Wanderlust World Wanderlust World It is widely accepted that in many circumstances social, physical and cognitive stimulation can help seniors defy age-related decline. It's for that reason that many seniors choose to live in San Diego, which has an array of opportunities to socialize and stay active.
Seniors can provide community service by volunteering with the San Diego Police Department. As part of the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (R.S.V.P.), those over age 50 work with law enforcement in various area stations of the city as an additional crime-prevention resource. Some of the duties include vacation house checks and 'You Are Not Alone' checks for elderly or disabled people who live alone. The program requirements are three 8-hour shifts per month, effective communication skills, reliability, trustworthiness, good health and a valid California driver's license, according to the city of San Diego website.
Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (R.S.V.P.)
City of San Diego Administration Building
202 C Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619-446-1012
sandiego.gov
Seniors can participate in competitive sports, too. Nintendo's Wii Fit games, such as bowling and golf, allow seniors to exercise and play in a comfortable and safe setting. Seniors can compete by registering their San Diego senior community with the National Senior League, which tracks and organizes matches among senior citizen groups across the country. "In addition to the team camaraderie, the exercise element of the Wii games can have a significant effect on the moods of elderly players," according to an article published in the San Diego News Network. A University of California-San Diego study of 19 participants between the ages of 64 and 94 showed exercise video games helped reduce symptoms of depression and provided a form of regular and sustainable exercise for seniors.
To sign up a senior living community, visit nslgames.com or email jeff@nslgames.com or johnc@nslgames.com.
Dance and play at San Diego's most famous park. Balboa Park houses the historic Casa del Prado and Balboa Park Club buildings. At Casa del Prado, seniors can partake in walking, scrabble and other board games, art, creative writing, dance and Bingo, according to the park website. The activities are free and available between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. They can also dance to live entertainment at the Balboa Park Club Ballroom on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
Balboa Park Senior Lounge,
Casa del Prado
Room 105
1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-0262
sandiego.gov
Balboa Park Club Ballroom
2150 Pan American Road West
San Diego, CA 92101
619-235-1169
sandiego.gov