Articles - Know More About Senior Living retirement communities

Ageing comes with life changes that are often difficult to cope with. Certain life events may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness among seniors. Here are a few things that best rated senior living communities are doing to make residents feel more positive about themselves:       1.Vibrant community spaces: As people age, it can get difficult to maintain close relationships with old friends because of many constraints. To address that, some of the best rated senior living communities like ours have designed vibrant common areas where residents can easily strike a conversation and bond over food. Our clubhouses act like the axis of the community where the residents can discover new hobbies and interests and meet new people. The dining halls are spacious where residents can catch up with each other.     2.Health and wellness programs: Being physically active is not just good for physical health but it can also improve the mental well-being. Regular exercising helps the body release hormones that reduce stress and boost overall mood. Some of the best senior living communities take a holistic approach towards physical, mental and emotional well-being. We are proactive about preventive health care. Vital parameters of our residents are monitored periodically, along with regular health screening. The wellness centre has fitness instructors under whose guidance the residents exercise. Well-equipped gyms have trained and experienced staff to help.     3.Activity calendars: Being a part of a community helps boost self-confidence and raise self-esteem. Community events present a great opportunity for seniors to form new friendships, learn new skills, and be a part of something that interests them. Our activity calendar at Columbia Pacific Communities offers a wide array of activities including yoga, meditation, group exercise, music and movie screening, educational workshops, and outings.      Spend your golden years the way you desire. Our retirement communities offer an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities that are focused on physical, mental and emotional well-being of the residents.     

Retirement can be an ideal opportunity to relocate to a more peaceful place that has favorable weather and offers all the comforts you seek after retirement. If you are envisaging a retired life not very different from a long vacation, here are five cities in India that are perfect for retirement.  Bengaluru   Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is one of the most sought-after retirement destinations. The city enjoys pleasant weather round the year and a good quality of life by offering a great social and commercial infrastructure. The best retirement homes in Bangalore have partnerships with nearby hospitals, so you are assured of round-the-clock care. Bengaluru is well-connected with other metro cities and offers a number of weekend travel options.  Chennai   Another city that is popular for retirement homes in India is Chennai. Situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the best retirement homes in Chennai offer impeccable healthcare facilities along with trained staff to take care of residents at retirement homes. If you are looking for low cost of living and high quality of life, Chennai is a great option. It is well-known as the health capital of India, offering state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and quality nursing staff. The best retirement homes in Chennai help in organizing weekend trips for the residents of the retirement homes, which include providing vehicles on hire.  Coimbatore  Surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore is one of the preferred cities in India to settle after retirement. Blessed with year-round pleasant weather, you can settle for a peaceful life in this quiet city. The low level of pollution in the city also helps you live a long and healthy life. As Coimbatore is popular for retirement housing, the hospitals here provide all the necessary facilities for senior citizen healthcare.   Kanchipuram  Kanchipuram is a temple city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu with great historical significance. Located on the banks of the Vegavathy river, the serene city of Kanchipuram is one of the best cities to live after retirement. The weather here is generally nice and is relatively cooler in the evenings. The city offers a rich and vibrant culture, surrounded with temples adding to the quality of life. There are good hospitals in the locality. Weekend trips can be exciting.   Puducherry  Puducherry, a popular beach destination is also known for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, which draws large numbers of visitors every year. Puducherry is connected to Chennai via the East Coast Road through Mahabalipuram and enjoys air and railway connectivity to other parts of the country. The environment is pollution free and the weather is pleasant. The beauty of the city lies in its crystal-clear beaches, French-style architecture, and a laid-back lifestyle. Healthcare facilities for the elderly are quite good in Puducherry. It is also well connected to popular weekend getaways in Southern India. 

