Aging Well-2026

Aging Well

FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART

Inside:

Foundation Pilates

Emphasizes Strength, Balance and Longevity

Exercise for Pain +

Welcome Spring Aging Well 2026

Spring arrives with a familiar promise of renewal in South Orange County.

In this season of growth, the concept of aging well takes center stage for the older adults who call San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Dana Point home. Staying vibrant in our community isn’t a passive process—it is an active, joyful pursuit of curiosity, movement and social connection.

Wellness begins with the mind, and our local institutions prove that the classroom has no age limit. At the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute, tuition-free courses ranging from ceramics to applied biology provide more than just a hobby; they offer a powerful way to improve cognitive function and reduce isolation. Similarly, the Mission San Juan Capistrano offers deep historical engagement, while the Dorothy Visser Senior Center helps residents stay modern through digital literacy workshops and “Tech Help Tuesdays.”

Physical vitality is equally essential to longevity. This guide explores the massive surge in pickleball, a sport that has become a social cornerstone for seniors looking to boost heart health and

bone density. For those seeking more intentional, low-impact movement, Foundation Pilates in San Clemente highlights how core stability and balance are critical for maintaining independence and preventing falls. Even for those navigating chronic pain, the latest medical insights suggest a shift away from traditional bed rest toward tailored exercise. As we explore in this issue, activities like yoga and aquatic movements can actually reduce pain sensitivity and improve emotional wellbeing. Finally, we look toward our greatest local amenity: the Pacific Ocean. Research consistently shows that living near “blue spaces” is linked to longer life expectancy and reduced stress. Whether you are utilizing the accessible beach wheelchairs at Doheny State Beach or taking a steady stroll along the San Clemente Beach Trail, our coastal environment offers a natural, accessible path to cardiovascular health. Aging well is about more than just adding years to a life; it is about adding life to those years. We hope this guide inspires you to discover new ways to stay strong, stay sharp and stay connected to the beautiful community around you.

Power of Pickleball to Promote Healthy Living

By Alicia Venter

Over the past few years, pickleball has surged in popularity. There are several factors contributing to its growth — low cost of entry, simple rules and accessibility, to name just a few.

The sport is particularly beneficial for the older generation. According to an August 2025 article by AARP, people over age 65 make up the second largest age bracket of pickleball players, making up 15% of participants.

The sport has significant benefits both mentally and physically. According to a study by the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, playing pickleball improves heart rate. Furthermore, it promotes bone health, flexibility, core strength and muscle tone — all without overextending the athlete.

Furthermore, the game is a great way to promote social interaction. At the very least, you have a competitor. Oftentimes, games are played in doubles, meaning teams of two face each other. Players can grab a paddle and head to a court in the community.

The coastal cities of South Orange County offer several excellent public venues for

pickleball, from dedicated court complexes to community parks with shared facilities. Richard T. Steed Memorial Park is a premier destination for pickleball in San Clemente, with eight dedicated outdoor courts at 247 Avenida La Pata. These unlit courts are open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk on a first-come, first-served basis, often utilizing a paddle rotation system to manage players. The park is a well-rounded recreational hub featuring restrooms and drinking fountains.

San Juan Capistrano Pickleball & Tennis Courts is a highly visited facility located at 31480 Camino Capistrano. It has four dedicated outdoor concrete courts with permanent lines that are free for community use. Nearby Sendero Field in Rancho Mission Viejo area offers four outdoor courts at 29207 Ortega Highway. Managed by the local HOA, the courts provide specific public access windows, including Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and weekday afternoons after 10:30 a.m.

Del Obispo Community Park in Dana Point, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street, has six courts. The facility offers three outdoor courts for free drop-in play and three indoor courts typically reserved for city-run classes and pre-registered programs. The park is wheelchair accessible and equipped with restrooms and water.

