Articles - Know More About Senior Living retirement communities

Many seniors aspire to age positively. They wish to actively take part in the lives of their grandchildren, meet old friends, pursue new passions, and volunteer for a cause. Moving into an independent senior living community can make this possible. Senior living communities in India offer more than aesthetically designed apartments, they provide a vibrant community life that helps senior citizens make the most of their golden years.    Here we share with you some of the benefits of moving into a senior living community and how can you make the transition easy:     Some of the benefits of moving into a senior living community: No worry of property upkeep: Once you move into a senior living community, you don’t have to worry about home upkeep, garden maintenance, and laundry. For instance, in our senior living communities, the maintenance team takes care of individual living spaces and common areas. We also offer periodical housekeeping and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance work.  New friends: Another great benefit of moving into a senior living community is finding new neighbours who can become good friends. Our senior living communities have an active social calendar. From yoga classes and music lessons to art workshops – you are sure to find a group of like-minded residents with whom you can enjoy these activities.    Check this useful read to understand the benefits of moving into a senior living community.                Making transitioning to senior living homes easier:  A senior living home is a great option for retirees looking for opportunities to socialise, make new friends, and explore new interests in a safe and protected environment. However, for some people the transition from their homes to a senior living community is not an easy one. They take time to get used to the new way of life. If you are planning to move into a senior living home in Bangalore, here are some tips to make your transition a little easier.   Create a routine: In new surroundings, sticking to a routine will give you a sense of normalcy. Senior living homes in India run a range of wellness activities for their residents. You can participate in these activities to socialise with like-minded residents.  Invite friends and family:  Ask family members and friends to visit your ‘new home’. At our retirement homes in India, you can host dinner parties for friends and family and invite them over for movie screenings.  Focus on health: Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and schedule regular meals and snack times. To make the transition phase easy, you need to make healthy choices and stick to them.  Decorate your room: Your new home should be a reflection of who you are. Select a colour theme of your choice and then express it through painted walls, cushions, bed throws, and curtains. You can also keep photos of inspiring activities that you wish to do during your retirement years. Place personal items such as your favourite photos or artworks that evoke cherished memories.   If you are looking for a senior living community in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Creating a tidy and clutter-free living space gives seniors the confidence to move around easily. By making a few tweaks to the layout and making some sensible architectural choices, seniors can easily modify the decor to incorporate safety and accessibility features.    If you are planning to make your home senior-friendly, either for yourself or for your loved ones, here are some practical tips that you may find helpful:    Mind the traffic flow: Rearrange the furniture in the living room as well as the rest of the house in such a way that there is enough space to walk around. To reduce the risk of seniors knocking over or bumping into objects, decorative items should not be placed on the pathways.  Buy suitable furniture: Many seniors find it difficult to get up from low height furniture. Hence, avoid low floor seating. Buy furniture according to the body structure. For instance, furniture with deeper seats is an ideal option for seniors who are tall.   Make sure the house is well-lit: All the rooms should have proper visibility. The entryways and pathways should be well-lit. All the dark corners should have lights. You can also install easily accessible bedside lamps that can come in handy at night.   Choose the floor carefully: While selecting the floor for the house, make sure it is not slippery, is easy to walk on, and is easy to maintain. Select an option that provides the most cushioning if you or your loved one falls. For instance, cork flooring offers a cushioning effect and reduces the severity of an injury in case of a fall. Install grab bars in bathrooms: Install a grab bar near the toilet seat, in the shower, and near the washbasin. Grab bar offers additional support to seniors while sitting down or getting up.  A word of caution: only use grab bars. Do not use towel rails as they are not meant to take the weight of a person. Avoid loose rugs and carpets: While rugs and carpets add texture and colour to the room, they can be a tripping hazard. If you want to place rugs in your home, secure them to the floor or go for the ones with anti-slip rug underlays.   . Senior living in India: searching for a retirement home?  Our senior living communities in India have been designed to accommodate the changing needs of seniors. The apartments have anti-skid tiles in the bathrooms and grab rails are strategically placed. There is a panic button in each dwelling to provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Healthy joints are important for better mobility. But with ageing, the lubricating fluid inside the joints decreases, thus leading to joint stiffness. Here we discuss some useful tips that can help you keep your joints healthy.  