Today, we were able to visit Casa de Manana, a senior home that overlooked La Jolla Cove. It was the epitome of beach front property—the ocean was nearly lapping against the road that led up to the front office, and the tang of saltwater was sharp and crisp in the air. In truth, it was the kind of place I’ve always imagined that seniors frequented.
All around, the surrounding cottages and apartments were well-constructed and had strong visual aesthetics. As a former hotel during the 1920s, Casa de Manana was refurbished into the almost resort-styled home that it is today. I’m not sure how I felt about this place. Yes, it was marvelous and wonderful with the art gallery hall that was in one of the main buildings. A tiny, beautifully made chapel next to a garden; a donated live-coral aquarium in the front lobby; dining rooms with a view of the sunset. And what’s more—a rose bush planted in honor of every new resident! I felt as if I was walking through a living, antiquated museum especially after I visited the tiny, senior-run store near the Theater, and saw the suits and jewels that were on display in the glass case. Was I in the 70’s? The Aughts? What magically serene world had I stumbled upon?
It felt too good to be real—how could these seniors be living so comfortably when I had heard so much about how most elders live at or below the federal poverty line? When Mr. Weber, one of the marketing directors, talked to us about his happy experiences and how he wished every senior home could become a community as vibrant as this one, all I could think of was the Sara Francis Motel. I thought of those elders living in those tiny cramped spaces while here at the Casa de Manana, these residents were dining on daintily placed dishes three times a day.
Despite the stark differences I noticed, I realized that most seniors stay true to who they are. For instance, at the Gary and Mary West Center, I came across grandparents who were thinking about their grandchildren, individuals who were still looking to seize the day. This, too, can be said about the residents of Casa de Manana—especially Janet, a wonderful woman whom I was able to speak with.
Age isn’t something that prevents people from doing what they love. Janet shared about her experiences getting married in Kansas City and moving up and down the coast of California—first working as an elementary school teacher around Berkeley then moving back down to La Jolla to retire. She holds an active role in the community as an avid member of both the Casa Club and the monthly newspaper. Janet talked about the Women’s March that took place this past month and how sometimes she advocates for the city to update the failing sidewalks that are dangerous to seniors. All in all, she has a sharp mind and it doesn’t look like she plans to slow down any time soon.
All elders should be able to enjoy this level of comfort. I don’t know if it’s the culture, the federal government, or stigmas in general, but seniors deserve more credit than they’re given. I don’t know why people think older individuals are a lost cause, but seniors, just as much any young person, deserve a place where they can bloom. If the conditions of Casa de Manana were made more accessible, I know that elders could probably spearhead just as much change as the young ‘uns of today.
All around, the surrounding cottages and apartments were well-constructed and had strong visual aesthetics. As a former hotel during the 1920s, Casa de Manana was refurbished into the almost resort-styled home that it is today. I’m not sure how I felt about this place. Yes, it was marvelous and wonderful with the art gallery hall that was in one of the main buildings. A tiny, beautifully made chapel next to a garden; a donated live-coral aquarium in the front lobby; dining rooms with a view of the sunset. And what’s more—a rose bush planted in honor of every new resident! I felt as if I was walking through a living, antiquated museum especially after I visited the tiny, senior-run store near the Theater, and saw the suits and jewels that were on display in the glass case. Was I in the 70’s? The Aughts? What magically serene world had I stumbled upon?
It felt too good to be real—how could these seniors be living so comfortably when I had heard so much about how most elders live at or below the federal poverty line? When Mr. Weber, one of the marketing directors, talked to us about his happy experiences and how he wished every senior home could become a community as vibrant as this one, all I could think of was the Sara Francis Motel. I thought of those elders living in those tiny cramped spaces while here at the Casa de Manana, these residents were dining on daintily placed dishes three times a day.
Despite the stark differences I noticed, I realized that most seniors stay true to who they are. For instance, at the Gary and Mary West Center, I came across grandparents who were thinking about their grandchildren, individuals who were still looking to seize the day. This, too, can be said about the residents of Casa de Manana—especially Janet, a wonderful woman whom I was able to speak with.
Age isn’t something that prevents people from doing what they love. Janet shared about her experiences getting married in Kansas City and moving up and down the coast of California—first working as an elementary school teacher around Berkeley then moving back down to La Jolla to retire. She holds an active role in the community as an avid member of both the Casa Club and the monthly newspaper. Janet talked about the Women’s March that took place this past month and how sometimes she advocates for the city to update the failing sidewalks that are dangerous to seniors. All in all, she has a sharp mind and it doesn’t look like she plans to slow down any time soon.
All elders should be able to enjoy this level of comfort. I don’t know if it’s the culture, the federal government, or stigmas in general, but seniors deserve more credit than they’re given. I don’t know why people think older individuals are a lost cause, but seniors, just as much any young person, deserve a place where they can bloom. If the conditions of Casa de Manana were made more accessible, I know that elders could probably spearhead just as much change as the young ‘uns of today.