Articles - Know More About Senior Living retirement communities

The only constant in life, is change – the older people get, the truer that statement becomes. Learning to live with the physical changes that ageing brings is also a part of becoming wiser. As people age, their hair colour and texture also change. To keep hair looking healthy after the 50s, one needs to follow a good hair care regimen. As a leading provider of services to senior citizen communities in India, we share a few hair care tips for seniors:  Using the right shampoo: With age, hair loses pigment cells which in turn causes hair to turn grey or a dingy yellow. Cleansers that contain chemicals can further cause hair colour to fade and cause dryness, breakage, and split ends. To prevent ageing hair from damage, seniors should use cleansers and hair products that are mild and use natural ingredients instead of chemicals. Healthy diet: It has been found that Vitamin E, C, Iron, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hair health as they promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Seniors should add almonds, spinach, salmon, eggs, and oatmeal to their daily meals to support hair growth.   Avoid washing hair too frequently: Washing hair frequently removes natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Seniors need not shampoo every day – skipping a day or two between washing hair is good for hair. Leave-in conditioners, also known as co-wash, can also eliminate the need for daily shampooing for seniors.  Use lukewarm water to wash hair: Washing hair keeps the scalp clean and protects it against skin infections. However, using hot water can leave the scalp and hair dry – it strips the scalp of its natural oils.  Get a haircut regularly: For seniors, one of the best ways to keep hair manageable is to regularly go for grooming sessions. Also, they should choose a comfortable hairstyle that is easy to care for. Seniors can work with a hair expert to choose hairstyles that are face-flattering and at the same time, easy to maintain.     Looking for senior citizen homes where you can maintain your independence while enjoying all the benefits of community living? Explore our senior citizen homes that are designed to enrich the next chapter in your retirement life. With state-of-the-art amenities and a caring team, we are there for you every step of the way to help you enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Some of the services offered include 24/7 security services, concierge services, laundry, daily meals, 24/7 preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work, emergency care with 24/7 ambulance service, and doctor-on-call. To find out more about the services offered and the average cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

The pandemic has been an unnerving and anxiety-ridden time for everyone, especially for seniors. In addition to being more vulnerable to the infection, they are also an easy target for scammers. Hence, it is important for seniors and their families to be more aware about the various coronavirus scams so they can guard against being duped. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we have curated useful insights on coronavirus scams targeting seniors:    Healthcare scams:  Seniors receive a call from someone pretending to be a health representative offering vaccines, test kits, or air filter systems. Seniors should not provide any information, such as their address or bank account details to any such caller.  Errand helper scam: A stranger approaches seniors to help with errands such as buying and delivering groceries or paying their phone bill. Seniors should avoid communicating with strangers pretending to offer help. Also, they should not share any sensitive information such as their address, phone number, and bank details with strangers.  Charity scam: Scamsters often approach seniors in person or over a telephone call and claim to be working with a charity that provides medical supplies or other items to those affected by coronavirus. They ask seniors to transfer money to help those in need. It is important that seniors check the credibility of the charity before transferring money.  Phishing scam:  This is one of the most common online scams. Seniors receive an email asking for money or bank information. These emails are designed to look as if they are sent from government agencies or reputed medical bodies. Seniors should be very careful when replying to any unsolicited emails.  Sanitisation Scam: In this scam, strangers offer seniors sanitisation services for their homes. Once allowed inside, they steal items from the home and may even physically harm the family members. Seniors must always book sanitisation services from reputed service providers and not allow strangers inside their homes.  As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we urge seniors to be wary of such scams. If you want to know more about our senior living communities and the services we provide, call us at +91 8884555554.

