[Michael 61]

Andrew Blechman, who wrote the infamous “Leisureville” book back in 2009, made a bold prediction, in that when the then current generation of “villagers” died off, that The Villages would fall apart and lose it’s desirability as a retirement destination for the next generation (basically the baby-boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964).

So what’s happened since that book was published in 2009? Baby Boomers have flocked to The Villages in droves, and now Gen-Xers are starting to retire (those born in the mid and late 60s are now turning 55), and also are helping drive the rapid growth here. I was wondering what happened to Mr. Blechman. He definitely had an ax to grind and had a pre-set narrative prior to even writing the book, and his research centered on a few wild and one-off characters of sensational nature, to help sell his book and forward his narrative.

I don’t know Mr. Blechman’s age now, but I would guess he is close to my age, which makes him 55+ now himself. I would find it interesting to see what he now has to say about The Villages, since so much has changed in this community since 2009, and is more popular now than ever before.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Andrew Blechman, who wrote the infamous “Leisureville” book back in 2009, made a bold prediction, in that when the then current generation of “villagers” died off, that The Villages would fall apart and lose it’s desirability as a retirement destination for the next generation (basically the baby-boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964).

So what’s happened since that book was published in 2009? Baby Boomers have flocked to The Villages in droves, and now Gen-Xers are starting to retire (those born in the mid and late 60s are now turning 55), and also are helping drive the rapid growth here. I was wondering what happened to Mr. Blechman. He definitely had an ax to grind and had a pre-set narrative prior to even writing the book, and his research centered on a few wild and one-off characters of sensational nature, to help sell his book and forward his narrative.

I don’t know Mr. Blechman’s age now, but I would guess he is close to my age, which makes him 55+ now himself. I would find it interesting to see what he now has to say about The Villages, since so much has changed in this community since 2009, and is more popular now than ever before.

Andrew D. Blechman - author of LEISUREVILLE and PIGEONS

I would not call him "infamous". He had valid concerns when he was writing which I think was in 2005. That is when he was here in the Villages. A few weeks around November-December of 2005. I recall he mentioned going to see King Kong at the Old Mill Playhouse.

Think it took him a while to write the book.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

Andrew D. Blechman - author of LEISUREVILLE and PIGEONS

I would not call him "infamous". He had valid concerns when he was writing which I think was in 2005. That is when he was here in the Villages. A few weeks around November-December of 2005. I recall he mentioned going to see King Kong at the Old Mill Playhouse.

Think it took him a while to write the book.

I wasn’t referring to him as being “infamous”, but his book.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Andrew Blechman, who wrote the infamous “Leisureville” book back in 2009, made a bold prediction, in that when the then current generation of “villagers” died off, that The Villages would fall apart and lose it’s desirability as a retirement destination for the next generation (basically the baby-boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964).

So what’s happened since that book was published in 2009? Baby Boomers have flocked to The Villages in droves, and now Gen-Xers are starting to retire (those born in the mid and late 60s are now turning 55), and also are helping drive the rapid growth here. I was wondering what happened to Mr. Blechman. He definitely had an ax to grind and had a pre-set narrative prior to even writing the book, and his research centered on a few wild and one-off characters of sensational nature, to help sell his book and forward his narrative.

I don’t know Mr. Blechman’s age now, but I would guess he is close to my age, which makes him 55+ now himself. I would find it interesting to see what he now has to say about The Villages, since so much has changed in this community since 2009, and is more popular now than ever before.

A premature conclusion ? 44% of the boomers have not yet reached full retirement age per SSI eligibility requirements.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by rustyp

A premature conclusion ? 44% of the boomers have not yet reached full retirement age per SSI eligibility requirements.

Yet, The Villages is flooded with younger “boomers” (those of us born in the 1960s) like myself, who have retired way before full retirement age. Blechman predicted people of my age any younger would not want to live in age- segregated community when we retired. Looks like he missed the mark on that prediction. South of 44 has attracted a lot of younger boomers, and now lots of gen-x folks who are retiring way before the full SSI age of 67.

[MrFlorida]

Remember the book "1984" well that sure has come true....didn't it ?

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by MrFlorida

Remember the book "1984" well that sure has come true....didn't it ?

?????
Kind of apples and oranges, don’t you think?

[JoelJohnson]

10,000 people turn 65 EVERY DAY!

[Bogie Shooter]

I could care less what Blechman might have to say today.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

I would find it interesting to see what he now has to say about The Villages, since so much has changed in this community since 2009, and is more popular now than ever before.

You know it was fiction, right???

He said what he had to in order to sell books.

You are living the experience now..................your views are much more factual.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

You know it was fiction, right???

He said what he had to in order to sell books.

You are living the experience now..................your views are much more factual.

Yep - and it’s a great place, isn’t it! Wouldn’t have wanted to retire anyplace else - this place is vibrant and growing - the coming years are going to be amazing to watch unfold. We’re all so fortunate to be here.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Yep - and it’s a great place, isn’t it! Wouldn’t have wanted to retire anyplace else - this place is vibrant and growing - the coming years are going to be amazing to watch unfold. We’re all so fortunate to be here.

Write a book!!!!...............retirement funds.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Write a book!!!!...............retirement funds.

Many paragraphs already written.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Yep - and it’s a great place, isn’t it! Wouldn’t have wanted to retire anyplace else - this place is vibrant and growing - the coming years are going to be amazing to watch unfold. We’re all so fortunate to be here.

Actually I feel I'm the lucky one for not being in TV at present. 80 degrees 50% RH and a delightful breeze at my cabin on the lake right now.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

.He definitely had an ax to grind and had a pre-set narrative prior to even writing the book, and his research centered on a few wild and one-off characters of sensational nature, to help sell his book and forward his narrative.

I believe your answer is right there. The prediction of it falling apart & having no appeal to baby boomers was part of his narrative. He was so annoyed by his wonderful, retired, no kids in the school system, neighbors moving away, he was blinded to the potential & possibilities. Since Blechman's kids are undoubtedly through the school system by now, it would be amusing to think he might want to retire here, except for the fact that he smeared the place in a book.