Not interested in public courts? Check out more private options below:

Dorothy Visser Senior Center acts as a central social and athletic hub for the older generation in San Clemente. Located at 117 Avenida Victoria, the center partners with local recreation agencies to provide a welcoming space for social pickleball rotations and skill-building clinics.

Dana Point Community Center has a robust schedule specifically tailored to the age 55 and older demographic, featuring indoor sessions that avoid the midday heat and wind of the coast. The center offers several “Intermediate Social Play” and “Beginner DropIn” windows where the emphasis is on camaraderie and consistent exercise rather than high-stakes competition.

San Juan Capistrano Community Center is a vital resource for older adults through its extensive “Adult Sports” calendar, which includes clinics and organized open play. The center ensures that the sport remains accessible to those looking to stay mobile and engaged with the community. It is located at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area in San Clemente offers a dedicated adult pickleball program that serves the senior population during morning hours. On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the indoor gym at 1304 Calle Valle becomes a lively venue for social leagues and open play sessions.

Life Time San Clemente has a premium club experience that appeals to many older professionals and retirees in the region who prioritize luxury amenities alongside their game. The club organizes “Senior Mixers” and age-bracketed tournaments, ensuring that members can find matches that align with their specific skill level and pace.

Local Knowledge

Tuition-Free, Lifelong Learning through Saddleback College’s Emeritus Institute.

At the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute, we believe lifelong learning must be intellectually meaningful and easily accessible. For this reason, we offer tuition-free courses throughout South Orange County, including in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Dana Point. Our mission is to provide academically rigorous, mentally stimulating, socially engaging, and health improving courses for older adults, both in person and online. Every word in that mission matters, especially academically rigorous.

Emeritus Institute students come to us for real learning. They want classes that engage the mind, build knowledge, and create the kind of meaningful classroom experience that belongs in a college learning environment. They also come for connection. In our classrooms, students share ideas, ask questions, learn from one another, and build friendships that strengthen both individual well-being and the broader community.

The Emeritus Institute’s work is especially important in Orange County. The County’s 2025 Master Plan for Aging emphasizes the need for stronger social connection, better access to information and resources, and coordinated efforts that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults and caregivers. It also highlights the importance of collaboration across community institutions to help older adults thrive. We see the Emeritus Institute as an essential part of that work. Through high-quality college classes, we contribute to mental stimulation, social engagement, and lifelong health for Orange County residents.

This focus is particularly meaningful in South Orange County, where older adults make up 31% of Dana Point’s population, 27% of San Juan Capistrano’s, and 28% of San Clemente’s. In these communities, access to welcoming and enriching educational opportunities matters. We are

Some decisions are both practical and deeply personal. The Seville makes that balance feel effortless by thoughtfully delivering expert support and discerning care in a vibrant coastal setting.

Discover a more refined approach to senior living. Experience The Seville for yourself. Just scan the QR code or call us today at 949.676.9745

proud to serve Emeritus students through partnerships with each city’s community and/or senior centers.

Our educational philosophy is grounded in critical geragogy, which recognizes later life as a time of continued creativity, agency, and growth. We see older adulthood as a stage of life rich with possibility. That perspective shapes the way we teach, the way we build classroom culture, and the way we support our students as engaged learners whose voices, insights, and experiences matter.

A defining strength of the Emeritus Institute is our faculty. Our instructors are experts in their content areas, typically holding master’s or doctorate degrees, and they understand how to teach older adult students within a collegiate educational environment. They know how to create both physical and online classrooms that are welcoming, respectful, and intellectually substantive. They understand that older

adult education should be both challenging and supportive. That combination of disciplinary expertise and sensitivity to the needs of later-life learners helps make our courses distinctive and impactful.

At the Emeritus Institute, we see lifelong learning as a public good. We are proud to be a place where older adults continue to learn, connect, contribute, and thrive. To join us, please visit www.saddleback.edu/emeritus.