Choosing a senior living option in India is a big decision for you and your loved ones. There are many factors that you have to take into consideration. But with so many housing options for seniors available in India, it may feel a tad overwhelming to find the right one for you or your parents. Options range from retirement homes to nursing homes. Knowing about them can help you narrow down your choices:       1.Retirement homes with independent living: Senior adults who are active and wish to live independently can opt for a retirement community with independent villas or apartments. This option allows seniors to live on their own. Many retirement homes provide services like housekeeping, laundry, dining options and maintenance of the property. Emergency care is available on the premises. A range of recreational activities is also offered.  Our retirement homes have independent apartments and villas. The cost of our retirement homes in India can vary from Rs 30 lakh for a small one BHK apartment to over Rs 1 crore for a larger three BHK apartment in the same community. You can check our FAQ section here    2.Nursing home: For those who require a high level of medical care, a nursing home is a good option. Like in assisted living, seniors are offered facilities like meals, transportation, housekeeping, laundry services and help with basic activities. They also get medication management and 24-hour supervision. Those requiring help with personal care will be provided assistance.     3.Respite care: Respite care is a helpful option for those who are recovering from a surgery or a serious illness. As respite care is a short-term arrangement, it can be sought at home, a healthcare facility or an assisted living home. Respite care is a good option when the primary caregiver needs a break from the demands of caregiving. Respite care homes give patients a safe and supportive environment that helps them recover fast. Meals, medication, assistance with bathing, grooming and laundry are some of the services provided at most respite care homes.     We hope you find this information handy when looking for a senior living option. 

Retirement homes in India offer a variety of modern amenities, senior-friendly architecture and services that help senior citizens live a fulfilling life post retirement. Set amidst a calm and serene environment, our senior citizen homes are spacious and well thought out. With trained in-house 24X7 support and maintenance staff, it’s a comforting feeling to know that there are always people close by to lend a helping hand. Looking for benefits of moving to a senior citizen home? Check out these amenities Here are some of the amenities offered by the best rated retirement homes in India that give you the liberty to live life on your own terms in your golden age. ● The Clubhouse: The local hub to come together to share a happy and healthy bonding with other community members. As you connect with fellow seniors over similar hobbies and interests, you make new friends with like-minded people. ● Business Centre: If you wish to continue working in your post-retirement days, senior citizen homes with business centres are a good choice. You can expect well-equipped office spaces complete with ergonomic chairs, printers, meeting rooms, wi-fi and computer stations at the business centres. ● Spa: You can enjoy relaxing spa sessions at the best retirement homes in India. You will find professional and qualified therapists who will dissolve your stress and worry by bringing harmony to your mind, body and soul. ● Wellness Centre: The wellness centre helps you develop strength and boost your overall fitness levels. Experienced and compassionate instructors are appointed to involve you in fun exercises such as aerobics to increase your stamina, making your body flexible and healthier. ● Community Spaces: The vibrant community spaces are designed to evoke a soulful conversation with fellow seniors. It gives you the opportunity to express yourself, relax and develop a feeling of belongingness. ● Senior-Friendly Architecture: The corridors at senior citizen homes are designed to be senior friendly. Our premium retirement homes like The Virtuoso Club And Serviced Residences in Bangalore are compliant with the NBC (National Building Code) standards for accessible housing as well as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act 1990) guidelines for structure and facilities. The corridors at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences are 2.1 meters wide, so that in case of medical emergencies there is enough space to move stretchers and other mobility devices. To make movement effortless for seniors, the elevators are fitted with Automatic Rescue Devices. To know more about The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, visit here With such amazing amenities and senior-friendly architecture, senior citizen homes in India help you live life to the fullest.

The best retirement homes in India like ours have adopted a holistic approach to ageing. From conducting wellness workshops and lectures to promoting age-appropriate physical activities designed by physiotherapists, modern-day retirement homes offer a bouquet of facilities to encourage seniors to live life to the fullest. Let’s have a look at some of the low-impact physical activities for seniors: ● Walking: It is one of the best exercises for seniors as they can control their pace, intensity, and duration of the walk. Many seniors like mindful walking for its meditative benefits as it allows them to slow down, relieve stress and calm themselves. ● Yoga: An age-old form of exercise, yoga is excellent for improving balance, flexibility and mobility. At Columbia Pacific Communities, residents start their day with yoga/pranayama exercises to rejuvenate the mind. ● Pranayama: Pranayama exercises such as anulom-vilom and bhramari reduce stress and increase the capacity of lungs. ● Swimming: It is a low-impact exercise which improves flexibility and muscle strength. Swimming can also help seniors who suffer from arthritis manage joint pain. ● Cycling: It’s a fun activity that seniors can do alone or with a group. It keeps them in shape, boosts their mood and improves heart health. ● Treadmill exercise: Seniors can prevent age-related bone loss by walking regularly on a treadmill. The best retirement homes in India like ours have age-appropriate gymnasiums where seniors can exercise in an ideal environment. Consult Your Doctor Before Starting Any New Exercise Program If you have recently moved to a retirement home and are planning to start a new exercise program, consult your doctor first. Those who are suffering from kidney disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes should not begin any new exercise program without doctor’s consultation. At our retirement homes in India, the physical activities are designed by trained physiotherapists. If you are searching for a retirement home in India , take a look at our projects located in some of the best cities to buy a retirement home.

