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. 

When it comes to services and amenities, senior citizen homes in India vary from one another. If you are planning to move into a senior citizen home, you need to be certain that it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and the retirement life you’ve always wanted. Visiting the senior citizen homes helps you zero in on the right retirement community.  To make the best out of your visit, it’s important that you ask the right questions Here are 10 questions that we suggest you ask when touring senior citizen homes in India to find the perfect fit for you:   What types of apartments are available? Most senior citizen homes in India offer a wide range of living arrangements. From 1 BHK and 2 BHK independent senior citizen apartments to villas, you have a wide range of choices.  Are the apartments senior-friendly? Panic buttons, anti-skid tiles in the bathroom, panic buttons, and handrails in the shower and near the bathroom are some of the features that make an apartment safe for seniors.  What kind of social activities are available? Senior citizens often move into senior living communities because they feel lonely in their own homes. So, it is important to check their social calendar.  What safety and security services are included? Check whether they have CCTVs installed in the common areas. Make sure that the rooms are senior-friendly with grab bars installed at strategic places. Ask them whether they have 24X 7 security personnel. Also, ask about fire safety, disaster planning, and medical emergency services.  What are the food options? At many senior citizen homes, the menu is decided by a team of nutrition experts and prepared by well-experienced chefs. Not just that, there are multiple venues, including formal dining halls and restaurants.  What all services do they offer? Many senior citizen homes offer services such as periodic housekeeping, maintenance of electrical and plumbing work, laundry service, and daily meals. During your visit, ask about all the services and the service fees. Are there certain visiting hours for friends and family? While zeroing in on a retirement community, ask about visiting hours for friends and family. Also, find out if you can host dinners and get-togethers for them in the community banquet hall or restaurant.  Is the senior citizen home good at handling medical emergencies? While touring the senior citizen homes, find out about their medical facilities such as ambulance service or doctor on call or how trained their staff is at responding to emergencies.  What amenities does the senior citizen home have and are they all operational? With the right amenities, an independent senior citizen home can offer a resort-style living experience. Some communities feature a clubhouse, gym, library, swimming pool, jogging track, salon, and even restaurant. Remember to ask about the amenities that are important to you during your visit. What is the average cost of living? Always ask direct financial questions. During the tour, get a clear cost breakdown. If there are any add-ons, make sure that you ask about their costs. For all your cost-related inquiries, call us at +91 8884555554.

While you are working, professional life and its perks keep you motivated to get out of bed in the morning. Meeting people every day and getting recognised for a job well done keeps you happy and motivated. However, after retirement, many people need meaning to fill that void – and reading is one of the many interesting ways to find meaning after retirement.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of 5 books that can help seniors find meaning and purpose after retirement:  The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama: When it comes to positive psychology and finding purpose in life, this book is the ultimate guide. The Dalai Lama says that everyone has the same goal in life – that is to seek happiness. The book presents happiness as an attainable goal. Interestingly, in the book, he talks about sustainable happiness that can be developed and trained by the mind. From everyday insecurities to stress, from relationships to pursuit of wealth, the Dalai Lama in this book has explored different aspects of life. The book uses Tibetan Buddhist principles with an aim to help readers gain balance and spiritual freedom.  You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt: If you are looking for a philosophy on living with compassion, confidence, and maturity, grab this book. The former First Lady of the US penned this book to live a meaningful life at 76. The book encourages people to not just learn about themselves but also their fellow human beings and the world. A fulfilled person, the book says, must be curious to find new interests. There is a lot of emphasis on the importance of volunteer work in the book.  IKIGAI by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles: According to Japanese philosophy, one needs to find their ikigai to lead a fulfilling life. Ikigai, the reason of  being, serves as a motivation for people of all ages to find the right balance among their passion, vocation, and spiritual life. A best-seller, this book shows you how to find your purpose, nurture friendships, and find your passions — all at once. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: The literary masterpiece is all about finding a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction through introspection and self-discovery. Through the book’s protagonist’s journey to become a monk, the writer explains how a person can explore a vibrant life and make acquaintance with his conscience without monetary means. Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda: This is among the most engaging and intellectually stimulating books written by Swami Vivekananda. The book offers an interesting approach that people have a right to work, but don’t have a right to the results of their actions. This approach, the book says, saves people from a lot of misery and makes them more spiritually enlightened. The book offers a pragmatic approach towards leading a fulfilling life without renouncing it but rather by embracing it without expectations.   At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have well-stocked libraries with computer and internet access. Our residents can read e-books or grab a copy of their favourite books and enjoy a calm and relaxing ambience.  To find out more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Senior living communities are designed to help residents with day-to-day activities while promoting health and well-being. If you value your independence, but want to lead your retirement years staying socially engaged and physically active, our senior living communities will make you feel right at home, with the assistance you need to live an active and independent lifestyle. Here are some of our best senior living communities: Serene Rose, Coimbatore: Just 24 kms away from the airport, Serene Rose is a great place for you to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. One of the best senior living communities in Coimbatore, Serene Rose offers residents a wealth of amenities and activities. A Wi-Fi enabled clubhouse, fully equipped gym, indoor game facilities and library with computers and internet access are among the wide range of amenities offered by the community. Our residents also enjoy planned activities created specifically for them such as yoga classes, music lessons etc. Serene Pelican, Puducherry: Serene Pelican is spread over 36 acres with a great selection of different types of villas. Surrounded by lush greenery and pristine lakes, the senior living community in Puducherry offers modern amenities and community activities that help our residents lead a peaceful and yet active life after retirement. Our residents enjoy amenities such as a well-maintained clubhouse, Wi-Fi enabled library with computer facilities, buggy service for intra-community mobility and a fully equipped gym. As there is a dedicated team of staff to take care of housekeeping, cooking and maintenance, you have all the time to do things that you love to. Serene Adinath, Chennai: One of the best senior living communities in Chennai, Serene Adinath offers residents the feel of city life and the comforts of a senior-friendly home. Within the community, you can enjoy amenities such as well-maintained common areas, clubhouse, gym and a library. Not just that, there is a community hall where you can host parties and get-togethers. The social calendar is full of engaging activities like music lessons, day outings and friendly matches among residents. It is the perfect setting for those looking for new experiences throughout their retirement years. Serene Kshetra, Kanchipuram: Located in the temple town of Kanchipuram, Serene Kshetra is designed to promote active retirement. In addition to owning an individual space, you will get to enjoy several amenities should you choose to move into this senior living community. You can spend your afternoons reading or playing a game of table tennis at the clubhouse. From doing yoga in the morning to sweating it out in the gym, there is more than one way to stay physically active here. Planned activities like music lessons and bhajan sessions ensure that our residents have a good time and every day there is something to look forward to. Looking for the best senior living communities for yourself or your parents? Great! Our communities are conveniently located close to local attractions and medical facilities.  We look forward to having you as a new resident. To book a tour, call us at +91 8884555554.