Saddleback College Emeritus Institute, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692, www.saddleback.edu/emeritus, scemeritus@saddleback.edu, 949-582-4835

Foundation Pilates Emphasizes Strength, Balance and Longevity in San Clemente

By Angélica Escobar

In a coastal community where staying active is part of daily life, maintaining strength, balance and mobility over time has become increasingly important — particularly for those focused on aging well.

At Foundation Pilates, owner Erin O’Brien has built a studio centered on intentional movement and accessibility, offering a structured approach to fitness that supports longterm strength, stability and overall health.

O’Brien brought years of teaching experience with her when she relocated to San Clemente after building dedicated client bases in Long Beach and Los Angeles. That background shaped her vision for a studio designed to meet people at a variety of fitness levels while encouraging safe, consistent progress.

“It’s been my dream for a long time,” O’Brien said. “I had clients telling me for years that I should open a studio. And when I moved here, I didn’t see anything quite like what I wanted to create.”

Her approach is especially relevant for older adults or those returning to exercise, where maintaining balance, joint stability and core strength can play a critical role in preventing falls and supporting independence.

“We layer movements from easier to more challenging so that no one feels like they have to modify from the get-go,” O’Brien said.

By focusing on controlled, low-impact movement, Pilates helps strengthen the muscles that support the spine and joints while improving posture, coordination and flexibility. For aging adults, those benefits go beyond fitness, directly supporting everyday function — from getting in and out of a chair to maintaining stability on uneven surfaces like sand or trails.

Consistent Pilates practice has also been associated with improved balance and body awareness, two key factors in reducing fall risk. As muscle mass and bone density naturally decline with age, resistance-based and weight-bearing movements can help maintain strength and support skeletal health, while minimizing stress on joints compared to higher-impact exercise.

Equally important is the emphasis on alignment and core stability. A stronger core supports the spine, improves posture, and can help alleviate strain on the lower back — common concerns as people age. Increased flexibility and joint mobility may also help reduce

stiffness, making daily movement more comfortable and efficient.

For those who are already active, Pilates can complement existing routines by improving control, stability and recovery. In a community like San Clemente — where surfing, walking, golf and other outdoor activities are part of daily life — that added stability can help individuals stay active longer while reducing the risk of overuse injuries.

Foundation Pilates offers three class formats — Form, Flow and Fire — allowing clients to choose between slower, instruction-focused sessions and more dynamic workouts. The range gives participants the ability to build strength gradually while maintaining consistency, a key component of long-term mobility.

Beyond traditional Pilates, the studio incorporates additional wellness practices, including breathwork, sound baths and yoga. In some cases, those elements are integrated directly into classes, combining physical movement with mindfulness and recovery.

“We want to offer regular events that go beyond Pilates, where people can experience different kinds of wellness and mindfulness practices,” O’Brien said.

That broader focus reflects a growing understanding that aging well involves more than physical fitness alone. Stress management, recovery and mental well-being all play a role in maintaining overall health and quality of life.

O’Brien also emphasized creating an environment that feels approachable for all clients.

“I wanted it to feel luxurious and intentional, but also welcoming — like anyone could walk in and feel at home,” she said.

That philosophy extends to the studio’s instructors.

“I’ve been really selective with hiring,” O’Brien explained. “You know, sometimes you go to a studio and only want to go to certain instructors. I didn’t want that here.”

As more San Clemente residents prioritize longevity, studios like Foundation Pilates are becoming part of a broader shift toward preventative health — offering low-impact, structured movement that supports strength, balance and independence at every stage of life.

“It’s been a lot of work, but seeing it come together and meeting people here who are excited about it has been incredibly rewarding,” O’Brien said.

Foundation Pilates is located at 1502 S. El Camino Real.

Local Knowledge

You Have a Trust… But Is It Actually Working?

Why incomplete funding can undo even the best estate plan.

Over my many years of assisting trust administration clients, I consistently see this one mistake that costs families time and money. A family trust is created, it is signed, and then never properly funded.

