Senior Living

Apples and Oranges. Everyone knows the familiar metaphor for things that simply can't be placed in the same category. If you live in South or Coastal Orange County, you might find the metaphor particularly appropriate. Comparing it to other places just can't be done. Its ever-changing blend of natural beauty family-friendly neighborhoods, diverse communities and thriving businesses make it truly stand out in the crowd.

Popular Area

Orange County’s senior population is rapidly growing thanks to the area’s impressive healthcare facilities, great climate and abundance of leisure and cultural activities. The over 65 population of Orange County alone has risen to over 310,000 (according to the 2008 Census) and is projected to double in the next 20 years. Breathtaking golf courses, proximity to the ocean, the mountains and all the activities that have drawn people to sunny California for years are just some of the reasons many people are choosing to retire here. Community leaders know that the area is becoming a major retirement location and they are striving to offer high quality services. There are senior centers with programs for active retirees, adult day care centers for the elderly who require varying levels of assistance, and numerous educational and part time work opportunities for those who want to remain active.

Housing Alternatives

Seniors in Orange County enjoy a wide variety of housing, services and activities. Senior housing in Orange County spans the spectrum from luxurious to modest with options ranging from private homes to condominiums, senior apartments and manufactured home parks. Senior rentals are designated with the needs of older residents in mind. Quality facilities offer good security and convenience with rents varying depending on size, services and location. Government subsidies make it possible for senior apartments to offer lower rental rates to qualifying seniors. Assisted living facilities combine housing with other support services such as meals, transportation, housekeeping and laundry. They are a smart choice for seniors who need help with some daily chores but do not need the continual monitoring of a nursing home. Continuing care retirement centers offer residents a range of housing and care from independent living to 24-hour nursing assistance. Skilled nursing homes are often separate facilities of may be part of another type of senior community.

Services and Attractions

Health care providers in Orange County pay special attention to the needs of seniors. Many offer free flu shots, educational classes and preventive care programs as well as free transportation to and from doctor’s appointments.

Educational and business centers throughout Orange County offer myriad opportunities for seniors to attend classes and enrich their knowledge at little or no cost. Adults 50 and over can often enroll in college and university classes for a fee as low as $30 and pay a small tuition of $10 per class in subjects such as writing, history, political science or art.

Orange County’s area attractions, restaurants and cultural centers frequently feature senior days and discount admissions.

With so much to see and do in and around Orange County, residents are finding life after 50 need not be boring; it can be the start of richly fulfilling new adventures.

Senior Resources

Additional Resources & Web Links

Orange County Senior Services	(714) 567-7500
Orange County Area Agency on Aging	(714) 567-7500
Norman P. Murray Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo The center offers many services and activities to older adults. They offer classes in a wide variety of topics. The center also organizes Day Trips to a variety of interesting places, such as; Lake Arrowhead, Catalina Island, J. Paul Getty Museum, Old Globe Theater, and on and on.	(949) 470-3062
- Health & Nutritional Services
- Legal/Financial/Consumer Services
- In-Home Support Services

Other Agencies & Services
AARP	(800) 424-3410
Elder Care Locator	(800) 677-1116
Senior Citizen's Legal Advocacy	(714) 571-5245
Senior Dental Referral	(714) 634-8944
South County Senior Services	(949) 498-0400
Social Security Administration Offices	(800) 772-1213
US Eldercare Referral Agency	(800) 848-1008

Web Site Links
ChoicesForSeniorCare.com
SeniorsSearch.com - Find whatever you are looking for regarding Senior issues and needs from this Internet "Search Engine" created specifically for Seniors.
Access America for Seniors - The US Gov. site website to conduct business with & get information from the government...all in one place!
Administration on Aging (Dept. of Health & Human Services)	(714) 567-7500
California Department of Aging	(800) 510-2020