The retirement years can be exciting but the uncertainty that often comes along with it can be difficult to process. Whether you stay in the same place or move to a senior living community, whatever you do will be more successful if you take time to plan. As one of the best senior citizen homes in India, we share with you some useful tips to plan your retirement life: Decide where you want to live: Finding affordable, comfortable, and safe housing is an important part of the retirement planning. Whether you wish to live in your own home or move to a senior citizen home, make sure your basic housing needs are met. Senior citizen homes offer senior-friendly rooms, access to social activities and modern amenities. Many communities also offer on-site medical support and wellness programmes that are aimed at encouraging seniors to lead an active life. Your retirement plan should be affordable in the long run: One of the most important questions you should ask yourself is: What kind of housing can you afford post-retirement? Will your home loan be paid off before you retire? Not just that, there are many expenses associated with the upkeep of your property. Property tax, maintenance of lawn and utility bills are some of the many expenses that you will have to deal with even after retirement. It is good to start your retirement planning early and calculate how much you need to save now and how much you will need in the future so that you can enjoy the lifestyle you would like to lead. Have support groups around: Retirement planning is not just about comforts, but also about camaraderie. Many people after retirement lose touch with their colleagues and friends. Some friends move away while some may face health issues. It is important that you have a support base to fill the emotional gap. It is often seen that moving to a senior citizen home is more beneficial physically and socially when you are still active than when you are in your 70s. When you are active, you can enjoy the community, make new friends, and participate in social activities. Do not ignore safety and security: Safety and security are essential components of your retirement planning. Is the place you are planning to live after retirement safe? Is that place close to the medical facilities? Make use of your active years to plan and research the ideal retirement location.

Over the years, the retirement lifestyle has changed and there has been a shift towards positive ageing with a focus on health and social life. With a lot of free time in hand, you have ample opportunities to indulge in your passion for travel or become a volunteer or pursue a hobby. The good part is that all these activities will provide you with opportunities to make new friends while staying connected with your old ones. Here’s how to take advantage of your retirement years and grow your social circle: Participate in group activities: Retirement is the perfect time to take classes or learn new skills. Group classes may be an informal gathering or even a formal classroom kind of learning activity – but they give you the opportunity to meet like-minded people. Also, participating in group activities like yoga, photography, chess or music classes will help you structure your days. Columbia Pacific Communities, one of the best senior citizen homes in India, addresses the issue of loneliness by offering residents an active social calendar filled with interesting activities. Residents don’t have to look outside for recreational activities. Also, there is buggy transportation available in select communities for intra-community mobility. Reinventing workplace connections: Friendships forged at work can last a lifetime. But keeping in touch with colleagues becomes harder once your work life is behind you. Organise get-togethers with those you wish to stay in contact with. As you and your colleagues will no longer be occupied with work, you will have the opportunity to talk about interests and hobbies you might not have had a chance to talk about when you were working. Virtual ways of communication: Emails, texts, and social media help you maintain friendships. Lunches, movies, and exercise classes are a great way to spend time together with your friends. If you’ve moved to a senior living community, invite your friends from the workplace and introduce them to the friends you have made in your community. This way you can maintain your circle of friends and also expand it. At our senior living facilities, residents can host get-togethers, movie nights and parties for their friends and families.