“Funding” your trust simply means retitling your assets to your trust or making the trust the beneficiary of your assets. That’s what allows the trust to work correctly. When funding is incomplete or done incorrectly, families are often surprised to learn, after the death of the grantor, that they may still be facing probate, delays, extra legal fees, and confusion during an already difficult time.

Here are some of the most common issues that I’ve seen:

1) The home was never transferred into the trust

This is one of the biggest, and most

A lovely and casual senior living community with hints of mission-style architecture nestled conveniently near historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. Live with us independently or with assistance—we can accommodate our residents at every stage so they can age in place comfortably. In our community, we o er a ordable senior living at its best! Discover the charm of Capistrano Senior Living!

common problems. A home may not have been transferred into the trust when it was first purchased, or the transfer may have been undone during a refinance. If the property isn’t in the trust at the time of death, the court needs to be involved to transfer the home.

2) Brokerage accounts and other assets are left outside the trust

Non-retirement investment accounts

like brokerage accounts can be titled in the name of your trust, but often aren’t. If these accounts are left in your individual name and don’t have a transfer-on-death designation, they may be subject to probate.

The same is true for bank accounts, business interests, or other assets held outside the trust if their total value exceeds $208,850 for personal property. Even with a trust in place, those assets can pull your estate into court.

3) Retirement accounts don’t have a backup plan

Accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s pass by beneficiary designation. Many people name a spouse and stop there. But if that beneficiary is no longer living and no backup is listed, the account may end up going through probate.

4) Life insurance designations are outdated or unclear

Life insurance works the same way; it passes by beneficiary form. We often see designations that are vague, outdated, or don’t match the overall estate plan. Naming a minor child directly can also create complications. Even small errors can delay payouts while the insurance company sorts things out.

The good news is that this is fixable.

A quick review every few years, or after a major life or financial change, can help ensure everything is properly aligned. A trust is a powerful tool, but only if it’s properly connected to what you own. Taking a little time now to review your plan can help avoid unnecessary stress and expense later. If you’re unsure whether your trust is fully funded, consider having it reviewed so you can move forward with confidence.

Jan Meyer Meyer Estate Law, PC 949.607.9412 jan@danapointwills danapointwills.com

Thank you for voting us “Best of San Juan Capistrano” People’s Choice Awards!

(949) 248-8855 capistranoseniorliving.com

Exercise for Pain Management

By Mia Smitt

Acute and chronic pain are serious maladies that can be extremely debilitating. Chronic pain has been defined as a “complex biopsychosocial condition influenced by thoughts, emotions, social factors, and the environment.” It impacts both physical and emotional wellbeing, jobs, recreation, and family relationships. Quality of life is often compromised. Approximately 60 million adults in the United States, or 24.3% of us, experienced chronic pain in the preceding three months according to a 2023 National Health Interview Survey. 8.5% reported high impact pain that limits work or other life activities. 36% of people over 65 report chronic pain with high impact pain at 13.5%. The costs of chronic pain can be staggering. Medical expenses, medication misuse, missed work, and decreased income costs $560 billion to $635 billion every year. This is both a personal and public health issue. Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain. 80% of chronic pain patients suffer from depression, and 25% have insomnia. Women and people over 65 experience chronic pain more than men and younger people. Other chronic pain conditions include fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain, spinal cord injuries, frequent migraine headaches, postpolio syndrome, severe dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), and others. In the past most common practices for relieving pain consisted of extended rest and then heavy medication but since a practice pendulum swing in the 1980s, more health care providers have been recommending more physical activity and less bed rest and inactivity. Many studies have shown that exercise offers both physical and mental health benefits. The actual pain may be reduced as well as less weight gain and depression that often accompanies physical pain.