Be active regularly  Being active has been proven to be beneficial in improving the functioning of joints in seniors. Multiple studies have shown that people who do moderate exercise on a regular basis have a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Low-intensity workouts such as walking, light jogging, swimming, yoga, and cycling can help seniors increase their range of motion. Also, regular exercise improves mobility and bone density.  Listen to your body There will be days when you feel sore and worn out. Do not overexert yourself – pay attention to your body’s warning signs and take a break for a few days.  Maintain right body posture Always maintain the right body posture while sitting. Always sit and stand upright. While working out, do not repeat the same movements every day. It may hurt the joints and make the pain worse.  Maintain a healthy weight Excess weight can put extra pressure on the weight-bearing joints, particularly, the hips, knees, and spine. Those who are overweight are more likely to develop arthritis compared to those who maintain a healthy weight.  Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet  Having a well-balanced diet that contains fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, can be good for your joints as well as health. Adding anti-inflammatory spices and herbs such as turmeric, basil, cumin, rosemary and ginger, can be beneficial. Choose plant protein sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and avocado to provide essential nutrients to your joints. Here is a useful read on food items that support joint health.  Note: The arthritis-affected joints are weak and prone to injuries. Therefore, it is important to take a few extra measures to protect them. Before starting a new exercise regimen, talk to your doctor and physiotherapist.  To increase your fitness in a welcoming and supportive environment, join a senior-friendly gym or a health club. At our retirement homes in Chennai –  Serene Pushkar and Serene Adinath– we have senior-friendly gyms, daily yoga classes, and a calendar filled with engaging activities that will help you stay socially and physically active.  For the average monthly cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” ― Mason Cooley With people travelling less for different reasons, many are seeking different ways to experience faraway places. And reading travel books is a great way to scratch the travel itch while remaining indoors. As one of the leading  senior citizen homes in India, we share with you 5 armchair travel books that will set you around the world:    1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: The book has a shepherd as a protagonist who travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure. The book befittingly shows that the journey is more important than the destination.  It beautifully captures the journey of the protagonist and his realisation that the real treasure is all about pursuing one’s dreams. Filled with inspirational quotes such as “When you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” and “One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving” – the book is ideal for those who love travelling, adventure, and courage.    2. Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler: Whether you are planning to travel to London or a faraway exotic location, if there is one travel guide that helps you with useful information, it is a Lonely Planet Guide. This book tells you the story behind how Lonely Planet Publications became the world’s largest independent guidebook publisher. Authors share amusing and funny anecdotes from their travelling experience. Though it is not a conventional travel book, it is engaging and has a few interesting lessons on building a bootstrapped business.    3. Less  by Andrew Sean Greer: The Pulitzer Prize winning book, Less is a quirky and funny novel. The book’s eponymous protagonist, Arthur Less, goes on a madcap global adventure in a bid to avoid attending a wedding. This hilarious novel is not just a travelogue where you follow the character around the globe, but it is also an exploration of a myriad emotions.    4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The book will take you on a journey that you will never forget. Written in a delightfully witty manner, this book touches many emotions without going overboard. Though it is a memoir of travel and personal discovery in Italy, Indonesia, and India, the book has inspired many to travel and rediscover themselves. An enjoyable read, the travel memoir has some interesting quotes on life and spirituality.  Regarding spirituality, Gilbert writes, “We do not realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.” On life, she says, “You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.”    5. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: A tad different from other travel books, this amazing book delves into long-term travel.  The author, who spent 10 years on the road, shares valuable insights and practical information on how to discover and experience the world. It has practical tips on planning life on the road and saving money while achieving the dream of travelling around the world.    For more book recommendations for seniors, watch this space.  People who read every day are constantly learning new things. As a leading senior living community operator, we understand the importance of reading for seniors. All our communities have a well-stocked library and our residents cherish the time they spend amidst books. To know more about our senior citizen homes and services, call us at +91 8884555554.

