Are your parents looking for the best retirement homes in India? You can make their decision easier by helping them in their search. Here are some handy tips that will make finding a retirement home easier for you and your parents: Get family on the same page: When you search for senior citizen retirement homes, start your search by getting everyone in the family on the same page. Often disagreements between family members can cause problems in the selection process and the family ends up zeroing in on a retirement home that is not right for the parents. Understand the cost of living: Remember buying a retirement home has a long-term personal and financial impact. There are charges that cover maintenance cost and daily living expenses. Check whether these expenses are subject to periodic increases and if yes, then what are the conditions. Also, it is important to consider the future needs of your parents while checking the financial aspects. Take a tour of the property: Before making a life-changing decision for your parents, you and your parents should visit some of the best retirement homes in India. This will give you a better understanding of the retirement homes and the nearby areas. Speak to the residents of the retirement homes to get first-hand experience of community living. Choosing a retirement home is a long-term decision, so do not rush into it. Think ahead and make an informed choice. Check the social calendar: Find out the types of activities conducted by the retirement home on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. A retirement home with an active social calendar will help your parents meet new people and make new friends. From watercolor classes and fitness opportunities to singing classes – most retirement homes in India offer a wide range of activities to meet everyone’s interest. Consider future medical needs: Consider a retirement home that offers skilled medical care. Some retirement homes in India like ours have tie-ups with nearby hospitals to ensure round the clock medical care. We also have emergency care facilities with 24/7 ambulance service, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place. Periodic health screenings, wellness workshops and awareness lectures are also conducted regularly at our retirement homes in India.

For Dr. A Sreekumar Menon, a counsellor, writer and motivational speaker, age is no bar when it comes to following his passions. After having authored several books, Mr Menon, a resident of Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities, Bangalore, has organized over 52 lecture sessions on various topics for fellow residents and has delivered lectures himself. Well acquainted with new technology, he keeps in touch with his family and friends through Facebook. Mr Menon is one among many people who have started a new chapter in life after moving to a senior citizen facility. Retirement offers seniors precious time to connect with friends and family. It also offers them opportunities to pursue passions they have always loved. Leading retirement homes in India such as  ours are helping seniors begin a new chapter of their lives in a worry-free environment. Here are a few things that retirement homes in India are doing to help seniors make a smooth transition into retirement: Help them rediscover what they enjoy: Seniors often get so consumed with work and family that they completely forget what they enjoy doing. At our retirement homes in India, a well-thought-out activities program is at the heart of creating quality life for residents. The activities are designed to appeal to their interests and to enhance their overall physical and mental well-being. We have several daily activities like yoga and aerobics classes, art and craft, music classes, language classes and informative workshops to keep them engaged. A jam-packed activity calendar gives residents numerous opportunities to pursue activities they have always dreamed of doing rather than looking back at the missed chances. Creating opportunities for social interaction: When seniors become a part of a community, they find numerous health, fitness, social and spiritual opportunities that benefit different aspect of their lives. Music, dance, theatre, history, spiritual lectures, movie nights, yoga classes and excursion trips are some of the many activities offered by retirement homes in India. These activities give seniors a chance to broaden their horizons and meet like-minded people. Leading a maintenance-free lifestyle: The best retirement homes in India have a full-time maintenance staff on site. The staff take care of the garden, housekeeping and all the little chores around the house, so the seniors can sit back, relax, and enjoy life to the fullest. Also, seniors who are tired of cooking can enjoy chef-prepared meals every day. These are some of the benefits of moving to one of our retirement homes in India. Click here to know about amenities you can expect at the best rated senior living communities.

