Articles - Know More About Senior Living retirement communities

There is no doubt that there are immense health benefits of exercising regularly. It helps in managing weight, lowers cholesterol levels, and reduces the risk of one developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It also lowers one’s risk of developing osteoporosis. To reap the health benefits of exercising, it is important that seniors do at least 3 hours of moderate to high-intensity exercise per week. However, to make the exercise routine a success, it’s important to set the right fitness goals.If you are a senior citizen and are looking for tips to set fitness goals, here are a few thoughts: Set straightforward goals: Wanting to stay healthy is a great place to start with. But not having a measurable goal can make it difficult to track progress. Have a more specific goal, for instance, losing 5 kgs within a specific time or want to be able to do 30 push-ups in a day. Aim for attainable goals: Setting goals that are unrealistic can discourage you, forcing you to leave your fitness journey midway. The aim of goal setting is to push to do you better. For instance, instead of saying that you would quit eating sweets altogether, you should fix the goal of eating sweets only once in a week. Set a timeline: To track your progress, you should be realistic with the time frame. Remember, lasting changes take time. Put an endpoint on your goal. Whether it’s a month or a quarter or a year, you should set a time. Review your progress: Staying physically active is not a one-time thing, rather it is a life-long commitment. Assess your goals and ensure that they are relevant. Alter your goals as you progress with your fitness journey. Exercise in groups: A strong social support network can really help you stick to your fitness journey. Exercising in groups can help you stick to your commitment. As the largest senior living community operator, we help our residents stay physically active by hosting yoga and aerobics classes. In our select facilities, there are swimming pools to help our residents stay in shape and make friends.

Dehydration among the elderly can be quite common. It can be because as people age, the sense of thirst decreases. It is recommended that an adult drinks six to eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. Beverages like juice, shakes, and smoothie all count towards the intake. Older adults must ensure that they stay adequately hydrated. However, they should not drink more than they feel comfortable with. They should avoid drinking a large amount of water before bedtime if they struggle with waking up to go to the washroom at night. As one of the leading senior citizen housing communities, we discuss some useful insights that will help prevent dehydration in seniors. If you are a senior citizen, you will find the following insights useful: Remember that there are many sources of fluids: There are many delicious and healthy beverages such as lemon water, coconut water, cucumber juice and aloe vera juice that you can drink to stay hydrated. Canned fruit juices may not be the best hydrating drinks, but you can have fruit-infused water. Stay away from caffeine, sugary drinks, and alcohol: A hot cup of coffee or tea indeed boosts your mood. Drinking moderate amounts of tea and coffee shouldn’t dehydrate you. However, drinking copious amounts of coffee, tea, sugary drinks, and alcohol can speed up the dehydration process. Wear breathable material: When you sweat excessively, especially when you exercise, you may face the risk of dehydration. Wear materials such as cotton and linen that allow the body to sweat and breathe naturally. Avoid wearing polyester, rayon, denim, fleece, nylon and leather. Take frequent breaks: When working out during the summer months or outdoors, make sure that you take breaks. The heat can quickly decrease the energy levels of elderly individuals. Keep a water bottle around and take small sips of water. Eat fibre-rich foods: Many fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, tomatoes, spinach, oranges, apples, and cucumbers are rich in water and fibre. Include them in your diet. Signs of dehydration If dehydration is not addressed properly, it can get worse and become a serious problem. Here are some signs of dehydration: Cramping in limbs Headache Fatigue Irritability Low urine output Dry skin Constipation We hope you find this write-up useful! For more such articles, watch this space.

One may not realise but blue light is everywhere. Did you know that sunlight is the main source of blue light? Besides sunlight, there are many other sources of blue light such as fluorescent lamps, LED lighting and devices like computers, phones and television screens. The natural blue light has a shorter wavelength and is thus not harmful to the eyes. But the amount of time people spend using electronic devices is a cause of concern, particularly amongst seniors. From affecting their sleeping patterns to increasing their risks of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, artificial blue light can affect the health of seniors in a number of ways. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore, here are some practical ways to help seniors reduce their exposure to blue light: Be screen smart: When seniors spend a lot of time in front of the screen, they are making themselves vulnerable to dry eye syndrome and other eye conditions. The eyes become dry because the blink rate drops to half. Also, strained eyes can cause headaches and fatigue. To reduce eye strain, seniors should keep devices at an arm’s length. The brightness should be adjusted to reduce the contrast and glare. Seniors should increase the text size if they are experiencing difficulty in reading. Seniors should also take frequent breaks from all kinds of screens. Use night mode settings: Almost everyone at some point is guilty of checking their smartphones in bed. The blue light exposure at night can affect sleep pattern and the body’s biological clock by suppressing the secretion of melatonin, a hormone responsible for circadian rhythms. The best way to address this problem is to keep all the electronic devices out of the bedroom. If that is not possible, then seniors should invest in blue-light protecting glasses or use their devices on night mode settings. Protect skin from free-radical damage: The blue light emitted from digital devices not only disturb sleeping patterns, but it can also affect the skin. Too much exposure to screens can cause the blue light to penetrate the skin far deeper than the UV light. Blue light exposure can also stimulate photo-ageing – seniors who check their smartphones frequently are at a higher risk of skin discolouration, inflammation and a weakened skin surface. Besides reducing the screen time, seniors should use sunscreen cream or lotion that protect the skin from UVA and UVB and prevent free-radical damage. We hope you found our blue light action plan useful. Being one of the best senior living communities, we are concerned about the overall health of our residents. It is for this reason we ensure that there’s a wide variety of activities such as yoga classes and music lessons that keep them engaged in a healthy way.