As one grows older, it becomes even more important to eat nutritious meals  and maintain a healthy weight. Reducing sugar intake can help achieve this goal. However, reducing sugar intake can be  quite difficult for seniors with a sweet tooth.    Here are a few insights on sugar consumption that will motivate seniors to reduce their sugar intake:    Sugar is bad for cardiovascular health: Many seniors often love sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks. But they are the biggest sources of added sugar. It has been found that excessive intake of sugar is associated with fat deposits around the heart and in the abdomen, increasing the risks of heart disease and diabetes.  Sugar increases appetite: Often seniors partake of sweetened beverages, baked foods, and sugary cereals thinking that they would make them feel full. However, eating sugar-laden food does the opposite. According to a study, consuming sugar decreases the level of the appetite-suppressing hormone, peptide. Eating sugar-laden foods does not make one feel full; rather it increases the levels of the hunger-promoting hormones. Sugar is bad for gut health: For good gut health, seniors need a diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Sugar has none of these. Natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables are considered nutritional but added sugars have zero nutritional value. Too much sugar, thus, wreaks havoc on the digestive system. According to a study, a diet with a higher amount of sugar-laden food is associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  Sugar does not lift mood: Often seniors grab a bar of chocolate thinking that it will improve their mood. However, according to this study, the idea of a ‘sugar rush’ is a myth. The study finds that instead of improving mood and energy levels, sugar consumption can make people feel fatigued and grouchy.    Here are a few tips that will help seniors reduce their sugar intake:   Stop drinking sugary beverages: Water is the best drink to stay hydrated. However, if seniors want to add flavour to water, they can add fresh herbs and fruits to it. Do not eat processed food:  Candies, cakes, cookies, and doughnuts are all processed foods with high sugar content. Seniors should avoid eating them. To satisfy their sweet cravings, they can eat sweet fruits such as apples, pears, pineapple, and bananas. Cut portion size: It is okay for seniors to sometimes indulge their sweet tooth. However, they must watch out for the portion size. Also, when baking cookies and cakes at home, they can alter the recipe to reduce the amount of added sugar.  Read food labels:  When buying groceries, seniors must check the food labels and choose products that have low sugar content.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai that promote positive ageing?  At our retirement homes in Chennai, we make sure that our residents enjoy a full and varied retirement lifestyle. From age-appropriate gym and activity centres to spacious dining halls for comfortable and well-balanced, nutritious meals, we ensure that our varied facilities help our residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

