilovetv]

What's amazing to me is that many of the people, who jump at the chance to cite this distorted STD rumor, live in major cities where murder, gang domination of major chunks of territory and other violent crime runs rampant, but they don't talk about that.

Chicago had 23 shootings with at least 3 dead in the last two days, but our friends there never talk about that when indicating they'd never live in TV (never mind the fact they've never been here.....why complicate the assertion with facts or eyewitness information). And never mind the fact people and BABIES get gunned down or shot in the face thru no fault of their own, unlike how people knowingly take risks and get std's.

Orlando is another example where I've heard the ugly STD rumor when I said we love it here in TV. But Orlando ranks 3rd in this listing of the 11 Most Dangerous Cities......

3. Orlando, Florida (tie): The 11 Most Dangerous U.S. Cities - US News & World Report (http://www.usnews.com/news/slideshows/the-11-most-dangerous-us-cities/10)

[buggyone]

What's amazing to me is that many of the people, who jump at the chance to cite this distorted STD rumor, live in major cities where murder, gang domination of major chunks of territory and other violent crime runs rampant, but they don't talk about that.

Chicago had 23 shootings with at least 3 dead in the last two days, but our friends there never talk about that when indicating they'd never live in TV (never mind the fact they've never been here.....why complicate the assertion with facts or eyewitness information). And never mind the fact people and BABIES get gunned down or shot in the face thru no fault of their own, unlike how people knowingly take risks and get std's.

Orlando is another example where I've heard the ugly STD rumor when I said we love it here in TV. But Orlando ranks 3rd in this listing of the 11 Most Dangerous Cities......

3. Orlando, Florida (tie): The 11 Most Dangerous U.S. Cities - US News & World Report (http://www.usnews.com/news/slideshows/the-11-most-dangerous-us-cities/10)


Oh yeah, since the Orlando paper wrote a nasty article about The Villages, the best way to "get even" is to bash Orlando.

If you are not able to deflect the STD material into something humorous, just ignore it.

[DougB]

My neighbor went to see his doctor.
the doctor said, "I have good news
and bad news."
"What's the bad news?"
"Your wife has an STD"
"Jeez! What could possibly be good news."
"She didn't get it from you."

[ilovetv]

Oh yeah, since the Orlando paper wrote a nasty article about The Villages, the best way to "get even" is to bash Orlando.

If you are not able to deflect the STD material into something humorous, just ignore it.

I wasn't trying to "get even" nor "bash Orlando". I'm saying that random murder and violent crime are a bigger problem when considering what's a good and safe place for seniors to live.

[beekman]

We can all thank FOX News for running the report. Oh, should I mention, "fair and balanced". If you are having sex with anyone, make sure you really know who they are and play safe. Such STD reports are for slow news days and generally not factual, like "urban legends".

[Bogie Shooter]

We can all thank FOX News for running the report. Oh, should I mention, "fair and balanced". If you are having sex with anyone, make sure you really know who they are and play safe. Such STD reports are for slow news days and generally not factual, like "urban legends".

Boy Howdie!
Sorry Gracie................