Retirement. The word alone conjures images of inactivity and gradually slowing down. But for San Diego seniors transitioning out of full-time employment, life over 55 is really just beginning.
One of the greatest joys many new retirees are discovering is the sheer number of lifestyle options available to them. Whether they choose to stay in their current home or explore the many adults-only residence communities, there is no limit to what the future can hold.
This guide spotlights some of San Diego’s most dynamic lifestyle options and offers helpful tips and resources sure to make the golden years glow.
Fitness Matters
As we age, regular exercise can help boost energy levels and, in some instances, even reverse the symptoms of aging. Senior Resource Group, which operates two area residence communities, offers a signature wellness program titled Fitness Matters™. Residents enjoy access to state-of-the-art training equipment, exercise programs, and classes, plus a focus on intellectual wellness: You can learn a new language, join a book club, participate in a current events class, or serve on the resident council.
Celebrating Life Beyond Retirement in San Diego
Keeping Your Brain Healthy
Staying mentally fit is one of the biggest contributors to long-term quality of life. To meet this challenge, Belmont Village Senior Living—with locations nationwide, including Sabre Springs in Poway and Cardiff-by-the-Sea—developed a holistic program for whole-brain fitness that incorporates specific mental and physical workouts, creative group activities that are fun and therapeutic, and brain-friendly foods.
“We see a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in our residents as they achieve their goals,” says Beverly Sanborn, a Belmont Village gerontologist. “I had a resident tell me that our program made their group ‘feel alive again.’ You can’t ask for a better result than that.”
Whether you are in your 40s and planning ahead or already age 55 or older, now is a great time to begin thinking about what your future holds. Whatever you decide, San Diego is a great place to live, work, and retire in.
A Place to Call Home
One of the biggest decisions you will make as you approach retirement is whether to stay in your current home. For many older adults, staying put is preferable to moving into unfamiliar surroundings. The downside, of course, is that as your needs change over time, your current home may require some updates.
An excellent place to start researching your options is the AARP website (aarp.org), where you’ll find a wealth of helpful advice about modifying your home to make it safer and more comfortable as your physical capabilities change. Most modifications can be made simply and inexpensively.
Celebrating Life Beyond Retirement in San Diego
PeopleImages
Home Options, From City to Shore
San Diego is known for its diverse housing options, and the over-55 community category is no exception. Two Front Porch communities worth checking out are gold winners in the 2016 National Association of Home Builders Best of 55+ Housing Awards. Overlooking downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, Wesley Palms features all-new patio homes with classic California mid-century style on over 35 acres of parkland now available for reservation (wesleypalms.org).
Fredericka Manor in Chula Vista is a multilevel retirement community reminiscent of a classic American small town, complete with cottages on tree-lined streets and ocean-view apartment living. Amenities include a lily pond, dog park, and ample walking paths (frederickamanor.org).
Celebrating Life Beyond Retirement in San Diego