There is a long history of research showing that laughter can help people cope with stressful situations. Laughter helps in releasing feel-good hormones such as endorphins and serotonin that decrease stress levels and improve resiliency. As operators of leading senior retirement home communities in Chennai, we have curated a few insights on the healing power of humour and how you can make laughter a part of your daily routine.  Laughter makes your heart happy: Want to take better care of your heart? Laugh your heart out. According to a study, laughter can improve artery function. At the University of Texas, Austin, volunteers were asked to watch a 30- minute comedy video or a documentary of their choice. Their before and after tests of blood flow showed that the artery function improved in the volunteers who watched a comedy video.  Laughter is good for the brain: When you laugh, the levels of stress hormones in your body decrease. This helps in improving short-term memory. According to research, healthy seniors who watched a funny video performed better in short-term memory tests than those who did not.  Laughter can help you live longer: Having a good laugh is not only good for your soul, but also could help you lead a longer life. According to a study, having a sense of humour is health protecting. The study showed women with a strong sense of humour have lower all-cause mortality despite suffering from heart diseases and infections.    How to make laughter a part of daily life? Catch up with friends: Laughter is contagious, catch up with friends who lift your spirits. You can even attend stand-up comedy shows with your friends.  Watch or listen to something funny:  There are numerous rib-tickling TV shows and radio shows that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes.   Join a laughter yoga class: Laughing yoga classes involves a series of movement and breathing exercises that promote deliberate laughter. You can join a laughter yoga class with your friends and learn the joy of laughing.    Looking for senior retirement homes in Chennai?  After having worked hard for decades, you deserve to age with joy and comfort. Our senior retirement homes in Chennai let you enjoy a worry-free retirement life. With an exceptional approach to holistic well-being, our senior living communities are designed to enhance every facet of your life. Our retirement communities have beautifully landscaped open spaces, state-of-the-art fitness centres, and jogging paths that are designed to foster wellness and cultivate an active lifestyle. A month-by-month calendar of events ensures that you have something to look forward to every day. To know more about our senior retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating can become increasingly common with age. It is natural for the production of the digestive enzymes to reduce with age. However, additional problems such as inadequate diet or an unhealthy diet can wreak havoc on the digestive system. By avoiding foods that are not gut-friendly, seniors can improve their digestive health and stay away from stomach problems. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share with you some of the worst foods for your gut:   Fried foods: French fries, deep-fried chicken, chips, samosas, and other fried foods are difficult to digest as they are low in fibre. Often they either move too quickly through the body, leading to diarrhoea, or stay in the digestive tract too long, causing bloating. If you are suffering from indigestion, avoid fried foods because they tend to slow down digestion. Red meat: Meat, especially red meat, is difficult to digest. They stay in the digestive system for too long and can cause constipation if you are dehydrated. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are easily digested and move through the digestive system fast.  Processed foods: Breakfast cereals, cheese, tinned vegetables, chips, cakes, and biscuits are all processed foods. They contain additives and high amounts of salt and sugar that adversely affect the gut microbiome. Low in fibre and nutrition, processed foods can change the gut microbiota and lead to gut inflammation. Alcoholic beverages: Drinking alcohol is not just bad for the liver but also bad for gut health.  Drinking alcoholic beverages in an uncontrolled manner can disrupt the makeup of the gut microbiome, leading to gut problems. According to research, drinking alcohol increases the symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Also, alcoholic beverages are diuretic and can cause constipation.  At our retirement communities in India, the health of our residents is our top priority. This is why we have a team of nutritionists who work on the menu to ensure that the nutritional needs of our residents are met. Not just that, trained and dedicated F&B team ensures that the food is prepared in hygienic conditions. Regular meetings are held with the residents and F&B team to accommodate residents’ feedback. To know more about the services that we offer at our senior citizen homes in India, call us at +91 8884555554.

Two months into the New Year, many of you may have resolved to take steps to improve your health. This year, you may want to focus on bone and joint health problems as it is one of the most prevalent health challenges that seniors face. As one of the leading service providers to senior retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you a few tips on achieving stronger and healthy bones:    Warm up before exercise: A good warmup exercise prepares your body for more intense activity by increasing your blood flow and raising muscle temperature. Whether you do aerobics or workout in the gym, always make sure to spend some time doing stretching exercises that will warm up the body. Moreover, warm up exercises also reduce muscle soreness and the risk of injury.  Get vitamin D levels checked: Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for healthy bones. Without vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium. A simple blood test can reveal your vitamin D level. You can consult a doctor if you need any vitamin D supplements.  Be proactive about your health: By taking an active part in your own healthcare, you can make informed decisions. Go for regular medical health checkups. When you visit a doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions.  Stay off ladders: Bone fracture is one of the most common causes of immobility during old age. You should avoid climbing ladders and onto step stools. In case you do have to climb a ladder, inspect it first. Make sure that there are no loose rungs. Ladders should be placed on an even surface. One must never stand on the top rung of a ladder. Always grip the handrails of the ladder with both hands while climbing. Make sure that your house is senior-friendly: Most fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors take place due to falls, trips, and slips. Safety modifications at home, especially in the bathroom where most falls occur, can significantly reduce the risk of falls and related injuries. Place anti-slip rugs or mats in the bathrooms. Get handrails installed near the shower and toilet seat. Also, make sure that the stairways and entryways are well-lit.    Looking for senior-friendly homes and apartments? Explore our senior retirement homes in Chennai   Our senior retirement homes in Chennai offer a wonderful retirement life experience. Well-designed apartments, emergency call systems, delicious meals, well equipped gym, jogging tracks with anti-slip tiles, and a full calendar of events are a few of the facilities  you will enjoy at our senior retirement homes in Chennai. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.