One of the objectives of Columbia Pacific Communities is to help our residents stay fitter and healthier – so that they can maintain their independence and ability to pursue their chosen retirement lifestyle. We have a holistic approach for health that rests on three pillars, namely – physical, psychological and social well-being. Over here we discuss the physical benefits of exercising regularly. Let’s take a brief look at some of the simple and fun exercises that help seniors improve their strength and balance: 1. Walking: “Walking is man’s best medicine”, said Hippocrates 2000 years ago – and a growing number of modern-day studies suggest that he wasn’t wrong. For seniors, walking has many benefits: it reduces their risk for coronary heart disease; it may help lower their blood sugar levels; and it eases joint pain. Also, walking brings big benefits for seniors who have weak ankles or knees or suffer from arthritis. At our retirement communities in India, we have senior-friendly walking and jogging tracks that have anti-skid tiles. These tracks are well-lit and promote safe and stable walking. 2. Yoga: More and more seniors are practicing yoga for the benefits it offers. With low-impact movements, yoga enhances flexibility, mobility, strength and balance. The good thing about yoga is that one doesn’t need to exert too much pressure on the joints. Also, yoga requires no prior fitness experience, and there are several easy beginners poses that are perfect for seniors who are just starting to learn yoga. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we offer various wellness programs that include daily stretching exercises, yoga and pranayama. All the fitness plans have been designed by our physiotherapists. 3. Swimming: Retirement homes in Columbia Pacific Communities have swimming pools so that seniors can regularly enjoy a swim and stay physically active. Swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise. It doesn’t exert pressure on the joints and builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. 4. Stationary cycling: Cycling has many health benefits for seniors. It strengthens their legs without exerting stress on the joints. Stationary cycling is a safe way to exercise as it reduces the risk of fall. Columbia Pacific Communities have fully equipped gyms that have stationary bicycles, treadmills and other senior-friendly exercise equipment, offering residents a safe and secure environment for daily workout.

With more time on hand and less to do, many retirees find it difficult to embrace their retirement lifestyle wholeheartedly. Over here we discuss a few simple changes in your lifestyle that can make your golden years count: 1. Don’t be shy to meet other retirees and make friends: Whether it is losing touch with colleagues or death of a partner – loneliness is a major issue after retirement. Loneliness can get worse if you don’t seek companionship. You can move to a retirement home where you can socialise with people your age, who share your interests. Also, living alongside like-minded people provides reassurance that there is always someone nearby to talk to. The best retirement homes in India like ours give you ample opportunities to make new friends. 2. Join a fitness club: Retirement is a time to shift focus from work to your overall well-being. To enjoy your golden years, it is important that you stay fit and healthy. Exercising is associated with good mental and physical well-being which is why we have trained physiotherapists who design age-appropriate exercises to help residents meet their fitness goals. We also have indoor and outdoor games to encourage seniors stay physically active and have fun at the same time. 3. Say goodbye to household chores: Housework like cleaning and cooking can often take the fun out of retirement years, leaving little room for leisure. The hassle of running errands can be difficult after a particular age. At our retirement homes in India, we have trained staff to take care of housekeeping and maintenance work. 4. Take up a new hobby: Be it photography, crocheting, quilting, gardening, singing or learning a new language, you can make your retirement phase as enjoyable as you wish. 5. Throw parties for friends and families: Retirement doesn’t have to be boring and dull. Look at it as the beginning of a new chapter in your life and celebrate each and every occasion with your loved ones. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can host movie nights and games night for family and friends. You can also book our banquet hall to throw a party, no matter what the occasion is.

