One popular pseudo-fact that pounces on newcomers is The Villages has the highest STD rate of any retirement community in Florida. People of color, LGBTQ people and women experience disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted diseases due to social determinants of health that are more likely to impact marginalized groups. Among all age groups nationwide, reported cases of syphilis increased 60 . Half of all infections are among people 15 to 24. Florida identified 4,584 new HIV diagnoses, according to the most recent data available from the federal agencys HIV surveillance report, which collected data from 2015 to 2019. The study reported that Pensacola has 950 STD cases per 100,000 population . Roy Rowlett wrote: It doesnt matter what the truth is. 850-245-4303. Early Retirement Can Be Hazardous to Your Health. But rumors travel fast in communities with shared values and histories. Since the 2000s, lawmakers have reallocated money for sexual health, a move that experts often credit with contributing to a nationwide spike. @media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) { The Best Walkable Places to Retire in South Carolina, Rising Popularity of ADUs a Blessing for Retirees, More Tales of Downsizing and the Household Negotiations Involved. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A19. This is a sprawling set of retirement neighborhoods with access to over 3,000 activities and clubs, plus an astounding 50+ golf courses. Hillsborough reported 285 HIV cases in 2019, and Pinellas reported 196. Rumors of high STD rates in the Villages persist. Blechmans neighbors had moved to The Villages from New England and he paid them a visit. .kxikc63ffb4b933c33 { White is for beginners and black is for those who want it all at the complex. The Best States: Where Are Retirees Moving to? The Villages is about a 15 minute drive North for me. you can anticipate to spend between $807 and $1,262 per month to live in The Villages, Florida, depending on your home choice and the associated fees. With a focus on fitness, relationships, Cresswind Charleston is Charleston-area's BEST active adult lifestyle community. STDs. New Rules Push Back RMD Start, Reduce Penalties. When barriers to health care are high, so are rates of sexually transmitted diseases, studies show. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight. Sumter County had one of the lowest rates of sexually transmitted diseases among older adults in 2019 with about one in 10,000. A primary care physician in the community with ties to The Villages brass did his part to kill the urban myth about rampant STDs in the mega retirement community. "My doctor in Ohio even, when he asked where we spend time in Florida, stated . It had legs, said Andrew Blechman, author of Leisureville: Adventures in a World Without Children, a 2009 book on life in The Villages that is referenced in almost all coverage of this issue. A Facebook group called The Villages Word of Mouth is filled with stories from the infamous retirement community. In 2009, The Post reported on the Villages, calling the community ground zero for geriatrics who are seriously getting it on.. Chlamydia Rate . And theres no reason to believe that will drastically change anytime soon. Slides with selected figures, data points, a five year summary table, and technical notes are available. The Villages in Florida is the world's largest retirement community and has been dubbed 'the Disney World for old people', but the antics of the residents who should know better would make Mickey . Because theres so much shame associated with them.. were focusing on COVID. Communities | 61 among the top 100 U.S. cities with the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases. HIV Cases. The No. Both served jail time as a result of the escapade. Here is what we found: 17 of the Top 25 cities with the highest STD rates are located in states with healthcare spending below the national average of $10,191 per capita. Others believe it began with a joke on a radio station. Fv 27, 2023 . According to statistics provided by the Florida Department of Health, the three counties which make up The VillagesSumter, Lake, and Marionall have bacterial STD infection rates well below the state average for adults over the age of 55. 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, the three most commonly . . In reality, I dont see much STDs, said Villa, who has worked in The Villages almost two decades. Answer: If you test positive for an STD your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Compared to Florida overall, however, the three counties containing The Villages tended to have significantly lower rates. Annually the Florida Department of Health provides the federal government with statistical data collected though out our state in regards to sexually transmitted diseases and treatment. ", Copyright 2021 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As for the alledged STD rate, see the "Highest std rate?" section above, where the topic was rejected long ago as an urban legend. If you are planning to visit the villages you should be aware of the risks. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { You do not have access to www.55places.com. Given the fact that Florida is one of the most popular . It cited two links that are no longer active, including the 2006 story. About Us | Had you heard the accounts of The Villages as the STD capital? All of them are tested for sexually transmitted diseases. DCHP.STD.Feedback@flhealth.gov. Data editor Langston Taylor contributed to this report. Despite a 14-year-old urban legend that won't go away, The Villages didn't make the list of the worst cities for sexually transmitted diseases.. That distinction belongs to Baltimore, Maryland - the 26th largest city in the United States with a population of about 602,495 - which had the highest per capita rate with 2,004 cases reported per 100,000 residents, according to statistics . Residents of The Villages are, of course, sexually active, said Dr. Marivic Villa, an internist who runs a health clinic in the retirement community. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that Florida is leading the nation in the number of new HIV infections, and has the third highest rate of infection, behind the District of Columbia and Georgia. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Orlando came in at No. I took my first photography class when I was 11. New York, and Maryland saw the highest instance of STIs among populations 55 and older with an average STI rate per 100,000 at 881.8, 236.2, and 172.7 respectively. Richard Willis, Florida Department of Health HIV/AIDS surveillance officer for Florida regions 3 and 13 (which includes The Villages), feels there's no significant difference in senior HIV rates in The Villages when compared to the rest of Florida. It pointed out that stories about a high rate of STD cases in the community were likely exaggerated. Discovered on: 2022-08-20 15:38:49 The Villages, a mammoth retirement community that was the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation two years ago, is no stranger to folklore. The Villages is rocking out with their loofahs out! one commenter quipped. Many Villagers agreed, noting theyve never heard the myth from someone living in the community. It had received more than 300 responses. The Villages, Florida was nominated as a Geography and places good article, but it did not meet the good article criteria at the time (February 9, 2022). The findings concluded that STD rates continue to run rampant in the South, with nearly half of the top 25 cities with the highest STD rates in the South. Statistics from the Florida Department of Health seemed to support the doctors claim, as the rate of syphilis and gonorrhea cases in the tri-county area had remained steady from 2000 to 2004. As talk of Blechmans book circulated throughout the community and Villagers made a run on local bookstores to get a copy, the second whammy came to life. . Some people love gossip about old people and sex.. } I feel like I have to justify to every single person I know that I didnt buy this place to chase women, said Lafferty, who is 69 and single. The New York Post picked up the salacious report as did other media outlets across the country. This is especially true of young people who are not using condoms. If you are planning to visit the villages you should be aware of the risks. Peopl, Infection Detected! Why arent they opening the movie theaters? The reported cases of syphilis and chlamydia among older adults outpaced the nation's average, according to the analysis. Some people love gossip about old people and sex.. In fact, looking at statistics from the Florida Department of Health, it is at the bottom for cases per 100,000 residents. And the percentage of older adults living in poverty is slightly lower than the national rate, suggesting its retirees may have better access to health care than the country as a whole. I think I have an STD. Answer: You can get tested for STDs at your local health department community health center or doctors office. She says part of the reason infections are so high is because HIV isn't the death sentence it used to be. People just want to paint the picture that old people here are like young people in New Orleans. } In 2009, the New York Post called The Villages ground zero for geriatrics who are seriously getting it on.. The myth snowballed from there. Answer: Theres no reason to be embarrassed about getting tested for STDs. There are a number of reasons why the STD rate is so high in the villages. But perhaps no myth is more ubiquitous or more enduring than the idea of rampant rates of sexually transmitted diseases. SeaCasa1: Oh cachu!! Copyright 2022 by The Associated Press - All rights reserved. Tallahassee, Fort Lauderdale, and Pensacola also made the cut. Moreover, there have been rumors of residents engaging in activity that may have raised STD rates in the community. FOX 35 Orlando. And it offered this assessment: Welcome to ground zero for geriatrics who are seriously getting it on., Several supposed Villagers were quoted in the article. In fact, looking at statistics from the Florida Department of Health, it is at the bottom for cases per 100,000 residents. This really has nothing to do with concern about high STD rates it has to do with old people having sex, he said. The latest local, regional and national news events are presented by the Local 10 News Team along with updated sports, weather and traffic. Answer: If you think you may have an STD its important to see a healthcare provider right away. "My doctor in Ohio even, when he asked where we spend time in Florida, stated 'Oh, The Villages the highest STD rate in the country,'" said Jan Schweitzer in a post, obtained by the AP . Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise nationally in the wake of the pandemic. Dont change the dress code at golf courses, Immediate attention needed at Palmetto Executive Golf Course, Alligator Sunning In The Village Of Pine Ridge, Great Horned Owl And Owlet At Briarwood Executive Golf Course, Carolina Chickadee Building Nest In The Villages, Bald Eagle Bringing Breakfast To Nest At Briarwood Executive Golf Course, Anhinga Catching Dinner At Saddlebrook Executive Golf Course. 64 with 932 STD cases reported per 100,000. A moderator disabled comments on the post within days. Other colors, including teal, are apparently reserved for those who identify as bisexual. You're having sex with women that can't get pregnant anymore, and guess they're like why to use condoms. .kxikc63ffb4b933c33 { Advertise | TrackBack URL. We have 1,200 - 1,500 paid members each year . Credit: The Villages. We are more worried about alligators than crabs here, typed Sean Donnelly. And if you do have an STD the sooner you get treated the better. 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