As I approach retirement, I'm starting to notice things I didn't see before.

I find myself thinking about where and how to live comfortably as I age. This naturally leads me to consider Irvine.

This city is primarily home to young families and professionals. However, I've noticed that seniors aged 65 and older make up about 10-12% of the population, and it feels like that number is increasing. Some are retiring here, while others are joining their children. I'm one of those people caught in this trend.

The first thing I noticed about living here is that it feels "safe."

This is not a city where you feel the need to look over your shoulder when you go for a walk at night. At this age, this becomes significant.

I didn't realize this when I was younger, but now I understand that good security is not just convenient; it fundamentally changes the quality of life.

There are also quite a few senior programs available. If you visit places like the Irvine Senior Center, you'll find everything from exercise classes to art, English lessons, and lunch programs.

At first, I thought, "Do I really need to go to something like this?" But once I went, I found a sense of community. Even though it may seem trivial to laugh and chat, it helps me get through the day.

There are also transportation services like ACCESS OC for those who have mobility issues, making trips to the hospital or grocery store manageable.

Housing, to be honest, is not easy. Irvine is known for its high property prices, and senior facilities are no exception.

Places like Vi at Irvine, which offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, are nice, but the monthly costs can range from $4,000 to over $10,000.

That's why it's important to check California Department of Health inspection records before moving in. Just because you pay a lot doesn't mean it's the best option.

Healthcare is definitely a strong point. Hoag Hospital Irvine is nearby, and there are large hospitals like UCI Medical Center.

Many places accept Medicare, and if you go to a hospital with Korean doctors, you can comfortably receive care in Korean. As I age, I realize how significant this advantage is.

However, there's one thing to be particularly cautious about in this area: loneliness.

From my perspective as a widower, this is something that money can't solve.

Even if the house is nice, the neighborhood is great, and the hospital is close, it all falls apart without people around. Therefore, it's essential to participate in Korean church gatherings, senior organizations, or senior center programs, even if it feels like a hassle.

These days, I think about retirement as not an end, but a matter of choosing a new place.

It's a time to decide where to age and who to spend time with until the end of life.

Irvine is undoubtedly one of the good retirement cities. However, you need to be prepared to connect well with the surrounding environment.

If that's not possible, even a city as nice as Irvine loses its meaning.