Emotional eating is quite common in the elderly as they turn to the comforts of food when experiencing stress, disappointment, or loneliness. When seniors want to calm their nerves, it is easy for them to grab a packet of chips instead of an apple. It is important for them to understand that it is a temporary fix. Foods such as chips, cakes, biscuits, and ice cream are designed to have a special combination of sugar, fat, and salt in them to make one feel good temporarily. Also, they are addictive in nature – which means when seniors are faced with stressful situations, they turn to these foods and can get stuck in a loop. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share a few insights on how emotional eating can be stopped: 1. Understand the signs of emotional eating: Everyone eats for reasons other than hunger once in a while. However, the first step seniors can take to stop emotional eating is to recognise the problem. Here are some common signs of emotional eating:  Change in eating habits during stressful periods  Eating despite feeling full  Constantly looking for snacks even when not hungry Eating when feeling bored  Eating to feel good 2. Identify emotional eating triggers:  There are several reasons why seniors develop an unhealthy relationship with food. To figure out what triggers emotional eating, seniors can keep a food journal. Writing down when and what they eat can help seniors identify their eating patterns.  3. Change response to triggers:  Once identifying the emotional eating triggers, seniors can change the way they respond to them. Instead of reaching out for comfort food, seniors can:  Take a short walk. Take time to think about their feelings. Are they really hungry? Or is it anxiety or a stressful situation that is bothering them?  Use the opportunity to pen down their thoughts. This may help them gain a new perspective about the problem they are facing.  Join a hobby class to avoid overthinking.  Call a friend and catch up with him or her.  Have a healthy snack instead of salt-laden chips or carbonated drinks. 4. Talk to a counsellor:  Taking help from experts can help seniors understand their emotions and eating habits. A counsellor along with a nutritionist can help come up with a diet plan that is healthy and sustainable in the long run.  Know more about senior living in India – explore our retirement communities  Our retirement homes in India are designed to promote positive ageing. Our residents are encouraged to follow new passions and make new friends through different community activities. We offer an extensive range of services to ensure that our residents enjoy a fulfilled and a worry-free retirement life. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

When it comes to protection from the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays, most seniors are quick to grab a hat and a sunscreen lotion. However, they often forget about sunglasses. Most people choose a pair of sunglasses based on how great they look on them. However, in addition to being a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect the eyes from the UV rays.    As one of the leading senior retirement homes in Chennai, we share a few useful insights on sunglasses and senior eye health:    Why is sun protection important? When the eyes are unprotected and exposed to UV radiation, seniors are at a risk of developing photokeratitis, known as the “sunburn of the eye.” In some cases, photokeratitis can be painful and cause a gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. Long-term exposure to UV radiation without proper protection can increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataract, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Sunglasses can block UV radiation: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA has a longer wavelength and is linked with skin ageing. UVB has a shorter wavelength and is linked with skin burning. When it comes to sunglasses, there are many kinds of options, and it can be quite overwhelming for seniors to know which one to choose. Asking an optometrist for advice is the best way seniors can choose the right sunglasses. The frame of the sunglasses matter: Most people go for a pair of sunglasses that look good on them. But for maximum sun protection, the frame of the sunglasses should be such that they fit close to the eyes and prevent exposure to UV rays from all sides. Opt for anti-glare sunglasses: Anti-glare sunglasses not only offer protection from the sun but also make driving and spending time on beaches safer. Wear sunglasses along with UV contact lenses: Certain contact lenses come with UV-absorbing properties. However, sunglasses are still recommended for maximum protection.   Looking for retirement homes in Chennai, India?   Living in one of our senior retirement homes in Chennai lets our residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. At our retirement homes in Chennai, we have a well-experienced team of in-house staff to take care of housekeeping, laundry, and preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work. The F&B team ensures that the food served is hygienically prepared and as per the nutritional needs of our residents. To know more about our retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