As you age, it may get difficult to be active. A homebound senior may find it difficult to keep his or her house clean. He or she may find it difficult to prepare nutritious meals or run errands. Some of the best homes for retirement in India offer person-centered facilities that help seniors age positively. Here are some age-friendly environments at retirement homes that you or your family member can enjoy: Elderly-friendly home design: Some of the best retirement homes in India provide seniors safe, secure, and well-designed housing. Besides 24X7 security, attempts are made for the accommodation to be as comfortable as possible. Senior-friendly flooring, safe stairs, and elderly-friendly bathrooms are some of the facilities that retirement homes offer. At our senior living communities, every room has been designed keeping in mind the needs of seniors. Even common areas, like jogging tracks and the clubhouse, have anti-skid flooring. Whether you choose a villa or an apartment, they are designed to be senior-friendly. Wheelchair access and grab rails are there in apartments as well as in common areas. Each room has fire detection sensors and panic buttons. Nutritional needs: After a certain age, standing in the kitchen for hours and making food for yourself can be challenging. However, like everyone, the longing for home-cooked food never goes away. Keeping this in mind, many retirement homes in India offer home-style, nutritious food. At our retirement home communities, food is prepared without compromising on taste, nutritional value and dietary preferences. The team members keep the medical conditions of the residents in mind while preparing the menu. Social participation: In order to keep seniors socially engaged, getting them involved in cultural and recreational activities can help them develop a sense of belonging. Some of the best homes for retirement have busy activity calendars. Helping residents stay active and engaged is an integral part of our retirement homes. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are practicing social distancing and staying in their apartments. But this does not mean that they are socially disengaged. Our team launched a month-long virtual inter-community competition where residents showcased their talent in painting, singing, dancing, photography, and other categories. Prior to the lockdown, our communities organized several activities throughout the year. These age-friendly environments at retirement homes will make you and your loved ones stay comfortable and enjoyable!

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

Mrs. Radhika Murthy lost her husband a year ago. Her son, settled in Pune, wanted his mother to move to Pune from Bangalore. But she didn’t want to shift to Pune permanently. She didn’t want to leave Bangalore as she had fond memories of the city. The other reason for her unwillingness to shift to Pune was that she didn’t want to lose her sense of independence. But at the same time, she knew that living alone in her big house wasn’t a feasible solution. After a lot of discussions, Mrs. Murthy and her son decided that moving to a retirement home in Bangalore was a win-win situation for both of them. Mrs. Murthy gets the experience of a community and her son gets peace of mind knowing that his mother will be safe and sound. Mrs. Murthy isn’t alone. Maintaining a sense of independence is incredibly important for everyone. But it takes a whole new meaning as people get older. With kids moving to different cities or countries, and parents not willing to move with their children – retirement homes in India are increasingly presenting a win-win situation for seniors and their kids. They give the family peace of mind for their loved one’s health and safety. And seniors get to enjoy a worry-free independent lifestyle. Today’s retirement homes in India aren’t old age homes They are designed in a way to help seniors live independently with equal focus given on encouraging them to socialise and connect with their neighbours and other residents. Retirement homes in India promote hassle-free living as the housekeeping and maintenance work is taken care of by the staff. Such arrangements make the day-to-day lives of the seniors easy. It also gives them an opportunity to pursue their passions, to mingle with friends or to simply relax and enjoy the ambience. Retirement homes in India like ours are transforming senior living in India. Whether it’s a tranquil villa, an apartment or a row house, our homes are specially designed for safe and comfortable living for singles or couples. With a host of entertainment options such as movie screenings and music concerts to inspiring activities such as yoga or meditation – every single day at our retirement homes in India help our residents live life to the fullest. We also support our residents with their medical needs. Our partnerships with nearby hospitals ensure residents get round-the-clock care. From emergency care with 24/7 ambulance service, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place to comprehensive geriatric assessment and supportive care – we ensure that the healthcare needs of our residents are met.

As you are no longer tied to a city for professional commitments, there are many places in India where you can move to after retirement. However, before you rush to make any decision that will have a significant impact on your retirement years, here are a few factors you should consider: 1. Proximity to family and friends: It is entirely up to you whether you want to retire in the city where you currently live or move elsewhere. If the city you are living in is affordable, close to family and friends, then choosing a retirement home in that city makes sense. However, if you don’t have a real connection to the city and a strong reason to stay back, then you can think of moving to a different city. We have some of the best homes for retirement in cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram and Puducherry. These homes are conveniently located, which ensures you enjoy city life as well as the calmness and serenity of our retirement homes. 2. Cost of living: You may have a little more time in hand after you retire. This means frequent visits to shopping malls and movie halls. You may also want to pick new hobbies like crocheting, singing, learning to play a musical instrument or a new language. These commitments involve additional expenses along with basic living expenses. Hence, it’s also important to check the cost of living in your preferred city. 3. Climate: It is difficult to choose a senior living community just on the basis of climate. From sunny beaches to cities with mild temperatures, there are multiple options. We have our retirement homes in Puducherry, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, Chennai and Bangalore. While Bangalore experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, Chennai and Puducherry have great beaches to enjoy during sunny days. Although Coimbatore and Kanchipuram have hotter summers, the city life is quite serene. These are some of the best places to buy a retirement home in. 4. Quality of life: More and more urban cities are gaining popularity as retirement destinations because of the promise of an urban lifestyle. Shopping malls, eateries, movie halls and other entertainment options are readily available in cities. Cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore have great beaches to offer along with a good city life. Bangalore has an amazing nightlife and a large number of restaurants and eating joints. Quality of healthcare: As you age, your medical needs tend to rise. When you are choosing a place to retire, this is one factor that you cannot ignore. When age catches up, it is important that the city to retire in has hospitals offering world-class health care facilities. Our retirement homes are located in some of the best cities in India that have good hospitals. Also, we have partnered with local hospitals to give our residents the best health care facilities. Emergency care, a doctor on call and 24×7 ambulance are available in the premises.