More and more seniors are using the internet to connect with family and friends, access healthcare services, online banking, and pay bills. Of all the activities that seniors do online, shopping remains their favourite. Whether it is a friend’s birthday, Diwali, or any other occasion, online shopping lets seniors get all the shopping done without leaving their homes. Online shopping helps seniors buy their favourite products from an endless catalogue at the press of a button.    Let us take a quick look at some of the benefits of online shopping for seniors:  Convenience: Online shopping lets seniors shop from wherever and whenever they want to. There is no need for them to hustle through crowded stores and wait in long queues.  Time saver:  Online shopping helps seniors save time. They do not have to drive to stores or wait in traffic for hours. Also, seniors do not have to stress over finding a parking space for their cars.  Saves money: Online shopping is a good way for seniors to avail great discounts without physically visiting the stores.  Helpful customer reviews: This is one of the best advantages of online shopping. Reading reviews and understanding the product based on another customer’s experience makes the buying process a little more worry-free for seniors.    Although online shopping is convenient, it also makes it a lucrative platform for financial predators to target the seniors. Hence, it is important to be careful while shopping online.   As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of useful tips for online shopping for seniors:    Safety Tip 1: Use strong passwords  While shopping online, seniors should use strong passwords to avoid online frauds and cyber theft. Hackers often break into accounts by guessing passwords. Therefore, avoid commonly used passwords,here is a list of 2020’s commonly used passwords that you may find useful.    Safety Tip 2:  Shop with reputable retailers  Shop directly with online retailers you know and trust. If you already know the brand, it is safe to shop online from their e-store. However, if you are visiting an online store for the first time, do a background check by looking at the websites dedicated to reviewing e-stores.    Safety Tip 3: Shop on secure web pages  The internet browser tells if a site is secure or not. There are sites that show the letters “https” whereas others show “http.” The ‘https’ pages are secure and safe to make online transactions.   Safety Tip 4: Do not use public Wi-Fi while doing financial transaction  Public Wi-Fi connections are not secure for online transactions. Always use a personal or password-protected Wi-Fi connections while making financial transactions.    Safety Tip 5:  Avoid deals and offers that seem too good to be true Beware of online stores offering suspiciously good deals. Often scammers set up fake websites to tempt people to either buy counterfeit items or hand over their card details. The fake websites often look similar to websites of genuine retailers. Do not click on unexpected links or texts that promise deals too good to be true.    As people move into their golden years, they experience a greater sense of vulnerability. Which is why many seniors are moving into gated retirement communities. If you are looking for a worry-free experience after retirement, you can explore our retirement homes in Bangalore. Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific provides you a peaceful, convenient and the sort of safe retirement lifestyle you have always dreamed of.   To know more about this retirement community in Bangalore, call at +91 8884555554.

“Retirement gives you the time literally to recreate yourself through a sport, game, or hobby that you always wanted to try or that you haven’t done in years.”  -Steven D. Price Pursuing hobbies help seniors make their post-retirement days productive and fulfilling. Also, hobbies have a positive effect on their physical and mental health. It has been found that pursuing craft activities and playing games later in life can help preserve cognitive functions.    As an operator of senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we share with you some useful insights on how you can find a fulfilling hobby in the later years of your life.    1. Transform what you already enjoy into a hobby:  A carefully chosen hobby can be entertaining, fulfilling, and relaxing. To find a hobby that meets your goals, it is important to try the activities that you already enjoy. Be it painting, writing, cooking, quilting or woodworking – you can try as many things as you want and then zero in on the activities that you really want to pursue.    2. Reclaim your childhood interests: Think of all the activities you enjoyed doing as a child. Did you enjoy making those paintings that are still hanging in your living room? Can you still feel an adrenaline rush that you felt while scoring a century for your college team? Are you still proud of a costume you designed for yourself while participating in the college drama fest? Revisit those lovely memories and try to add those activities back to your life.    3. Start trying new things (and check the hobbies that stick): Picking a new hobby can be very much a hit-and-miss affair. It might take more than one or two attempts to pick a hobby that suits you well. What may start off as an enjoyable pursuit may turn out to be boring and a monotonous activity after a few days. Give yourself some time and experience the trial and error process of finding the right hobby.  4. Activities that are relaxing:  Pursuing a hobby should not be overwhelming. Your hobby should make you feel content, relaxed, and happy. If it is draining you mentally and physically, you need to reconsider the pros and cons of pursuing the activity. If a hobby feels physically challenging or you think it is taking too much of your time, reconsider pursuing it. No matter how much you love doing something, go slow and steady for your peace of mind.   5. Set realistic goals: If you want to continue a particular activity, do not pick a hobby that is too difficult to pursue. Setting goals that are hard to accomplish will disappoint you. Pursue activities that are easier to accomplish as it will be a rewarding experience when you successfully complete them.  As a resident of a senior living community, you will find different opportunities to pursue a creative activity that will improve your well-being and help you connect with other like-minded people.  If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Journey towards retirement is a long one and often has a few twists and turns along the way. If you are planning for retirement, it is normal for you to have questions. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about retirement:  Question 1: When can I retire?    Answer: The retirement age in India is 60 years for both men and women. However, if you wish to retire early, ensure that you are financially secure for the later years. Other factors to take into consideration before making the decision includes: Career goals Health Family responsibilities Spouse’s plans and goals  Retirement lifestyle  Question 2: How much money do I need to retire?    Answer: Many people wrongly assume  that once they have retired, there won’t be many expenses. However, in many cases it is the other way around. With more time in hand, you will want to spend more on travel, shopping, new hobbies, charities, and leisure activities.  Also, you must think about your healthcare expenses as they tend to increase as you age. You can check our blog on 6 tips for a successful retirement.  Question 3: How to spend time during retirement years?    Answer: With no professional commitments, leisure time can be daunting if you do not plan out your daily activities. Prepare an organised schedule to spend your time doing things you love the most. You can pursue new hobbies, learn a new language, travel the world, start a business, start a blog, or even get a part-time job.  If you are looking for some inspiration, you may find our blog on 15 Meaningful Things to Do After Retirement worth a read.  Question 4: Is moving into a retirement community a good idea?    Answer:  From increased sense of community and support to having instant access to health care services – there are several benefits of living in a retirement community. You can check this informative read on the benefits of moving to a senior living community.    Question 5: Can I rent or buy an apartment in a senior living community?   Answer:  You can rent or own a house at any of our retirement communities in India.  Question 6: How is life at the senior living communities operated by Columbia Pacific Communities?     Answer: In our communities, residents enjoy a wide range of services – from periodic housekeeping and laundry services to preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work. Our F&B team serves delicious, well balanced and nutritious meals to our residents daily. And the social calendar ensures that our residents have something to look forward to every day. Also, there are several amenities such as swimming pool, well equipped gym, yoga room, library, and banquet hall. Our senior living communities in India have partnered with nearby hospitals to ensure that our residents get round-the-clock medical care. Check more details about our services here   Looking for retirement communities in India?   If you are planning to move to a retirement community, we can help you find the perfect property where you can spend your retirement years in a friendly and considerate community. To know the cost of senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554. 

Reaching retirement age comes with a mixed bag of emotions. There is a sense of relief that you can finally enjoy an exciting phase of life and gain new experiences. However, with no professional commitments, the feeling of not having a schedule can be daunting. Many seniors feel stressed when they suddenly have all the time in the world. However, with a little bit of planning, seniors can feel as if they are starting their life all over again. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India,  we share with you some useful tips on starting over after retirement:   Never stop learning: The best way to move forward in life is to keep learning. You can explore a new hobby or pursue old hobbies. Stay busy with a meaningful activity that provides you a sense of purpose and makes you feel productive.  One of the best ways to get started is to join group classes where you will meet people who share similar interests as you. Group sessions are a great way to socialise, meet people, gain confidence, and learn.    Stay socially connected: With children settled and no 9-to-5 commitments, loneliness can slowly become a part of ageing. When you retire, you lose social connections and may start to feel isolated, which can have adverse effects on your mental and physical health. It has been found that loneliness can be worse for your health than obesity and high blood pressure.    To start afresh, make new social connections. Sign up for volunteering opportunities, invite neighbours or connect with your existing friends. Schedule a part of your day to build and nurture social connections. You can make phone calls, have coffee with neighbours, or have lunch with your former colleagues.    Replace your previous work routine with a new routine: With no daily commitments, you can lose structure and routine from your day. To enjoy a satisfying and fulfilling life, you need to replace the old routine with a new one that is packed with new interests, activities, and social commitments.    Having a routine helps you lead an organised life. However, when you make a new routine, be serious about it and stick to it.    Set new goals: Create a bucket list of activities that you wish to complete or a creative project you want to start. By creating a list you will push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore things you never thought you would.    Stay healthy: When you are starting over, begin on a healthy note. From staying physically active and eating a well-balanced diet to improving your emotional well-being – make health a priority. Do not forget that staying healthy is your ticket to enjoying your life to the fullest.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we do not believe in the stereotypical retirement life. We have an active social calendar that helps our residents socialise, make new friends, and explore new interests.  We have 1 and 2 BHK independent senior living apartments as well as villas. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