It is natural for seniors to feel tired now and then. However, if they have been feeling tired for weeks, they may be suffering from fatigue. Fatigue is a kind of deep exhaustion that adversely affects a person’s ability to perform daily life functions. Understanding fatigue, its symptoms and causes can help seniors take steps to address the issue. As one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore, we share with you information on fatigue and when seniors should see a doctor:  1. Fatigue is more than just feeling tired: Fatigue is profound exhaustion that interferes with daily activities. There are different types of fatigue such as:  Transient fatigue: This kind of fatigue lasts over a few days. Transient fatigue is temporary as it is often brought upon by stressful situations such as moving to a new place, preparing for an event or relationship issues.  Cumulative fatigue: Chronic conditions and ongoing circumstances cause this type of fatigue. Circadian fatigue: This type often results from disruption in the circadian rhythm which is also known as the body’s biological clock. When seniors do not get adequate amount of sleep, they tend to feel tired and experience a dip in alertness. 2. Signs of fatigue: Fatigue can cause a wide range of symptoms. When seniors have an existing illness, diagnosis of fatigue can be difficult. Here are some of the symptoms of fatigue:  Lack of motivation Sore muscles Headache Gastrointestinal problems  Sleepiness  Irritability Poor concentration 3. Ailments that can cause fatigue: There are many health conditions that may cause fatigue in seniors. Here are a few of the common conditions that cause fatigue in seniors: Anaemia Anxiety Concussion Cancer Depression Diabetes Heart diseases  Obesity Pneumonia Stress 4. When to see a doctor: Seniors should consult a medical professional if they notice signs of extreme exhaustion or disorientation for over two weeks. A medical professional can help understand what is causing fatigue and what can be done to address the problem.  5. Treatment for fatigue: If the fatigue is related to a health condition, treatment for the condition may improve energy levels. The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes if that is contributing to fatigue.   Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield, Bangalore?  Explore The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bangalore, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards. The community is ideal for seniors seeking serenity amidst city life. We offer an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, rooftop barbeque area, multi-purpose hall, and a business centre. To know more about our senior living community in Bangalore, book a virtual tour. You can also call us at +91 8884555554.

It is not always easy to find the perfect gifts for seniors as they have accumulated so many things over the years. Rather than gifting the seniors in your life yet another showpiece that will sit on the shelf, give them gifts that will make their lives easier, healthier, and happier. Whether you are looking for a birthday, holiday, or retirement gift, here are a few gift ideas that are likely to promote health and happiness in seniors:  Preloaded music player: With CDs and cassettes becoming passe, seniors often struggle to keep up with the modern technology and devices. There are many preloaded music players available in the market that are easy to operate. Setting up the player is a one-time process and once that is done, seniors can enjoy the pre-loaded songs. You can also check this informative read on how music benefits seniors emotionally as well as physically.  Wearable medical alert and fall detection system: If your loved one lives alone, a wearable medical alert and fall detection system can be a thoughtful gift. Wearable devices equipped with motion sensors can detect falls. Also, some devices come with a call button that seniors can press to immediately seek medical help, Digital photo frames: For many seniors, there is nothing like going through family photos and reliving the happier times. A digital photo frame helps seniors feel connected with their special moments from the past.  Meal delivery service: Eating nutritious food is important for seniors to maintain good health. However, many seniors struggle to cook. To help them enjoy delicious and healthy home-cooked meals, you can subscribe to meal delivery services on their behalf. You can find many online catering services that offer healthy meals that meet the nutritional needs of the seniors.  Activity boxes: There are many activity boxes that are designed for adults and include colouring books, puzzles, and word search books. Here is a list of creative activities that help seniors cope with stress and find their purpose in life again.  Senior community living in Bangalore – where positive ageing is the focus.   If you are looking for vibrant retirement communities for your parents or loved ones, explore our senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore. To know more about life at The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bangalore, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.