As the world is still grappling with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation to con people. Scammers are preying on the fear that the pandemic has generated and are targeting seniors who are not in touch with friends, families and neighbours due to the pandemic. If you are a senior adultor have an elderly in the family, here are some Covid-19-related scams that you should be wary of: Vaccine-related scam: Con artists are targeting seniors for money and personal data on the pretext of registering them for COVID-19 vaccine. The callers will first talk about the risk that COVID-19 poses, then they would offer seniors the chance to protect themselves with a vaccine much before others can. They may even pretend to be a government official. They may steal the data or ask for money. According to a news report, a 92-year-old woman in the UK was approached by a man at her home. He injected her with a fake vaccine and made away with the money. In the US, where people are waiting for their turn to get vaccinated, many fraudsters are sending out emails, messages and links to offer early delivery of vaccines at lower prices. Remember, vaccines will be available through safe and regulated sources only. Do not entertain such unsolicited calls and do not share information like your Aadhaar card number or bank details. Decontamination of home: Many senior adults are being targeted by con artists who are claiming to be from cleaning companies offering to disinfect the home. They are charging exorbitant prices. While some fraudsters are calling people, others are going door-to-door to offer cleaning services. If you or your family member receives any such call, do not entertain them and end the conversation immediately. Free COVID-19 test kits: Fraudsters are calling or sending text messages to older adults offering free COVID-19 test kits in an attempt to get their credit card or banking details so that they can withdraw money using the information. Such fraudsters may pretend to be bank officials or government officials. They ask for bank details and ask seniors to provide their home addresses, stating that they want to drop off the test kit. If you wish to get tested for COVID-19, contact your doctor or visit a testing centre. As one of the best rated senior living communities in India, we urge you to be wary of such fraudsters. In our senior living facilities in India, we make sure that correct and accurate information is made available to our residents. Our wellness team ensures that all the doubts of our residents are addressed properly and everything they need is made available to them whilst they stay indoors.

Be it drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or any other form of visual art – the process of creating something from scratch can be quite therapeutic for people of all ages, especially seniors. Expressing oneself through art is one of the proven methods of keeping stress at bay and keeping oneself engaged in a creative manner. With art therapy, one can let negative emotions take a backseat and make room for positive feelings. When practiced in groups, art is a great way to meet like-minded people and make new social connections. Art helps to alleviate loneliness and isolation – as one of the best rated senior living communities we organise art workshops to encourage our residents to discover their creative side.  We feature the artwork of our residents in our monthly journals. Here are some of the benefits of art therapy: Benefits of drawing: Drawing is a great way to challenge the mind creatively. The brain is actively engaged in imagining what to draw while at the same time exploring tools like pencils, markers and brushes. The targeted use of drawing helps to keep the mind sharp and promotes dexterity. It also offers a way to seniors to communicate and express themselves. Not only does drawing help in reducing stress and boosting self-esteem, but it can also help seniors refine their fine motor skills. Benefits of painting: Active participation in the arts like painting can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of seniors in many ways. Painting or even colouring sessions can be quite therapeutic for senior adults. Painting evokes feelings of peace and fun. It sharpens the mind through conceptual visualisation and implementation. People who frequently write, paint or draw have less chance of developing illnesses related to memory loss as they age. Those who find it difficult to open up about their feelings easily may find painting a great way to release their inner feelings. Benefits of writing: Unlike talking, when people write they use sophisticated words and expressions to convey what they have in mind. Writing is a thinking exercise, and just like physical exercise, it can help the brain stay in ‘shape’ especially as one ages. Writing about positive experiences is associated with an increased sense of well-being. Writing or journaling has also been linked to improved mood and reduced stress levels.