Retirement homes and birthday parties? Aren’t retirement homes supposed to be grey and lifeless? If you thought so, then let us first dispel a few myths, retirement homes are not old age homes. From hosting movie screenings and music concerts to wellness workshops – today’s retirement homes in India help you stay young at heart. Now let’s look at some interesting ideas to help you host a memorable birthday party. Host a dinner or luncheon: A simple birthday luncheon or dinner feels delightfully wonderful. Having your favourite people around you while relishing your favourite delicacies is a great way to count your candles and blessings. Many retirement homes like ours offer banquet service to help you host a grand party or dinner. Our banquet halls are spacious enough for you to enjoy dining there with your friends and family. For special occasions, we can design the menu as per your preferences. Decorating the banquet hall with streamers, balloons and birthday decor items will make your birthday bash super fun. Host a movie screening of your favourite movie: If you are a movie buff, then celebrate your love for cinema on your special day. You can design your invites to look like movie tickets. Have your guests dress up as their favourite movie characters or just catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen at your retirement home. At our retirement home facilities, we can help you host movie screenings of blockbusters as well as classics so that you can enjoy with your family and friends. Follow the movie up with a nice lunch or dinner. Plan a birthday outing: Visit a museum or a monument, go to your favourite restaurant, attend a music concert, throw an amazing birthday picnic or plan a birthday getaway, there is a lot you can do on your special day. If you are worried about booking tickets and arranging vehicles, many retirement home facilities, including ours, have concierge services for residents. We help you hire vehicles for your impromptu trips. We also provide booking assistance. Fun games equal fun parties: Who said indoor games are only for kids’ birthday parties? To ensure everyone is laughing, engaged, and entertained, host indoor games. Treasure hunt, ping pong, musical hoops, and karaoke can liven up any birthday party. If you’re worried about organising these fun parties, trained and dedicated staff at our senior living communities can help you with this and a lot more. We hope we have given you enough ideas for your birthday bash and you must now be eagerly waiting to blow out the candles and unwrap the gifts.

Holistic wellness means taking care of one’s spiritual, mental and emotional needs alongwith the physical ones. The best retirement homes in India like ours have joined hands with wellness and fitness practitioners to ensure that the residents achieve optimum health through an integrated approach to wellness.  Let’s take a brief look at how wellness programs conducted by retirement homes in India like ours fuel the mind, body and spirit of our residents-  Physical wellness: Many retirement homes in India have a structured physical activity and fitness program. Our physical wellness programs include: Daily stretching exercise  Yoga classes  Continuous preventive care and check-ups  Meals made to suit nutritional needs of the seniors  Salons to keep the residents looking and feeling their very best (at select communities) Emotional wellness  Human beings, regardless of age, need meaningful personal connections to have a sense of belonging. However, as people age, the risk of social isolation can increase. At our retirement homes in India, we have a packed calendar of social events to ensure that our residents enjoy an engaged and active lifestyle. Here’s a list of some of the activities that we conduct regularly –   Educational and informative workshops and lectures  Well-stocked libraries with active book clubs  Art classes to encourage residents to pick up new hobbies Movie screenings  Musical concerts  Birthday celebrations  Day outings    Common areas like clubhouse are Wi-Fi enabled so residents can stay in touch with their friends and family.  Spiritual wellness  We conduct yoga classes and meditation exercises to help our residents improve their fitness level and connect with their spiritual side. From bhajans and Bhagavad Gita recitations to hosting spiritual talks – our programs are aimed at helping our residents feel spiritually rejuvenated.