Articles - Know More About Senior Living retirement communities

Hearing loss and hearing damage can impact almost every aspect of a senior’s life. One of the major causes of hearing loss is ageing and unfortunately, it cannot be prevented. However, noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we share with you a few useful insights on protecting your hearing as you age:    1. Avoid exposure to loud noises: The most important way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to avoid loud noises. Continuous exposure to loud noises can damage the cochlea, the inner ear. Listening to loud music regularly or hearing a one-time loud noise has the potential to damage the cochlea.    Note: Noises below 75 decibels (dB) are unlikely to damage the cochlea. When you are watching TV or listening to a device, keep them at a normal volume. The thumb rule should be to turn the device down if you cannot hear the other person in the room.      2. Protect your ears: During loud events and activities, wear proper ear protection such as:  Noise-cancelling headphones: These headphones are made with insulated ear cushions that cancel out all types of noises.  Earmuffs: Earmuffs can drown out the loud noise. They are made of insulated foam cups that lower noise levels for you.  Earplugs: Earplugs mitigate the sound that reaches the cochlea. When you are buying earplugs, always check the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The higher the NRR number, the more noise will be reduced. Choose earplugs according to your specific requirements. For instance, if there is repair work in your house, you need an ear plug with a higher NRR. An ear plug with a lower NRR is ideal for reading in a crowded but not a very noisy place.    3. Get annual ear tests: It is recommended that all individuals over 50 years of age should visit hearing clinics for annual hearing tests. However, you may need an additional hearing test in case you are experiencing:  Difficulty in hearing conversations Ringing in the ears A sudden change in hearing  Pain in the ear   Senior living in India: it enhances your well-being and keeps you socially active   Moving into our senior living communities is a great option if you want to stay independent and at the same time, live in a caring, vibrant, and a welcoming environment. We believe in a life beyond rocking chairs and strict routines. Our residents have access to a variety of social activities and services that help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest.    We take a proactive approach when it comes to our residents’ health. We have partnered with  reputed hospitals to ensure round-the-clock care. Our retirement homes have emergency care with 24/7 ambulance on standby, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place. Regular preventive health screenings are held, and all vital parameters of our residents are monitored periodically.    To know more about our senior living communities in India and the facilities available with us, call us at +91 8884555554.

High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions among seniors. Poorly controlled blood pressure can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated ways to help seniors control their blood pressure:    1. Stay physically active: Light to moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, and swimming can help seniors to have control over their blood pressure. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai have fully equipped gyms, jogging paths, and activity centres to help our residents lead a physically active lifestyle.  2. Reduce your daily salt intake: Over time, excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension. According to WHO, adults should consume less than 5 g of salt per day. Seniors should avoid processed foods and limit their intake of salty snacks. Also, they should avoid keeping a saltshaker on the table. When buying canned food items, seniors should buy items with ‘no-added salt’ labels. Also, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to daily meals can reduce their sodium intake.    At our senior retirement homes in Chennai, meals are prepared in accordance with the nutritional needs of residents. Prepared by expert chefs, the meals are delicious and cater to senior nutritional needs.   3. Get enough sleep: Getting less than six hours of sleep is known to be bad for health. It has been found that sleep deprivation and heart disease are closely linked. Here are some tips to get quality sleep:  Reduce blue light exposure in the evening Do not consume caffeine late in the day Try to sleep and wake up at the same time  Do not eat late in the evening Do not have heavy meals in the evening   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai?   Check our senior retirement homes in Chennai where everything is designed keeping in mind your physical health and emotional well-being. From 24/7 security services and concierge services to in-house 24/7 staff available for breakdown or maintenance, we offer a wide range of senior-friendly amenities and facilities. To know more about our senior retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