Spending time with your grandchildren is a great chance to go outside and have some fun. If you are looking for some exciting activities that you can enjoy with your grandkids in Pondicherry, check out these ideas Puducherry Museum: This little museum is a great place to take your grandkids to. There are many artefacts that date back to the reigns of the Pallava and Chola dynasties. The major attraction of the museum isthe huge transportation system from yesteryears. There is a coach, a palanquin and a pousse. You also get a chance to sneak a peek into French culture as there are many pieces of furniture from the colonial era. Eat out: Puducherry is a melting pot of cultures and that is reflected in the city’s cuisine. You will find a wide range of savoury delicacies – from authentic French and Italian cuisine to Tamil cuisine. Visit churches: Although a small town, Puducherry is known for its churches that are nothing less than architectural marvels. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral are must-visit churches. The best part is that these churches are nearby so you and your grandkids can walk around the French Quarter and enjoy. Relax at the beach: With its pristine shoreline and natural beauty, some of the best beaches of Puducherry attract people from all over the world. If you are looking for a lazy weekend with your grandchildren, head to the beach. Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach are some of the most famous beaches where you can enjoy scenic views while having a good time with your grandchildren. Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach are ideal for water sports. Go boating: If your grandchildren are too young for watersports, head to the Chunnambar Boathouse. You can book a boat ride and enjoy the stunning views. If you are lucky, you will also get to see some exotic birds in the area.

Coimbatore has become synonymous with textile and educational institutions. However, in recent years, the city is gaining popularity as one of the most preferred retirement destinations in India. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, it is a great place to enjoy the comforts of the city life and quietude of a second-tier city. When it comes to having fun times with your grandkids, the city offers a number of attractions. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore,  we have curated a list of fun activities you can do with your grandkids: Visit the waterfalls: There are many waterfalls in Coimbatore – Monkey waterfall, Siruvani waterfall and Vaidehi waterfall – that lets you enjoy the magnificence of nature in its pristine form. During the summers when the schools are closed, pack your picnic baskets, and have a good time with your grandkids. Spend a laidback Sunday on a beach: Besides sparkling waterfalls, beaches are another reason why Coimbatore is an ideal city for retirement. There are numerous beaches near the city that you can drive to. Whether you want to spend an evening or plan a weekend getaway with your grandkids, the beaches near the city are charming and picturesque. Go museum hopping: If you want to have a fair share of gaining knowledge and spending fun-filled times without your grandkids, then visiting the famous museums in Coimbatore is a great idea. Featuring vintage cars, Gedee Car Museum is a must-visit if you and your grandkids are car enthusiasts. The well-maintained museum is a good place to learn a thing or two about cars and get yourself clicked with some of the most beautiful cars. You can also visit India’s first insect museum. It is an interesting opportunity to learn about unique behaviour, habits and habitats of insects. Plan a trip to an adventure park: No matter how old your grandchildren are, they will definitely not want to miss out on an opportunity to visit an adventure park. There are several water and amusement parks in and around Coimbatore where you can enjoy exhilarating rides and heart-racing experiences such as the haunted house. With fantastic rides, family-friendly attractions and innovative play areas for kids, these amusement parks are a great place to have some fun and make memories for a lifetime. We hope you find our recommendations helpful and have a great time with your grandkids.

As you retire, you are no longer held back by the responsibilities of work. If you are looking forward to spending your sunset years exploring a plethora of sights and cultures, you are on the right page. As one of the best rated senior living communities, we have curated the list of 6 fabulous travel videos that you would love: Video 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er2tS8vWXHs: Those of you who love inviting beaches and yachts, you must watch this video capturing the beauty of French Riviera. One of the most sought-after places in the world to visit, French Riviera has something for everyone – from museums and casinos to extravagant architecture and sumptuous food. This video also captures details about the 19th-century aristocrats and the life they led along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. Video 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq70UHD8DrM: The world is full of ancient ruins and if you are a history buff, you will love this video. The video covers 25 ancient ruins that include places like Stonehenge (UK), Ayutthaya (Thailand), Machu Picchu (Peru) and Hampi (Karnataka). After watching this video, you will be amazed by the incredible feats of engineering and architecture that still hold these places together. Video 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4HuhPRoyGE: If your idea of a holiday is to see the elegant Venetian palaces and the city’s most iconic landmarks, you should indeed watch this video. This video will take you through amazing places in Venice. You will get an idea on the museums to visit, the bridges to walk on and the islands to explore. . Watch this video to avoid the hustle and stress of planning. Video 4 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dQexveY0cs: If you are an art lover, you will love this incredibly informative video on Yogyakarta, an important hub that still preserves the ancient Indonesian art, skills and heritage. The video throws light on Yogyakarta’s cultural, intellectual and spiritual traditions. Palaces, museums, puppetry, artwork and cuisine – everything is covered in this beautifully shot video. Video 5 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOuDhwzsq0: The sunset at Santorini is one of the most wonderful sights to see. This video gives you a glimpse of the world’s most unique beaches. The video covers cave dwellings, sacred churches, and historical sites beautifully. Video 6 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAnj6r1O48&ab_channel=touropia: Even within India, there is always something new to see and something new to eat. From visiting Udaipur, city of lakes, to Varanasi, the land of salvation, you will never get tired of majestic forts and age-old temples.  And when it comes to cuisines – you will be spoilt for choices while travelling within India.

