1.) Social Participation: Provide an increase in program opportunities, such as sports/fitness activities, art classes, current event discussion groups, cultural opportunities, card/table games for older adults. 2.) Respect and Social Inclusion: Provide an increase in inter-generational programs, such as tech programs with youth teaching older adults, cooking programs where older adults teach youth, youth performing at retirement/community centers, hobby sharing with youth and older adults. Goal is to increase an awareness and appreciation of one’s differences. 3.) Civic Participation & Employment: Provide an increase in volunteer opportunities for older adults, utilizing their skills and talents, resulting in empowerment.

Volunteers are essential to the success of the senior office downtown San Diego, the Senior Lounge in Balboa Park, as well as the trips, dances and special events.
In addition, free legal aid is available from the Senior Citizen Service Center for those 60 years or older. Seniors can make new friends, visit exciting places and get involved. Big Bear, Catalina Island, Mission Inn and Julian are a few of the annual trips provided as part of our Senior Citizen Services. Annual special events include the Senior Photo Art Show, Senior Art Contest, Senior Talent Show and Senior Craft Sale. Dances, with live entertainment and dance instruction, are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Balboa Park Club, at a minimal fee. In addition, seniors can relax, socialize and enjoy a cup of coffee in the comfortable Senior Lounge, located in the Casa Del Prado.

Over the next five years, the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department will provide a notable increase in program opportunities for older adults, contributing to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Communities.