San Diego Retirement Communities

According to statistics from the United States Census Bureau , almost 30% of San Diego, California’s million-plus residents are age 50 and older. Based on these numbers, not only are seniors the “norm” in California’s second largest city, they may soon account for half of its population. Those numbers may be enough to convince some retirees to consider moving to San Diego, but there is so much more to the southern California city than demographic segmentation. For example, there is the nearly 300 year old city’s rich cultural history and its almost perpetual mild weather. Another advantage of living in San Diego is the fact that, geographically speaking, Mexico is next door. This can make “south of the border” vacations convenient and economical.

Attractions

San Diego has more than 50 miles of coastline to explore and is famous for its gorgeous weather. Nature-loving seniors in San Diego retirement communities can literally visit a different beach every day for weeks and enjoy jogging along the boardwalk or playing a game of volleyball at Mission Beach, surfing at Pacific Beach or just relaxing with other seniors at the Senior Lounge in Balboa Park. Just as much fun can be had indoors by way of Sycuan Resort & Casino – one of more than ten casinos in the San Diego area. One of Sycuan Resort & Casino’s notable features is its 1,200-seat bingo hall. While many of the casinos also have restaurants, seniors who enjoy eastern San Diego’s “old west” ambience will enjoy Cowgirl Cafe, which is known for its eponymous gumbo. Other restaurants of note include Anthony’s Fish Grotto on the Bay and Cafe Bahia located within the Bahia Resort Hotel. Both restaurants have received great reviews on consumer-oriented websites. Anthony’s has been voted “favorite seafood restaurant” by San Diego residents for more than a decade. It is doesn’t look as if Cafe Bahia will have a shortage of customers anytime soon, thanks to its signature salads and tacos. Patrons can also enjoy a leisurely after-dinner cruise aboard the Bahia Belle. History buffs will learn quite a bit about San Diego’s diverse cultural heritage just by visiting a few of the cities numerous museums. For example, by visiting the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, seniors will get a richer understanding of the city’s historic Chinatown, its settlers and their contributions to San Diego. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo – California’s first European settler – will almost be brought to life via exhibits and film found at the Cabrillo National Monument. A trip to the San Diego Museum of Man will provide visitors with a wealth of information about San Diego’s indigenous people (the Kumeyaay) and their multiple contributions to the city.

Senior Activities

San Diego retirement communities residents can live a very active lifestyle. Senior dances, replete with door prizes, food and drink and live bands, are held throughout the year at the Balboa Park Club in San Diego. The price of admission is currently set at a budget-friendly $3.00. Dance lessons are also available for those seniors who want to hone their waltz and tango skills. The fee for these lessons is covered by the admission fee. There are a number of free activities that seniors can take part in as well, such as games, poetry parties and needlework. Among these free activities, there is a wonderful program that was created specifically for homebound seniors called Senior Center without Walls . In addition to just chatting with others on the phone, Senior Center without Walls also has more than thirty classes and activities that homebound seniors can participate in to help prevent and/or treat depression.

Medical Facilities

As of the date of this article, there are twenty-eight hospitals in the metro-area for San Diego retirement communities to choose from. Data from the American Hospital Association (aha.org) show that UC San Diego Medical Center and Scripps Mercy Hospital have the distinction of being named two of the best hospitals in both the state of California and the United States as a whole. The data was based on patient satisfaction and staff expertise in geriatric care. However, there are other specialties for which both hospitals have received glowing reviews (e.g., cancer treatment, cardiology, orthopedics, diabetes, and urology).

Transportation

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System charges seniors and disabled individuals who ride the city’s buses and trolleys reduced rates. RideFACT is dial-a-ride transportation service program that was created for seniors (age 60 and over) and persons living with disabilities. It provides them with “general purpose” transportation for a nominal fee which is perfect for members of the San Diego retirement communities.

The fusion of Asian, Spanish, Indigenous American, African and European flavors help make equally eclectic and exciting San Diego retirement communities. This, in addition to a plethora of senior-oriented activities to take part in, makes “America’s Finest City” a great place for retirees to call home.