As 2021 comes to a close, it is time to start focussing on goals and aims for the next twelve months. The best way to create meaningful New Year’s resolutions is to first know what your goals are. As goals are central to keeping you motivated and will affect your behaviour in a positive manner. If your goals are centred around overall wellness, here is a useful read on easy and healthy resolutions that can boost your health and quality of life:    1. Engage in a variety of physical activities:  From yoga and household chores to muscle-building exercises – there are different types of physical activities that seniors can benefit from. In addition to boosting the heart, strengthening muscles, and improving balance and flexibility, regular physical activities can speed up the wound-healing process in seniors.  Note: Always perform a new exercise regimen under the guidance of an expert trainer. Do not exert yourself initially. Introduce one new form of exercise at a time and avoid going overboard.  2. Eat more nutrient-dense foods: Eat smaller meals and eat more nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds so that your body gets the right nourishment. Start your day right with a healthy breakfast. Something as simple as a bowl of cereal with fresh fruits will give you a solid start to the day. Also, keep an eye on your saturated food intake.  3. Drink more water:  Water not only quenches our thirst, but also boosts cell health, regulates body temperature, and aids the digestive system. If you are not drinking the recommended amount of water per day, use a mobile app for reminders to help you form a habit. You can also add flavour to your drinking water by adding fresh fruits to your water such as lemon, cucumber, and mint.  4. Break a bad habit: One great way to start the new year is to break a bad habit such as smoking, spending hours on the mobile phone, and skipping meals. When breaking a bad habit, always set a realistic goal. Do not write a quick list as you will not be able to break a habit in the first week of 2022. Set short-term and long-term goals for yourself and be more conscious about them.  5. Learn something new: Being intellectually engaged is good for your mental and emotional health. A study found that seniors who engage in hobbies such as quilting or digital photography had more memory improvement than those who did not. This new year, identify your interest areas and learn something new.    Searching for senior citizen homes that prioritise overall wellness?  At Columbia Pacific Communities, we are committed to providing a holistic approach to your physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Our senior citizen homes in India are designed to encourage seniors to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. To book a tour of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Foot-related problems can limit a senior’s mobility and independence. Reduced mobility can cause poor gait, with balance issues and affect a senior’s mental health. Leading a physically inactive life is also associated with weight gain in seniors. As one of the leading senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of common foot problems among seniors and can be done to prevent them:    1. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among seniors. It mainly affects weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis happens due to wear and tear of the joints. Though it cannot be fully prevented, daily stress on the joints can be lessened by:  Maintaining a healthy body weight Being physically active  Controlling blood sugar levels   2. Diabetic foot ulcer:  People suffering from diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. Poor blood circulation, high blood sugar levels, and nerve damage can cause foot ulcers.  If foot ulcers are left unchecked and untreated for a long period, they can lead to serious health complications. Ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers include: Maintaining healthy  blood sugar levels  Maintaining healthy weight to avoid increased stress on the feet Quitting cigarettes and other tobacco products as they can slow the healing process  Wearing fitted shoes Maintaining foot hygiene    3. Gout: Gout is a common form of arthritis that can affect seniors. It causes sudden and severe pain along with swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints.  It commonly affects the big toe. The risk for gout can be reduced by:  Avoiding food items that increase the level of uric acid: Red meat, shellfish, sweetened beverages, alcohol especially beer increase the levels of uric acid in the body. High uric acid content in the blood can cause inflammation and a gout attack.   Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity leads to excessive production of uric acid.    4. Bone spurs: Bone spurs are bony growths that usually develop near joints. People with osteoarthritis (OA) are much more likely to get bone spurs than those who do not suffer from this health condition. The risk of bony spurs can be reduced by: Maintaining a healthy weight Maintaining good posture Exercising carefully to avoid joint injuries Maintaining proper foot health is important for seniors to stay physically and socially active. As a senior citizen home in Bangalore, we support our residents in maintaining a physically active lifestyle. From fully -equipped gyms and well-maintained open spaces to yoga classes, our senior citizen retirement homes have all the facilities that seniors need to stay physically active. If you want to know more about our retirement homes in Bengaluru, call us at +91 8884555554.