Tamil Nadu’s second-largest city, Coimbatore is one of the best places in India to enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Weather, connectivity, and healthcare facilities make Coimbatore an ideal retirement destination. It is, thus, not surprising that there are several retirement homes in the city that provide seniors with the comfort of a homely environment coupled with efficient and superior professional hospitality service. If you are looking for a retirement home in India, here are a few reasons why you should start with Coimbatore: Weather: If you are looking for a place to unwind and explore the joys of retirement, Coimbatore is one of the best cities. The city has a pleasant tropical climate all year round. The summer season lasts for a couple of months and for the rest of the year, the weather is pleasant. Secure living: When it comes to senior living facilities, security and safety are major deal-breakers. Coimbatore has a low crime rate and is considered safe for senior citizens. We have currently four retirement homes in Coimbatore – Serene Rose, Serene Idigarai, Serene Shenbagam and Serene Indus Valley, where the safety of residents is maintained via a dedicated 24-hour security protocol. The premises of our retirement homes in Coimbatore are always under the watchful eyes of our security guards and as well as CCTV cameras. Connectivity: Coimbatore is connected to different cities in India by rail, three national highways and air. This great connectivity makes it one of the best places to retire. Places to visit near Coimbatore: Being surrounded by the Western Ghats, there are several scenic places that you can visit in Coimbatore. From temples to wildlife sanctuaries, from waterfalls to museums, there are several places to visit. You can also plan trips to nearby hill-stations like Coorg and Ooty – there’s something for everyone to look forward to. Healthcare facilities: Tamil Nadu is among the best performing states in India when it comes to healthcare and Coimbatore is at the forefront. The city has state-of-the-art hospitals, providing world-class treatment. All our retirement homes in Coimbatore have formal tie-ups with nearby hospitals so that residents are assured round-the-clock care. Along with some of the leading healthcare providers, we organise periodic wellness workshops and awareness lectures. Read More – How Does the Right Attitude Help You Live Independently? Tips from a Senior Citizen Retirement Home in Coimbatore How The Best Retirement Homes in Coimbatore are Helping Seniors Enjoy Life After 60

Considered a retirement haven, Chennai offers seniors a safe and secure space to spend their golden years. The city has good infrastructure, amenities and is connected to other major cities in India by air, highways, and rail. Also, the city is considered the health capital of India. So, if you are planning to enjoy a long and happy retirement in Chennai, we suggest you take a look at our senior living communities in Chennai, Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar. Designed specifically for seniors, our communities help residents lead an independent retired life and an active social life built around the communal facilities which include clubhouse, libraries, common areas for meeting, and tracks for walking and jogging. How to select a senior citizen home in Chennai – useful tips Self- sustaining communities: When you are looking for senior citizen homes in Chennai, ensure you do not need  to venture out to look for basic services. This includes space for exercise and leisure, dining options, a library, green spaces with walking paths and entertainment areas. Banquet halls can be booked for small gatherings and private celebrations. Residents in our senior citizen homes are surrounded by ample opportunities for recreation. Greenery: Chennai is known for its hot weather but staying in a senior citizen home that has greenery and open spaces can make every day pleasant. The best senior citizen homes in Chennai such as ours have lush green surroundings, walking spaces and beautiful landscapes. Hospitals: A senior citizen home with formal tie-ups with top-rated hospitals can make sure that you get round-the-clock care without any delay. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai have partnered with some of the best hospitals in the city. While our goal is to keep our residents healthy through preventive health care, we also ensure that emergency care with 24×7 ambulance service and doctor-on-call are easily available in our communities. Safety: Chennai has consistently been on top of the safety index. However, when looking for retirement homes for yourself, safety should always be a priority. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, the safety of our residents is in the capable hands of trained security personnel. The premises are under CCTV surveillance and there is a panic button in each dwelling unit for immediate assistance. Opportunities to socialise: When you live in our senior citizen homes, you become part of a socially active community. Our calendar of events is not merely about keeping residents busy. A lot of thought and effort go into each and every activity we offer. Our activity calendar includes activities, workshops, and outings all designed to promote social engagement and make every day meaningful. We also organise movie screenings, bhajan sessions, dance classes, and music classes. Our concierge team also helps organise pilgrimages and weekend trips. Read More – Are Senior Citizen Homes in Chennai Right for My Ageing Parents? How Senior Living Homes in Chennai Promote Positive Thinking?