Holidays are all about family, friends, great food and great memories. It is also that time of the year when people usually gain weight. It’s often seen that during holidays one doesn’t stick to their regular exercise regimen and easy access to sumptuous treats can make them snack unnecessarily. However, this doesn’t have to be like this always. As one of the leading senior living communities,  we share with you 5 tips to eat healthy throughout the holiday season without giving up on your holiday favourites: Have caffeine in moderation: When you are with friends and family, there are multiple rounds of tea and coffee. While both tea and coffee are known for increasing alertness, when consumed in copious amounts they can cause nervousness, anxiety, and digestive troubles. Limiting caffeine intake will help you sleep better and feel less anxious and jittery. Not just that, reducing caffeine also keeps you energised. Increase fibre intake: During the holiday season, often fibre intake takes a backseat in your dietary diligence. With cookies and other goodies easily available, people tend to make food choices that are high in sugar and low in fibre. It is important, however, to consciously include high-fibre foods at every meal. Fill at least half the plate with high-fibre vegetables and fruits. One easy way to add more fibre to your diet is to have high-fibre breakfast and eat salad before every meal. Keep yourself hydrated: When it comes to avoiding weight gain associated with the holiday season, the typical mindset is to increase workouts and cut calories. But what many people do not realise is that drinking water can help you address problems like weight gain and digestive issues. It is good to kick-start your body’s metabolic process in the morning by drinking a glass of water. Eat mindfully: To prevent festive season binge eating, you must opt for healthy food choices and eat mindfully. When you fill your plate, fill it with the food you love but in small portions. Notice the colours, taste and textures. Savour every bite. Eating slowly will stop you from overeating. Before heading to a party, have a high-protein snack to curb hunger pangs. Limit alcohol: Alcohol makes you eat more, besides increasing your risk of liver, heart, brain and stomach damage. It is advisable to set a limit and stick to it. Have a friend or a partner to keep yourself accountable. Eat before drinking so that you don’t end up drinking too much. Engage yourself in conversations instead of sitting and drinking.

When it comes to ageing brain, don’t believe everything you hear. Doing crossword puzzles used to be perhaps the best advice in terms of how ageing adults can keep their brains sharp during the golden years. However, there are several ways that can help you reduce the risk of cognitive decline in general and keep your brain in the best shape. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we debunk the common myths about ageing: A healthy lifestyle doesn’t affect brain health: Your brain is in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs breathing. It lets you move, feel, and think. But a poor diet, dehydration, and stress help in generating free radicals that damage brain cells. It is thus important to give your brain the nutrients it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed food, exercising regularly, and keeping yourself hydrated. When you are stressed, the body responds with inflammation which subsequently reduces the brain’s ability to function and transmit information. Learn ways to manage your stress. Doing yoga, writing a journal and meditating are some ways that can help you change negative thought patterns. Sleep doesn’t matter: Often it is thought that poor sleep is a normal part of ageing, but it is not. In fact, deep sleep is very important for seniors as it reduces the risk of cognition loss and dementia. According to a study, lack of deep sleep reduces word recall memory. Your sleep pattern may change as you age but disturbed sleep should not be ignored. Those having trouble sleeping should see a doctor. Gum disease is actively related to brain health: One of the more surprising connections scientists have found is between gum disease and cognitive decline. It has been found that bacteria that cause gum disease can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Now, you have one more reason to make good oral health a priority. Dehydration and brain function: All the cells in the body need water to carry out essential functions. Therefore, when the body is dehydrated, brain cells cannot function as they should. Exercise is good for the heart: Well, you all know that exercise is good for your cardiovascular health. But what about your brain? Exercise increases the heart rate, pumping more oxygen to the brain. This stimulates chemical changes that provide an excellent environment for the growth of brain cells which boosts one’s learning skills, mood and thinking abilities. Exercising also releases happy hormones that helps one manage stress. As a leading senior living community operator, we encourage positive ageing at our communities by offering the right atmosphere to lead a physically and socially active lifestyle.