Spending a few minutes meditating is an effective way for seniors to calm down and find inner peace. The physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with ageing can be overwhelming. However, meditation can help seniors deal with these changes in a positive way.  For seniors looking for guided meditation sessions and exercises in mindfulness, here is a useful read on meditation apps that streamline the learning process.    Why do seniors need a meditation app?  Meditation is like riding a bicycle. While some people learn it on their own, some need a little help to practise mindfulness. Humans tend to have a wandering mind – and a wandering mind can be an unhappy one. An app offering guided meditation sessions can help seniors stay focused on the present and become more mindful. Here are some of the key benefits of using a meditation app:  It can be used at any time of the day, anywhere. Seniors can choose from a wide variety of meditation techniques.  The sessions are conducted by experts. The sessions are good for beginners as well as regular meditation practitioners.   As one of the leading senior living homes in Chennai, we have picked some of the meditation apps for seniors that are user-friendly and at the same time engaging:    Headspace: Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps that helps seniors start their day with mindfulness and clarity.  The app instructs how to sit still and avoid distractions while meditating. The instructions are delivered in a soothing voice. Also, the app offers colourful and calming visuals to help those who like to keep their eyes open while meditating. Breethe: Breethe is more than a meditation app. In addition to guided meditation sessions, there are music playlists and bedtime readings that are designed to help seniors get a good night’s sleep. Calm: Seniors who have been practising mindfulness and meditation for quite some time, can use this app to get access to open-ended meditation sessions. It also offers help to seniors looking for sleep guidance or soothing music to calm their mind.   Buddhify: It is an interactive app designed to introduce users to different techniques of meditation. The meditation sessions can help seniors cope with everyday challenges and difficult emotions. There are several meditation sessions that seniors can attend while they are not seated. For instance, seniors can listen to these sessions while walking or gardening.    At our retirement homes in Chennai, the day starts with yoga, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises. The open green spaces in our retirement homes provide excellent opportunities for our residents to relax, meditate, or to self-reflect.  If you want to know more about our retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Natural and organic decor elements can turn your home into a peaceful haven. If you are looking for inspiring ways to add natural decor elements to your interiors, take a look at these ideas curated by one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore:  1. Add warmth and texture with wooden decor elements    One of the easiest ways to make your home nature-inspired is to use wood for flooring and ceiling beams. You can also use room dividers and bookshelves made of reclaimed wood, driftwood, or distressed wood.  2. Add a touch of greenery with potted plants    Indoor plants with sculptural leaves add the right amount of visual intrigue to a room. Potted indoor plants are ideal decor elements for those who live in an apartment and do not have a private garden. Buy indoor plants that are low maintenance and require less pest control.  3. Mimic nature with eye-catching water decor items    The sound of water is relaxing and pleasing. Decorating your home with an indoor water fountain is a great way to bring the outdoors in. A small water fountain at the entrance of your apartment will delight you as well as your guests.  4. Use natural materials for accessories    To give your home an earthy look, pick furniture made of wicker or cane. You can also accessorise your home with rugs, baskets, woven table mats, and wall hangings made with sustainable material. Avoid the temptation of going overboard. Too many decorative items on the floor can be a falling hazard. Be selective when it comes to accessories.  5. Give your home a distinct look with natural stones    Rugged, rustic and eco-friendly stones exude a natural charm. When used in interiors, they lend a timeless appeal. If you are renovating your home, go for natural stone flooring. You can also use quartz, granite or marble countertops in the kitchen. Also, sculptures and lamps made from stone add a rustic charm to your home.    Explore our senior living homes in Bangalore Our senior living homes in Bangalore are ideal for those who are looking for serenity in a busy city.  To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