Though elderly care in the form of retirement homes is gaining popularity, there are still a few myths that are misleading people. Here we have debunked some of the common myths surrounding retirement homes in India – 1. Senior living communities are for people who are old and sick: It’s completely wrong. Our retirement homes in India are designed for active retirees who wish to spend time with like-minded people and want to enjoy an enriched, independent lifestyle. 2. Retirement homes in India are depressing: Gone are the days when retirement homes looked like a relic of the past. Premium retirement homes in India resemble a 5-star resort with high-end facilities which include a rooftop lounge, jogging paths, swimming pool, spa and salon, barbeque area and fitness center among others. 3. You will lose your independence: Retirement homes in India provide the best of both worlds – the freedom to live a maintenance-free life and the security and companionship of the community. 4. You can’t see your family and friends: Some of the best retirement homes in India are visitor friendly. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can host family parties, stress-free brunch parties for your grandkids or even movie screenings for your friends. 5. Meals will be bland and tasteless: The best retirement homes in India hire trained chefs who know how to make food taste good without compromising on the nutritional needs of seniors. At many places, dining options are not restricted to just one venue. Some of the premium retirement homes in India offer a host of dining options to their residents. At our retirement home in Bangalore, seniors can enjoy delicious smoothies, fresh juices, coffee or tea at the beverage station. There’s a nutritional centre and bistro as well. To know more about the dining options offered at our retirement home in Bangalore, visit here

Gone are the days when retirement homes in India were associated with old age homes where people went to spend the end of their life amidst dull and lifeless settings. The new-age retirement homes address the need of a whole new generation of seniors who have clear ideas of what they want to achieve in their retirement years. According to Rowe & Kahn, “Successful ageing is multi-dimensional, encompassing the avoidance of disease and disability, the maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities” – and this is exactly what new-age retirement homes in India are promoting. With vibrant living spaces and age-friendly design solutions, personalised services and programs that treat seniors with respect and provide comfort, dignity, happiness and purpose, the best retirement homes in India are redefining the way people view ageing. Let’s take a brief look at how the best retirement homes in India like ours are promoting positive ageing: 1. Making physical activity a part of daily routine: At our retirement homes in India, we have gyms with senior-friendly cardiovascular and strength training equipment. We also conduct daily stretching exercises designed by trained physiotherapists. There are anti-skid walking tracks on the premises to ensure the safety of residents. 2. Creating avenues for social engagement: As more and more Indians are approaching the golden age of 65, they are looking forward to living a fuller and socially active life. Depending on their children is a big NO for them. They are financially stable, socially connected, and professionally qualified individuals who want to live life on their terms. They prefer to move to retirement homes that offer an active social calendar. Our retirement homes in India offer a host of activities including music concerts, engaging outings, community gatherings, movies, social clubs, bridge and much more. 3. Celebrating age: The most important thing about ageing is to celebrate it. At our retirement homes in India, we celebrate the birthday of every resident. We have clubhouse and banquet facilities where residents can throw parties for their family and friends. 4. Connecting with family and friends: Spending time with family and friends is an important part of positive ageing. Our retirement homes in India are visitor friendly, residents can even host parties and movie screenings for their family and friends. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, we have imposed restrictions on the entry of visitors. Our wellness team is helping our residents connect with family and friends over video calls.

If you are looking for a senior citizen home in India, here is a list of FAQs and their answers to help you make an informed decision: 1. What are the different kinds of senior living facilities in India? In India, there are retirement homes with independent living facilities, nursing homes and respite care. Retirement homes with independent living facilities are ideal for those who are healthy and wish to lead an active life. 2. What kind of amenities can be expected in good retirement communities in India? Here are some of the common facilities that we provide at our retirement communities in India: ● Housekeeping ● Maintenance ● Food and beverage service ● Club house ● Fitness centre ● Swimming pools (at select communities) ● Spa and salon (at select communities) ● Library ● Indoor and outdoor games facilities ● Buggy facility for intra-community mobility ● Concierge ● Emergency care ● Banquet service 3. How much does it cost to buy a senior citizen home in India? The cost of an apartment or a villa in senior citizen homes in India varies from city to city, depending upon cost of living, location and amenities offered. It can range from Rs 30 lakh for a small one BHK to over Rs 1 crore for a three BHK. 4. What are the benefits of living in retirement communities in India? Retirement communities in India offer more than just accommodation – they focus on helping the residents enjoy an active and worry-free lifestyle. Some of the benefits of moving into a senior citizen home include – ● Senior-friendly accommodation ● 24X7 in-house maintenance team ● 24X7 security ● Active social life ● Opportunities to learn new things 5. What amenities can I expect at premium retirement homes? Premium retirement homes in India offer a 5-star hotel-inspired lifestyle. In addition to providing basic services like housekeeping, maintenance and concierge services, they have restaurants, movie theatres, a swimming pool, spa, salon, gym, business centre and other high-end amenities.