Although there is limited data on the benefits of exercise on chronic pain, the research we do have has shown a positive connection. The endorphins in our brains that naturally relieve pain go up after even a single session of exercise. A systematic review, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science on April 2, 2025, highlighted with moderate certainty that exercise therapy and leisure time physical activity offer some benefits for managing both the pain and disability associated with low back pain. Yoga and Pilates were particularly helpful in short term outcomes though people who started yoga reported moderate post exercise soreness or temporary pain increases. Another review of the literature published in Cochrane Datasystems Review on April 24, 2017, found small to moderate benefits in pain reduction and improved physical functioning. These researchers concluded, “The available evidence suggests physical activity and exercise is an intervention with few adverse events that may improve pain severity, physical function, and consequent quality of life.”

We have learned that pain can be addressed with exercise that is tailored to individual needs and the whole person is recognized, not just the sore back, stiff knees, or recurrent headache. Exercise increases strength, improves mobility, and decreases pain sensitivity. As a general rule, if we have pain, we naturally try to protect that and avoid increasing it. While it may seem para-

doxical, the initial discomfort felt with exercise alters immune responses and the reactivity of the nervous system, causing the pain to give way to an exercise induced analgesia. In chronic pain, the brain overreacts to even mild stimuli and exercise can reduce that sensitivity. Exercise tailored to individual need reduces making the pain worse with movement and allows a gradual increased activity level.

There are different types of exercise that may help people who suffer from chronic pain. There are many options of aerobic exercise (and we do some unconsciously every day). Walking, jogging, running, swimming, bicycling, and dancing all increase heart rate, lower blood pressure, improve muscle strength and endurance. Endorphins are elevated to moderate pain, and a brisk walk or other aerobic exercise can lift spirits and enhance emotional well being. Aerobic exercise also can contribute to weight loss, decreasing pressure and weight on joints and relieving some pain such as osteoarthritis. Strength and resistance training can increase mobility and reduce stiffness. When we strengthen the muscles around our joints, we are better able to support our bones and cartilage and this too has been shown to decrease pain. This exercise involves increasing resistance with such tools as elastic bands, water exercise, free weights, and “body-weight resistance vs. gravity” exercises such as push ups, squats, lunges, and planks. These will improve muscle strength, power, and endurance, all of which can lessen pain. This is helpful for chronic low back pain in that it contributes to disc repair through improved disc metabolism. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that is essentially a gentle form of martial arts with slow controlled movements. This is designed to enhance both physical and mental fitness and is beneficial for people with swollen, painful joints such as with rheumatoid arthritis. Similar to Tai Chi is flexibility exercise. Progressive stretching and muscle movement may help to prevent falls in people with chronic pain. Balance training requires a therapist initially. Learning proper technique and understanding your body responds to various positions and unstable situations. This can be done as a water exercise or on a floor or outside ground. Motor control focuses on core muscles to retrain and control central coordination and also helps with balance and may be helpful in reducing back pain. Aquatic exercise includes swimming and any other movement in a pool. The water can provide resistance with low impact and can be especially beneficial for people with shoulder, hip, or knee osteoarthritis. While long term pain control is still being studied, we know that in the short term, relief is possible. Yoga promotes control, relaxation, flexibility, stretching, and overall health through isometric strength training such as holding various poses.

Exercise is essential for everybody. It should be tailored to individual need and limitation in the pursuit of optimal strength, balance, flexibility, and pain control. Chronic pain can be at least partially alleviated with exercise and the benefits beyond just relieving pain are many. Cardiovascular, metabolic, emotional, and musculoskeletal health gains all lead to a better life.

Stay Healthy by Walking

By Picket Fence Media

Walking is a great way to stay in shape that is often taken for granted — it is something most people do every day.

However, its simplicity is also its strength. Walking is a low-impact exercise for seniors. Studies show that walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and joints, boosts immunity and enhances cognitive function, with just 30 minutes of moderate daily walking promoting overall health.

Below are some walking trails in the coastal cities to use and stay healthy.

