Residents at The Villages rarely have to leave their 55+ community for anything. There are restaurants, banks, shops, and grocery stores in the neighborhoods. Soon, there will also be a full-service health care campus and medical center that will feature an acute care hospital, a research and education center, and services for health and wellness.
The Villages has announced a partnership with University of Florida Health with the intent of becoming “America’s Healthiest Hometown.” This initiative will bring a range of new services, resources, and support to residents at The Villages, including a focus on dental, nursing, public health, and even veterinary needs. The campus will include medical research facilities, specialty institutes, and a nutrition program.
Focusing on a New Health Care Model for Active Adults
The Villages endeavors to improve the way health care is provided to their residents. This UF partnership will bring innovation and convenience to the 60,000 homes that make up The Villages. People will have access to clinical trials, the latest medical technology, and doctors and nurses who are experts in their field. Medical residents and students will be on hand to learn and study medicine while contributing to the care of Central Florida’s largest population of 55+ residents.
Talks continue between UF and The Villages, and it’s possible that plans will expand to include residential space for medical personnel and students.
Active Living and Life Expectancy at The Villages
One of the goals of this partnership is to explore and improve life expectancy among active adult populations. Experts believe that a healthy and active lifestyle increases the number of healthy years that people have to live.
The Villages already does a good job of supporting an active and social lifestyle. The community’s amenities are focused on exercise, learning, and growth. Town squares and recreation centers are found throughout the community, covering more than 100 miles and 20,000 acres. There are more than 80 pools, 12 championship golf courses, and 41 free executive courses. Residents have access to numerous fitness centers, aerobics and dance classes, movement studios, and bowling alleys.
Competitive and friendly games are often found on the tennis, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts. There’s also shuffleboard, bocce, softball, and horseshoes. The Villages provides polo fields, equestrian facilities, and hundreds of walking trails and bike paths. Residents can enjoy gardening with neighbors, fishing in one of the local lakes, and jogging through well-landscaped and golf cart-friendly streets.
Health Care at The Villages
Hospitals, medical offices, pharmacies, and clinics are already present at The Villages. The community covers three Florida counties and just as many zip codes. Many residents get their health care within the community already. The partnership with UF will bring additional services and support from a publicly funded school that’s ranked No. 7 in public universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Central Florida Health currently provides most of the health care and medical services to The Villages. They own and operate The Villages Regional Hospital, and they have an affiliation with UF Health already. The two health care providers have been working to increase the number of primary care physicians in The Villages and throughout Marion, Sumter, and Lake County, where demand for high-quality family medicine has grown.
UF Health physicians already partner with medical staff at Central Florida Health to facilitate stroke care. The team at UF Health provides new technology and innovative treatments, including 24-consultations as needed and comprehensive treatment plans. Together, UF Health and Central Florida Health focus on stroke prevention and education.
Additional Good Reasons to Live in The Villages
The recent announcement that UF Health will partner with The Villages to expand and improve access to high-quality health care is only one of many great reasons for active adults to consider buying at home in The Villages. It’s the largest 55+ community in Florida, and it’s easily one of the most popular places for active adults to live.
New construction homes for sale at The Villages are available alongside resale homes. Buyers can choose single-family models, attached villas and condos, and manufactured homes in diverse neighborhoods. Prices start in the low $100s and climb as high as the $1Ms. HOA fees and services depend on the neighborhood and the home, but usually include landscaping, road and sidewalk maintenance, and security.
Hundreds of groups, classes, and activities are available. Musicians get together for bluegrass music jam sessions, there’s a needlepoint club, and residents can find support groups for cancer survivors and people who want to lose weight. Residents can also join the photography club, take woodworking classes, and learn new languages.