In today’s hectic and chaotic world, people resort to yoga to get relief from stress and enjoy health benefits. While stretching poses help the body gain strength and flexibility, deep breathing exercises helps in calming the mind.     Yoga is a full-body workout that has many benefits. However, if not done properly, yoga can hurt. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have curated a list of do’s and don’ts while practising yoga to help you reap the benefits:    Do’s  Warm-up before asanas: To avoid body sores and aches, warming up before yoga is important as it prepares the body for various movements. Empty the bowel before yoga practice: To make the most out of a yoga session, clear the bowel before practising yoga. Drink hot water in the morning as it can soften stools and regularise bowel movements.   Wear comfortable clothing: Wear light and comfortable cotton clothes as they facilitate easy movement of your body.  Body should be prepared for yoga:A well-rested body responds to yoga better. Hence, get a sound sleep the night before. Avoid practising yoga when you are tired or exhausted.  Don’ts Do not practise yoga on a full stomach: Practising yoga with a full belly can cause stomachache, gurgling, and bloating. As a general rule, avoid eating two hours before practising yoga. The last meal you eat before yoga should be light.  Do not attempt advanced asanas too soon: If you are new to yoga, build your strength and flexibility before trying advanced poses. Some advanced poses may seem effortless, but it takes years of practice to reach perfection. Without adequate practice, you can put yourself at risk of injury by trying asanas your body is not ready for. Do not jerk your body for any asana: Holding your body tight can cause injury. Move your body slowly and steadily.  Do not ignore injury: If your joints feel sore, avoid practising yoga for a few days. Let the inflammation and swelling reduce before restarting your yoga session.  End the yoga session with relaxation techniques: Do not hurriedly wind up your yoga session. Complete it with breathing exercises that will calm your body and mind.    Yoga is an important part of the wellness programme at our retirement homes in India.  In addition to yoga sessions, there are other activities such as aerobics and dance classes that help our residents stay physically active     To know more about our retirement homes and cost, call us at +91 8884555554.

There is no secret to ageing well except leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, keeping stress under control, and getting regular health screenings are all important for your health. However, many seniors often commit health mistakes that prevent them from ageing well. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share some common health mistakes to help you cope with the changes that accompany ageing:  1. Not being proactive about your health: Many seniors visit a doctor only when they experience a health problem. By scheduling regular health screenings, seniors can benefit from early intervention. At our retirement homes in India, vital parameters of our residents are periodically monitored along with regular health screenings for early detection and treatment of ailments. 2. Driving even when it is  not safe: Being able to move around in your vehicle is indeed a sign of independence. But as you age, your vision, reflexes and hearing change. These changes can make it harder for you to drive safely. Though there is no particular age when people should stop driving, here are some warning signs to watch out for:  Frequent accidents, even if they cause minor dents and scrapes  Struggling to check blind spots or rearview for lane changes Driving seems physically and mentally exhausting Not being able to tolerate any distractions Misjudging gaps in traffic or misreading traffic signals Driving at night seems difficult   3. Not being receptive towards certain signs of ageing With old age comes problems such as loss of hearing, dental problems, poor eyesight or change in gait. However, refusing to wear a hearing aid, eyeglasses or dentures, and not using a walking aid are all signs of denial. Not accepting ageing and the accompanying changes can worsen your existing health problems.  4. Not discussing health issues with your doctor  There are many health issues that you may think are trivial, but they may require a doctor’s attention. Whether you are suffering from urinary incontinence, constipation, or pain in the back, tell your doctor – even if you feel uncomfortable talking about it.  5. Not fully understanding doctor’s instructions  Often seniors have a hard time understanding medical information provided by the doctor. If you don’t understand something the doctor said, ask the doctor to repeat the information. Asking questions is an important part of your healthcare routine – as it helps you get the right information you need to take care of yourself. Also, repeat the information – so that your doctor can confirm whether you got it right.    Looking for retirement homes in India ? Explore our senior living communities To know more about our retirement homes and retirement home facilities , call us at +91 8884555554.