 “Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar, Yoga guru         Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors. Being a low-impact exercise, yoga puts less strain on the joints but it strengthens muscles, improves heart health, posture, and breathing. It also has a positive impact on mood.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of benefits of yoga for seniors:                                                                                                                        1. Yoga reduces stress: A regular yoga plan involves breathing and meditation techniques that can help reduce stress. Seniors can join a local yoga studio or practise by watching a yoga video at home. Note: An effective yoga regimen is stress-free. It improves blood circulation and boosts energy rather than depleting it. Yoga sessions should calm the nervous system rather than overstimulating it.  2. Yoga improves flexibility: Regular yoga practices improve muscular strength and flexibility. Committing to a daily yoga routine can help seniors increase their flexibility, balance, and strength.  3. Yoga is good for cardiovascular health: As per a study published in the International Journal of non-communicable Diseases, yoga is good for heart health. It may help lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.  4. Yoga improves resilience: With regular dedicated practice, one becomes mentally strong. It promotes a calmer and stronger mental frame that can cope with the ups and downs of life. 5. Yoga lowers the risk of depression: Yoga is considered to be a mood booster. The combination of body movements and breathing techniques can induce a sense of well-being and raise serotonin (the happiness hormone) levels. Also, going to yoga classes gives seniors a chance to meet new people and make new friends. 6. Yoga improves concentration: While practising yoga poses and meditation techniques, seniors need to concentrate on their breathing. This process has a calming effect and helps them concentrate better and control their thoughts. Meditating for just a few minutes in the morning can help seniors recollect and retain more information throughout the day.  7. Yoga can alleviate pain: Yoga is helpful in easing chronic pain. Even if a senior has physical limitations, he or she can practice simple yoga postures to get relief from pain.   Note: If you are suffering from arthritis, you can practise yoga moves such as Cat pose (Marjaryasana) and Cow pose (Bitilasana). You can check this useful read on arthritis -friendly yoga poses.  8. Yoga can reduce insomnia: Relaxing yoga poses combined with deep breathing techniques help seniors sleep better. Asanas such as Utthan Pristhasana and Salabhasana promote better sleep.  9. Yoga strengthens lungs: Deep breathing techniques and simple asanas can improve the functioning of the lungs.   Note: A study found that pranayama exercises and asanas can improve lung functions and diffusion capacity in coronary artery disease patients.  10. Yoga improves immunity: Asanas such as Sasakasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama, and Trikonasana can boost the  immune system. 11. Yoga teaches self-discipline: By repeating patterns and sequences, one learns to maintain a sense of self-discipline, an important trait to lead a healthy life and accomplish retirement goals.  Our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore encourage residents to lead a physically active lifestyle. Mornings at our retirement homes start with yoga and meditation classes. A regular events calendar includes yoga classes, walkathons, and many other engaging activities that promote flexibility, strength, and fitness. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Inflammation is your body’s response towards an injury or infection.  It is a necessary part of the body’s immune system. But when inflammation is out of control, it can damage the healthy tissues. To keep inflammation under control, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, shed excess pounds, and control high blood pressure.   The first step to begin a healthy lifestyle is to start following an anti-inflammatory diet. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few insights on anti-inflammatory diet: 1. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits If you are eating canned, packaged or preserved food, switch to fresh vegetables and fruits. Add salads and lightly steamed vegetables (you can season them with pepper, salt, and olive oil) to your daily meals. For desserts, switch from pastries, cakes, and gulab jamuns to fresh fruits.  Try to add antioxidant rich vegetables, fruits, and spices to your diet. For instance, turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and they are used generously in Indian recipes. You can also make lattes using turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk or add them to your juices and smoothies.  Also, berries, avocados, whole grains, and beans have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.     Note: Antioxidants protect your body against any harmful effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants come in many forms such as teas, foods, and vitamin supplements.  2. Try to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements Omega-3 fatty acids have enormous health benefits – they are good for cardiovascular health and can reduce inflammatory processes. Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Also, freshly ground flaxseeds contain omega-3 fats and a healthy dose of dietary fibre.  3. Drink more water  Your body needs enough water to detoxify. If your body is dehydrated, it cannot release harmful toxins and cellular waste products – which can cause inflammation. It is important to note that consumption of liquids such as soda, juices, tea and coffee cannot help your body to cleanse itself and they do not count towards your daily intake of water as they act as diuretics.  Note: In addition to drinking water, having broth and soups on a regular basis can hydrate your body.  4. Identify foods that are not good for your body  Avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, and deep-fried food as they all contain unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation. While preparing a diet plan, identify foods that make you uncomfortable or cause indigestion. Your body communicates with you through various symptoms, pay attention to them. Some of the common food triggers include: Dairy  Eggs Soya Peanuts Wheat  In addition to following an anti-inflammatory diet, seniors should lead an active lifestyle. It has been reported that adults aged 65 and over are the most sedentary age group – they spend 10 hours a day lying down or sitting. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we provide a supportive and welcoming environment to our residents who want to improve their fitness levels.  If you are looking for senior citizen homes in Chennai, explore our retirement communities to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know important details such as retirement home monthly cost, maintenance fees, facilities, and services offered.