Retirement
With San Diego’s perfect weather, relaxed lifestyle, and great outdoor opportunities, most locals take leisure time as seriously as those who choose to retire from full-time employment. We believe that regardless of one’s age, San Diego is easy on the body and soul.
Most who retire in San Diego immediately feel right at home; after all, seniors are a valued part of every neighborhood. Folks who call San Diego home try to stay here when retirement beckons, though it’s tempting to take advantage of high real estate prices, sell our homes, and splurge on retirement fun. Others move from those places where the white stuff accumulates each winter—and we’re not talking beach sand. The benefits include the weather and numerous outdoor activities. This is a water-sport and golf paradise (just check out our chapters on these topics). The downside of retirement in San Diego is the cost of living. The county is one of the more expensive areas in the United States, and fewer seniors are retiring here.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, persons 65 years old or older make up 11.1 percent of the population of San Diego County. In some neighborhoods, such as Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, and Rancho Santa Fe, that percentage is considerably higher. In nearly every community in our county there’s a comfortable mix of families, singles, and retirees. See our Relocation chapter to get a feel for the area’s communities.
Regardless of age, San Diegans love to sit at the marinas and watch the sailboats, picnic at Balboa Park on lazy summer days, and hike or bike in the wilderness areas with cameras slung around our necks. The only real difference is that some of us have to get back to work on Monday and others go out to find more fun.
In this chapter we’ve identified some opportunities for the 55-plus age group. We’ve included information on senior centers, senior programs, and organizations that offer senior advocacy. We’ve pointed out some senior publications and given information on how seniors can get any help they need. We have included a smattering of residential options that include multilevel care. These facilities abound in San Diego County, so we’ve tried to point out some ways you can compare the many choices before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Alzheimer’S Association
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (858) 492-4400
Description: This organization provides and coordinates a countywide effort to give information and referrals. They also offer respite programs, support groups, and education programs. The organization coordinates the Safe Return system, a wanderers alert program. The local helpline number is (800) 272-3900.
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
3. Jewish Family Service Senior Services
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (619) 563-5232
Address: 2930 Copley Avenue
Description: This valuable organization has several offices in the county that are open to all seniors, and services are available on a sliding scale. Licensed clinical social workers give free consultations and provide information and recommendations on physical and mental health issues. You’ll find people willing to help with issues of housing, managed care, adult day care, and counseling. There is even a hot meal delivery service available.
4. Meals-On-Wheels
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: South Bay (619) 420-2782
Description: This agency provides two home-delivered meals per day to seniors who are ill or disabled, for a suggested fee based on a sliding scale. The association accommodates special and restricted diet choices, too. Dependable volunteers are always needed.
5. National Association Of Hispanic Elderly
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (619) 425-3734
Description: This organization helps Hispanic seniors with social and economic concerns and provides programs to help with temporary employment and training.
6. San Diego Eldercare Directory
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (619) 718-5214
Description: This annual publication lists senior services from health care to legal advice, along with living options such as assisted care and skilled nursing services. It’s available at all San Diego Union-Tribune offices throughout the county, as well as city and county libraries. The publication is free if you pick it up yourself or $10 if you request that it be mailed to you.
7. New Lifestyles
City: San Diego, CA
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (800) 820-3013
Description: This national publisher puts out an excellent small magazine with information on retirement communities, assisted living facilities, home-care agencies, and nearly every type of facility you might require. The comprehensive listings will give you a great overview of what’s available throughout the county.