During the pandemic, podcasts emerged as an important information technology and entertainment tool. In India, podcast consumption witnessed a surge of 29.3%. After the US and China, India is the third-largest consumer of podcasts. One of the reasons behind the growing popularity of podcasts is the convenience they offer to their listeners. One can listen to podcasts wherever and whenever they have time. They can also listen to podcasts doing everyday chores such as gardening or organising their closet.    Podcasts not only entertain and inspire but also boost brain health    Listening to podcasts has many benefits including –  Entertainment: Listeners find podcasts entertaining because of their conversational and engaging style. Valuable insights to inspire them: There are many podcasts that are inspiring. They are designed to help seniors stay motivated.  Great educational tool: Be it current events or historical events, podcasts help seniors grow their knowledge.  Boosts brain health: Listening to narrative stories (much like podcasts) is good for  brain health as it stimulates multiple parts of the brain.     If you are new to podcasts, you are on the right page. As one of the senior citizen homes in India, we discuss some useful insights on podcasts    Where can seniors listen to podcasts?  To listen to podcasts, you need access to the internet and find a podcast platform or an app. You can listen to podcasts on your smartphones, computers, tablets or any other digital devices. There are several apps where you can stream or download podcasts. Some popular ones include:  Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Audible Stitcher TuneIn Radio   What makes podcasts so interesting?  Unlike audiobooks, podcast episodes generally consist of conversations between two or more individuals. There is no narration, rather a conversation that makes the episodes engaging.    Choose a topic that interests you:   Here we discuss some of the popular podcast genres:    1. History podcasts: If you are a history buff who loves delving deep into how different events and figures, big and small, fit together to create the world that we see now, you will love listening to history podcasts. Hardcore History, You Must Remember This, and BackStory are some popular history podcasts that you can listen to.    2. Health-related podcasts: Listening to experts discuss common health problems that affect people over 60 and the best ways to prevent and manage different health conditions can be encouraging and helpful. The Better Health While Ageing offers feature topics on healthy eating and common age-related medical issues.    3. Hobby podcasts: If you want to try new hobbies such as writing a blog or learning to paint, you can start listening to podcasts that will help you dive deeper into the subject. Many podcasts are hosted by experts and they offer useful insights. Podcasts such as The Potters Cast, The Perceptive Photographer, and The Yarniacs help people delve into hobbies such as pottery, photography, and knitting respectively.    4. Interview podcasts: Those who love celebrity interviews will enjoy listening to Anupama Chopra Film Reviews. Another podcast that seniors may find interesting is Made In India – it highlights the best works by renowned artists from all over the country.    5. Food podcast: If you love exploring Indian cuisines, you will love listening to podcasts that celebrate Indian cuisines and the traditions associated with them. Some of the popular food podcasts are Bite On This, The Taste Of India, and Rasoi Ki Rani.    Looking for senior citizen homes in India that encourage positive ageing?    Explore our retirement communities in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry, and Kanchipuram. To know more about our independent senior citizen apartments and the services offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

Playing indoor games is a great way to beat boredom, relieve stress, and make new friends. Playing indoor games such as board games and video games can also improve memory and overall mental health of seniors.    A list of engaging indoor games that enhance cognitive health   As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we share a list of indoor games that seniors can play with their friends, grandkids, and family members:  1. Traditional board games that promote social bonding    Traditional board games can help improve cognitive function and memory. When seniors play board games, they must be competitive and cooperative at the same time. While healthy competition stimulates the mind, playing as a team helps seniors socialise with others.    Some of the popular board games that seniors can play are:  Scrabble Monopoly  Ludo  Chess Checkers Chinese checkers Twister  Boggle    2. Video games that may keep cognitive decline at bay Many think that video games are only for kids or young adults. However, the pandemic has seen seniors leverage the power of virtual entertainment. Besides their entertainment value, video games also offer a host of health benefits. Playing Super Mario 64, a popular 3D platform game, can help seniors stave off mild cognitive impairment.    Here are some popular video games for seniors: Super Mario  Bejewelled Wii Sports  World of Warcraft Minecraft   3. Games that help seniors get moving There are numerous indoor games that are good for a senior’s mental well-being and physical fitness. Here are some indoor games that can add more physical activity to a senior’s daily routine:  Egg-and-spoon race  Indoor obstacle course Hide-and-seek Bowling  Pass the parcel  At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore , we have a dedicated clubhouse where residents can play indoor games with fellow residents and spend quality time. If you are looking for senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, call us at  +91 8884555554.