San Clemente Beach Trail

San Clemente Beach Trail (1850 Avenida Estacion, San Clemente) is a scenic 2.3-mile route that parallels the coastline, offering a flat and accessible surface perfect for all fitness levels. Stretching from North Beach to Calafia State Beach, the trail provides constant ocean views and passes right by the iconic San Clemente Pier. It is a shared-use path popular with walkers, runners and leashed dogs.

Ample parking at both endpoints and several entry points along the way make it a convenient choice for a refreshing morning or sunset stroll.

Bluff Top Trail

Bluff Top Trail, at 34342 Street of the Amber Lantern in Dana Point, is a tranquil, 0.2mile historical walk that delivers some of the most spectacular vistas in South Orange County. Perched high above the Dana Point Harbor, this paved pathway is ideal for a gentle stroll while taking in panoramic views of the Pacific.

Along the route, visitors can see the historic arches of the planned 1920s Dana Point

Inn and “The Hide Drogher” statue. The trail is lighted and remains open until 10 p.m., making it a safe and accessible destination for a peaceful evening walk.

Dana Point Headlands Trail

Dana Point Headlands Trail, at 34558 Scenic Drive in Dana Point, offers a more immersive nature experience across three miles of linked conservation parks. The system includes the Hilltop, Harbor Point and South Strands parks, providing elevated overlooks that are world-class spots for whale and dolphin watching. The primary trailhead is located at the Nature Interpretive Center, which serves as an educational hub for the area’s rare flora and fauna.

While these trails are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, pet owners should note that dogs are not permitted within the conservation area to protect local wildlife.

San Juan Creek Trail

San Juan Creek Trail, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street in Dana Point, is a paved, multi-use path that follows the San Juan Creek riverbed, connecting the heart of San Juan Capistrano to Doheny State Beach. This approximately six-mile continuous route is largely separated from vehicle traffic, providing a safe and steady environment for long-distance walkers and cyclists.

The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, passing through several local parks and equestrian areas. Many residents prefer starting at Del Obispo Park, which offers convenient parking and restrooms, before heading south toward the cool breezes at the harbor.

Continuing to Learn: Educational Offerings for Older Adults

By Alicia Venter

Older adults in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Dana Point have no shortage of creative learning opportunities available for them, ranging from tuition-free college-level courses to community workshops.

Beyond quelling boredom, these classes have various benefits, including improved cognitive function, reduced stress and depression, increased social engagement and a sense of purpose.

With the help of senior centers and local institutions, the older adult community has access to specialized programming that supports their expression, grows their creative side and improves quality of life.

Saddleback College Emeritus Institute

Older adults living in South Orange County have access to one of the premier creative learning institutions in the region geared specifically towards their demographic.

Established in 1976, the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute is South Orange County’s premier hub for lifelong learning. Designed for older adults, the program offers more than 30 diverse academic disciplines, all tuition-free. This includes classes in the fine arts, as well as in health and technology, among other areas of study. They are held on its Mission Viejo campus.

“The mission of the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute is to promote lifelong learning by providing academically rigorous, mentally stimulating, socially engaging and health improving courses for older adults throughout South Orange County,” it says on its website.

The summer 2026 class schedule includes classes in acting, ceramics, drawing, fashion, music, mixed media, Pilates, tai chi, investing, technology and applied biology. Summer classes start June 1. Learn more by visiting saddleback.edu, calling 949-582-4555 or stopping by the Admissions & Records Office in-person Monday through Friday at The Gateway Building 130, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

While a historic site, the Mission San Juan Capistrano often hosts community cultural events and workshops. These often focus on California history, the indigenous Acjachemen people and the preservation of the 18th-century “Jewel of the Missions.” For adults and families, the Mission provides intellectual and creative engagement through several channels, such as digital lectures or guided tours.

To honor its 250th anniversary, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is organizing several educational initiatives throughout the year, such as its “Artifact of the Month” series.

The Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. Learn more at missionsjc.org.

Dorothy Visser Senior Center

The Dorothy Visser Senior Center is a crucial resource for San Clemente’s older adult community, and it offers various digital literacy and personal enrichment courses. Technology education is a major part of the center’s efforts, hosting “Tech Help Tuesdays” where volunteers troubleshoot everything from smartphone glitches to laptop updates for older adults.

On April 28, the center is hosting a specialized “Embracing Technology” workshop specifically designed for those ages 60 and older who want to master modern communication tools.

For those focusing on cognitive and physical health, the center partners with medical experts from Hoag and the Alzheimer’s Orange County network to provide high-level seminars.

“From wellness to fun, Dorothy Visser offers a full calendar of daily lunches, movement classes and social events to keep you active and connected,” its website says. “Join us at Dorothy Visser all month long for nutritious lunches, active mornings and engaging programs.”

The Dorothy Visser Senior Center is located at 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. Learn more at gewellseniorservices.org/senior-centers/dorothy-visser-san-clemente.

At The Orchards, your loved one receives the daily assistance they need to preserve independence, be engaged, and remain active at their own pace. Through meaningful experiences designed to foster connection and purpose, and with dedicated clinical oversight, you can feel confident that their health and overall wellness are thoroughly supported. Here, exceptional care doesn’t just enhance their life--it gives you peace of mind.

A team that provides compassionate & attentive care with a focus on overall wellness.

Daily support with personal routines & fully coordinated medication management.

Delicious & heart-healthy chef-prepared dining.

Beautiful residences thoughtfully designed for comfort and privacy.

Numerous life enrichment activities to foster a bountiful life.

Seamless access to higher care within our community, if needed.

Benefits of Ocean Access

By Alicia Venter

One of the greatest amenities of living in a coastal city in South Orange County is the access to the ocean. Beaches are free and oceanside restaurants come with a view, thanks to our proximity to the Pacific.

According to several studies, living near the ocean also offers significant health benefits, including cleaner air, reduced stress, improved sleep and higher vitamin D levels. Researchers from Ohio State University analyzed population data in over 66,000 census tracts and compared it based on proximity to waterways, finding a correlation between longer life expectancy and water for those who live within 30 miles of an ocean or a gulf.

“Through a comparative analysis of coastal and inland water environments, we found that longer life expectancy near coastal waters may be linked to more favorable environmental and socioeconomic conditions,” the study’s abstract said. “These include milder temperatures, better air quality, enhanced recreational opportunities, improved transportation, lower drought susceptibility and higher income levels.”

“These findings highlight the importance of integrating blue spaces and other key environmental and socioeconomic factors into urban planning, residential development and healthcare environment design to improve life expectancy and health equity,” it continued.

There are several beaches, piers and ocean access points in our coastal home. Here are three that are accessible to older adults or people who may have some mobility issues:

Doheny State Beach in Dana Point has a flat, paved beachside trail — the Beach Promenade Trail — that is ideal for people of various physical abilities. It is at less than 5% slopes with one section for 103 feet at 8%. Plus, Doheny State Beach offers free, specialized beach wheelchairs with large flotation tires. These chairs can be reserved by calling the park at 949-607-0078. The North Day-Use Area features 10 accessible picnic areas and two accessible group picnic areas.

Capistrano Beach Park is a peaceful, uncrowded location situated between San Clemente and Dana Point. Known for its quiet atmosphere and easily accessible picnic areas and basketball courts, it is the perfect spot for low-impact outdoor time. Its parking lot is immediately adjacent to the sand, so it is easy to access the beach without long walks or navigating stairs.

The San Clemente Pier and the surrounding area offer accessible activities. The pier itself provides a flat, scenic walk over the water with plenty of benches, and for those looking for a longer stroll, the San Clemente Beach Trail is a flat, 2.3-mile pedestrian path that runs along the coast.