Senior Living in Los Angeles That Blends Urban Energy with Everyday Ease
Los Angeles has a unique mix of year-round sunshine and world-class healthcare access for seniors, which helps them live an active and supported life despite the higher cost of living. With a large network of community resources and specialized medical care, the city is still one of the best places to retire and stay active.
Los Angeles and Southern California in general are known for their mild, sunny climates and areas filled with sunshine. According to Intrepid Travel, California enjoys 263 sunny days per year. This is beneficial for senior living in Los Angeles because it enables seniors to get outdoor exercise in the sunshine all year round.
A Unique City
Los Angeles offers a unique mix of big city amenities with smaller neighborhood-level communities forming at the local level. The mild weather means that there are plenty of opportunities for things like walking, social events, and exercise classes for the whole year, and according to the CDC, this can support physical and emotional health.
There's also the assurance of living in a major West Coast city with access to some of the best hospitals in the country, such as UCLA. The Los Angeles Department of Aging is also a fantastic organization that helps connect Los Angeles senior residents to meal programs and other beneficial services.
What is the Average Cost of Senior Living in California?
According to World Population Review, the cost of senior living in California (based on typical assisted living prices) is around $63,000 per year. That is somewhat higher than the national average. But it's important to note that these statewide figures are just a useful starting point.
California is one of the biggest states in the US, and coastal and metro areas tend to sit above these averages, whereas the inland regions might fall below.
How Much Is Senior Living in Los Angeles?
World Population Review's assisted living data gives us that California-wide senior living benchmark of about $63,000 per year, but it does not publish a single "average" just for Los Angeles. Because Los Angeles County is a high-cost housing market, many senior living communities in LA will sit at or above that $63,000 per year figure, especially in popular neighborhoods or buildings with more services and amenities.
The city is known nationwide for its fantastic weather and for its strong ties to the global entertainment industry. The LA lifestyle is associated with quality housing and vibrant communities, and the pricing structure for senior living tends to reflect that.
Vibrant Senior Living in Los Angeles
According to Justice in Aging, Los Angeles County already has about 2 million residents who are over the age of 60, which means there's a very large senior population that is very visible in community services and everyday life.
The presence of so many seniors in the area has considerable advantages, such as:
- Senior safety net: The Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department offers a broad system of support that keeps many older people from slipping beyond the reach of public help.
- World-class university: UCLA stands as a major public university that gathers talent and resources, which can be directed, in part, toward the needs of older adults.
- Specialized geriatrics care: UCLA's teaching hospital trains doctors in easing the troubles of old age and gives local residents access to medical treatment that many other regions still lack.
Not only does LA have ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, but it also has some of the best healthcare options in the country. It's no wonder that so many local seniors are heading out west to experience the independent lifestyle in Los Angeles for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Los Angeles Climate Help With Arthritis and Joint Pain?
Yes, many seniors move west in search of a climate more favorable for their arthritis or joint problems. Since the city enjoys a Mediterranean-style climate, with warm, dry winters, it's easy to stay active outdoors.
For such health problems, regular, low-impact exercise gets the best results. While it's possible to get appropriate exercise anywhere, it's much more appealing when you're having fun in the warm California sun.
Can seniors with lung conditions (like COPD or asthma) benefit from living in LA?
Sadly, you can't easily address all health conditions by moving to a retirement community in LA. While the climate is certainly favorable for lung conditions, LA sometimes has fairly poor air quality. There's the standard big-city smog, but there's also the added complication of wildfire smoke.
During significant wildfires, those with COPD or asthma have difficulty breathing. If you have serious breathing issues, you should consult with a doctor before moving into an LA senior community.
Some neighborhoods are more susceptible to smog and wildfire smoke than others, so those with lung conditions don't need to avoid senior living in Los Angeles entirely; they just have to take care with their choice of senior living community.
Is There Memory Care Support in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles area is particularly good for families battling memory loss or dementia. Such families often need medical expertise, structured support, and a suitable living environment. In Los Angeles, there's plenty of medical support available with UCLA and other academic centers leading the charge in the fight against dementia and other memory-related conditions.
Having memory care near UCLA providers and various other supportive healthcare organizations in one metro area makes it much easier to:
- Get a diagnosis
- Attend ongoing follow-up appointments
- To go to caregiver support groups
Simply put, it means a more relaxed lifestyle with less anxiety.
Discover Supportive Senior Living in Los Angeles
Senior living in Los Angeles offers an unrivaled lifestyle, but moving there comes with higher living costs. Seniors gain access to premier medical networks and a warm climate that encourages year-round mobility and wellness. Despite air quality concerns, the robust safety net and active community make it a great choice for independent aging.
Calligraphy Westwood Village gives you chances to grow. With our VivaLife Enrichment program, you can pursue your passions through art, academic study, and cultural excursions.
The best place to learn about our assisted living Westwood community is to see it for yourself. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our vibrant senior living community.