Encinitas Age-Friendly Study: what 1,165 people said, and where the help is today

The short answer: On October 28 (Item 12C), the Encinitas City Council took up the City's Age-Friendly Study, written by San Diego State University's Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity. 1,165 people answered its survey. 99% said staying in Encinitas as they age matters to them, and the study's first priority is that "many services and programs exist but are difficult to locate or navigate." Below: what people said, the 10 priorities, and where each kind of help is today.

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Share of survey answers saying they weren't aware of the service: 67% for help protecting older adults from neglect, abuse or exploitation; "more than 60%" for shared housing services; "the other half" for Senior Center meals; 40% for affordable public transportation. From the City's Item 12C report, read Nov 6, 2026.

• Staying put: 99% said it was somewhat (15%) or very (84%) important to stay in Encinitas as they age; 79% feel stable where they live.
• Living alone: 26% live alone, which the study links to a higher risk of isolation.
• Driving: 96% drive themselves for errands and appointments. Most didn't know about special rides for older adults, and 69% rated safe, convenient transit poor or weren't sure it existed.
• Home repairs: 44% rated home improvement and minor repair help very poor, and another quarter poor. 58% rated affordable housing for older adults and people with disabilities poor.
• Caregiving: 170+ people already care for an adult loved one, and 580 of the 989 who don't said they were likely to soon.
• How to reach them: email (38%), text (32%) and phone calls (25%) were the top picks; 85% are comfortable online. People hear about things from family and friends, the internet, and the City's Activity Guide.
• Who answered: 91% Encinitas residents, about 65% ages 60 to 80. Encinitas has about 12,541 people 65 and older, 20% of the city.

From the survey analysis attached to the City's Item 12C staff report (107 pages), read Nov 6, 2026. Paid for by a $70,000 San Diego Foundation grant after Encinitas joined AARP's age-friendly network.

1. Find the help that already exists. The study asks for one easy resource list, online and on paper. Today: the North County senior help directory, a printable fridge sheet of numbers, and the County's Aging & Independence Services line, 800-339-4661.
2. Rides beyond driving. Ride options for seniors in North County; Solana Beach used its own study for a free senior ride program, ending Oct 31 unless extended.
3. Staying home: repairs and safety changes. Who to call for which repair, handyman and appliance help, and what to check before you sign with a contractor.
4. Social connection. Senior centers in North County, including the Encinitas Community & Senior Center, and a plan when a parent lives alone.
5. Information on paper, not only online. The fridge sheet prints on one page; a weekly check-in works by text or phone call.
6. Safe sidewalks and crossings. How to report a broken sidewalk or street problem to the City.
7. Connecting generations. A free library card opens classes and events at the Encinitas and Cardiff branches; tech help at home for phones and computers.
8. Staying healthy. Free flu shots in San Diego County and Medicare Open Enrollment, Oct 15 to Dec 7.
9. Family caregivers. Respite care for a break, getting paid to care for a parent (IHSS), and helping from out of state.
10. Groups working together. One benefits checkup looks across the programs at once.

Two gaps the numbers point to: help with neglect, abuse or scams is Adult Protective Services, 800-339-4661, 24/7 (who to call for which scam); and meals: Meals on Wheels and senior center lunches.

The 10 priorities are the study's, in its order; the links are SideGuy pages built from official sources. The study is a plan for the City to consider, not a program yet.

The Council took up the study as Item 12C. The City's meeting page has the video and what was said; check back here for the next steps it sets.

Same night, Item 12B: a cap on mobile home space rent, which the City says matters most to seniors on fixed incomes.

From the City's October 28 agenda, read Nov 6, 2026. More meetings: North County council agendas.

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"Encinitas asked 1,165 people what older adults need. The top answer: the help exists but is hard to find. Here's where each kind is:"

• The in-between the study asks for: text PJ what you need (a ride, a repair, a form, a program you think you qualify for). He finds the right one, makes the call with you, and fills out the paperwork. $30 an hour, or a weekly check-in from $25 a month.

Text PJ (858) 461-8054

"It's about being nice and showing up." PJ, a real person in Cardiff and Solana Beach. He doesn't give medical or legal advice; for those, the numbers above. Prices are set in one place and shown before anything starts.

More local answers

• Free Computer Help For Seniors North today
• Getting around as you age

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This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.

Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.