Overlooking La Jolla Cove, the home of the San Diego seals, is a retirement home called Casa de Manana. As I was standing by the entrance, I noticed the old fashioned but sturdy architecture, the quiet and peaceful vibes, and the sights of the vast blue ocean right across the street.
We had the fortunate opportunity to take a tour where Kelly and Betty provided many insights about what life is like at Casa de Manana.
“I’ve raised nine children, went through two careers, and I came to Casa to spoil myself,” one senior shared.
And I believe so. Casa offers activities nearly every other day, from visits to preschools, to concerts, to bingo nights, and visits to the park. They have a full gym equipped with personal trainers and nutritionists to keep them healthy. They have cooks for every meal of the day and daily cleaning services. They have Spanish, Latin, Oil painting, knitting, exercise, and many other classes to enrich their knowledge. They even have a library with couches in front of a giant window directly facing the ocean.
The seniors who shared their stories as well as other seniors whom we observed at their morning classes throughout the tour were all smiling and enjoying their time. Before visiting here, I had no idea this place existed and walking through the home honestly felt like a luxurious experience.
I left Casa with mixed emotions. I am happy this place exists, and glad that so many seniors found Casa home, but contrasting this place with the senior center we visited last week shed light on just how different the life course of people from different socioeconomic classes can be.
We had the fortunate opportunity to take a tour where Kelly and Betty provided many insights about what life is like at Casa de Manana.
“I’ve raised nine children, went through two careers, and I came to Casa to spoil myself,” one senior shared.
And I believe so. Casa offers activities nearly every other day, from visits to preschools, to concerts, to bingo nights, and visits to the park. They have a full gym equipped with personal trainers and nutritionists to keep them healthy. They have cooks for every meal of the day and daily cleaning services. They have Spanish, Latin, Oil painting, knitting, exercise, and many other classes to enrich their knowledge. They even have a library with couches in front of a giant window directly facing the ocean.
The seniors who shared their stories as well as other seniors whom we observed at their morning classes throughout the tour were all smiling and enjoying their time. Before visiting here, I had no idea this place existed and walking through the home honestly felt like a luxurious experience.
I left Casa with mixed emotions. I am happy this place exists, and glad that so many seniors found Casa home, but contrasting this place with the senior center we visited last week shed light on just how different the life course of people from different socioeconomic classes can be.