Finding a retirement home that matches your parents’ needs, budget and lifestyle can be daunting, as there are multiple factors to consider. However, when you narrow down the factors that matter the most to your parents and your family, the once daunting task becomes a simple one. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have rounded up some of the factors that you must take into consideration: Location: Deciding the location is an important factor. The place where you should retire must have high liveability indicators, good infrastructure, mild weather, healthcare facilities and recreational avenues. Though no one dream location matches every one’s wishes, you must ensure that the basics are met and things that are important to your parents are part of the facilities. Must-have amenities: Before choosing a retirement home for your parents, make a list of must-have amenities. Retirement years without having to worry about daily chores can enhance your parents’ quality of life. Our senior living communities in India offer maintenance and repair services, housekeeping, 24×7 security and dining options. Safety and security: How safe is the retirement home where your parents want to live? Living in a secure gated community will give your parents a sense of security without losing their independence. At our senior living communities, you will find the best security measures in place. The common areas are manned by security personnel and CCTV cameras are strategically placed. Not just that, each room is equipped with a panic button so that immediate assistance can be sought without any delay. Focus on wellness: Though it is inevitable that your parents will grow old, a retirement home that focuses on wellness can help your parents stay physically active. At our senior living communities, we focus on overall well-being of our residents. Facilities like fully equipped gyms, aerobics classes, yoga classes and swimming pools enable residents to stay active in more than one way. Vibrant atmosphere: Check the social and communal atmosphere of the retirement homes. Making new friends is one of the perks of staying in a retirement home, provided the facility offers well-planned social activities. We have cultural committees in our retirement homes that curate programs and coordinate activities to encourage our residents’ mental wellbeing. Healthcare facilities: As your parents age, health can change rapidly. When evaluating senior living communities, look for the facilities that offer emergency healthcare services. Having a partnership with nearby hospitals such as our retirement homes do can help residents get round-the-clock care. While you can do much of the legwork for your parents, it’s important to have regular discussions with them because ultimately, it is your parents who have to take the final call. To schedule a visit to our communities, call us on +91 8884555554. Read More – How to Find the Best Place to Buy a Retirement Home? How You Help Your Aging Parents in Their Search for the Best Retirement Homes in India Retirement Homes in India: A Win-win Situation for Both Parents and Children

From needing assistance with daily chores to staying in a gated community amidst people of the same age, there are many reasons why active seniors consider moving to a senior citizen home. If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Chennai where staying active and connected with other residents is the key to loving life, check our communities – Serene Pushkar and Serene Adinath As one the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai we share with you tips to find the best retirement home: Your needs and age: When it comes to narrow down on a senior citizen home in Chennai, it’s important to bear in mind your specific needs and age. If you want to lead an independent and active lifestyle, look for senior citizen homes where they offer a worry-free lifestyle. When you move to senior citizen homes in Chennai such as ours, you no longer have to worry about getting leaky faucets repaired or getting the house cleaned. Our dedicated housekeeping maintenance team takes care of daily cleaning, upkeep of common areas and electrical breakdown. Personal and social reasons: People want to move to a senior citizen home for different social and personal reasons. While many want to enjoy life without having to worry about doing household chores, others look forward to a place where they can meet people of their own age and form meaningful connections. Residents in our senior homes in Chennai can choose from an extensive menu of stimulating events and activities. Routine activities like music lessons and group yoga give a sense of continuity. There are workshops and lectures that help them learn something new and exciting. Living options: Most senior citizen homes in Chennai offer villas or units that consist of one, two and three bedroom options. There are large communal outdoor spaces. The common areas are designed to be senior-friendly. No compromise on lifestyle: There are many senior citizen homes in Chennai that are designed to help elders enjoy a physically and socially active lifestyle. From group yoga classes to workshops, living in a retirement community helps people stay connected and live an active lifestyle. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, residents can enjoy a care-free lifestyle while our staff tends to housekeeping, laundry, meals and other services. Our senior living communities have clubhouse, fitness centres with fully equipped gyms, and community hall for private gatherings. We have a full range of amenities to make your living experience comfortable and enjoyable. To schedule a tour, call us on +91 8884555554. Read More – In Chennai and Looking for Homes for Senior Citizens? Read These Useful Tips How Retirement Homes in Chennai are Turning Aging into a Happy Experience