Lighting plays a very important role in creating the right ambience. An overlooked feature, lighting can completely transform your home from a dull and uninviting space to a vibrant and welcoming one. For an ageing pair of eyes, the right lighting can make the home not just welcoming but also improve the quality of life. As one of the premium retirement homes in Bangalore, we share a few useful tips on how seniors can use lighting to create the right ambience in homes:    1. Embrace lighting layers: When you are creating a lighting plan for your home, it is important to acquaint yourself with three basic types of lighting: Ambient lighting: Also known as general lighting, it is used to brighten up spaces uniformly. The sources of ambient lighting are chandeliers and ceiling lights.  Task lighting: If you love reading, knitting, quilting, painting, and participating in other skill-based activities that require focus and hand-eye coordination, install the right task lighting fixtures. Task lighting is used to illuminate a particular area to help you get your work done with clarity. A desk lamp is a source of task light.  Accent lighting: This kind of lighting accentuates high points of your home and creates the desired mood. Use spotlights or downlights to highlight photos, artefacts, artwork, plants, or bookshelves. Accent lighting adds a glow, making the room look cosy.    2. Increase ambient light levels: With age, the eyes need more light to see things clearly. Ambient light illuminates the entire room.  An ambient light source can be a chandelier or a tube light that disperses light all around the room.     Note: Besides adding more light fixtures, introduce mirrors, to amplify artificial and natural light.   3. Add dimmers: Installing dimmers on lighting fixtures gives you complete control over the amount of light you want. Keeping the light low for movie nights gives you the theatre experience and turning it up while reading increases convenience.    Looking for senior homes in Bangalore? If you are looking for premium living spaces in Bangalore and searching online with these phrases ‘active senior living communities near me’, explore our senior living community in Bangalore. Our premium living spaces are aesthetically designed and ensure optimal comfort.  We have four different apartment sizes for you to choose from. Our senior homes in Bangalore will have a clubhouse, rooftop bistro, restaurants, and swimming pool. To know more, book a virtual tour or call us at +918884555554.

Seeds contain different types of protective and beneficial compounds, including anti-inflammatory vitamin E and monounsaturated fats. Therefore it is important for seniors to include seeds in their daily diet. As one of the premium retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of nutrient-rich seeds that are loaded with dietary fibre, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.    Chia seeds: Rich in fibre and protein, chia seeds are good for seniors who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. It has been found that fibre in chia seeds may help prevent blood sugar spikes. Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium – chia seeds also promote bone health.  Pumpkin seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds are a popular snack. Low in calories and high in protein and fibre, pumpkin seeds promote prostate health and offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Also, pumpkin seeds are rich in phytosterols that help in lowering blood cholesterol.  Sunflower seeds: Harvested from the flower head of the sunflower plant, sunflower seeds have a distinct nutty flavour and high nutritional value. It has been found that regular consumption of seeds including sunflower seeds can help lower risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Sunflower seeds are also good for the immune system as they are rich in zinc – a mineral that plays an important role in helping the body develop innate as well as adaptive immunity.  Flaxseed: Crisp and crunchy, flaxseeds can enhance the taste of almost any recipe. Rich in fibre, flaxseed is also great for digestive health. As flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, it promotes heart and brain health.     How to include seeds in your daily diet? Eat them as it is as evening snacks  Sprinkle seeds on top of your salad  Add it to your cereal, oatmeal, or smoothie    Senior  living community  in Bangalore   If you are considering moving into a senior living community in Bangalore, check our premium retirement home in Bangalore . The retirement community will have trained chefs offering you nourishing home-style  meals, cooked in a hygienic environment. Not just that, our senior living community will also have a yoga and aerobics deck, gym, and swimming pool offering ample opportunities for you to stay physically active. To know more about amenities and services, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

“Remember, there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” —Scott Adams   As you age, being intentionally kind can help you enjoy better physical, mental, and emotional health. Want to know how? Check these useful insights on kindness and positive ageing by one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore:     Kindness may help you remain young: Have you ever noticed that when you do something nice for someone else, it makes you feel better too? Well, there is science behind this. When you do something kind you feel happy and when you feel happy, your body produces oxytocin. It has been found that oxytocin may slow ageing throughout the body at the cellular level. Kindness is good for physical health:Kindness also promotes physical health as it reduces stress levels by releasing feel-good hormones. According to a study, a positive emotional state lowers inflammatory responses. Kindness boosts mood: Kindness is the act of doing good for others. The act of kindness also involves an element of being altruistic. Studies suggest that kindness releases endorphins in the brain, producing a positive feeling known as the “helper’s high”. When you give to charities or help others, it activates regions of the brain associated with social connection and trust, which positively affects your mood.   You do not need a reason to be kind to people. Something as simple as lending a sympathetic ear to a friend or picking up a tab for a friend can be an act of kindness. Here is a list of acts of kindness that can make you feel happy and positive.    In addition to being kind to others, be kind to yourself. Often it is easy to acknowledge the achievements of others, but not your own. Take time to appreciate yourself and your achievements. Be kind to yourself by cultivating an inner voice that is positive and not critical most of the time.    Looking for premium retirement homes in Bangalore? Explore our premium retirement home in Bangalore. The senior living community will have a gym, spa, salon, and swimming pool. Also, there will be different types of on-campus activities that will help residents socialise with like-minded neighbours and make new friends. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

Social engagement positively affects a senior’s mental and physical health. According to a study, being socially engaged can reduce high blood pressure. Another study found that social engagement and taking part in leisure activities can help a person maintain cognitive function in later stages of life. If you are a senior looking for ways to stay socially engaged, here is a useful read.  As one of the premium retirement homes in Bangalore we have curated a few useful insights on staying socially active as you age:  Join a club: One of the best ways to get more out of life is to join a club. Clubs such as book clubs, running clubs, and dance clubs make it easy to socialise and connect with others. Being part of clubs means that you can make new friends and at the same time learn something new or nurture an old hobby. Get to know your neighbours: Befriending your neighbours is a great way to expand your social circle. You can find like-minded people in your neighbourhood by joining the local gym or participating in cultural activities. Also, you can invite your new neighbours for a cup of coffee and socialise in the comfort of your own home. Connect with old friends: Friendship is needed at every stage of life and more so when you are retired. Connecting with friends gives your lives meaning, comfort, and joy. It has been found that having friends in old age is associated with higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Meet your old friends and spend quality time with them. When it comes to spending time with your friends, you can throw a reunion party at your home, go for movies or shopping together, or go on vacations together. Use social media to stay connected with friends who do not stay in your city. Move to an active retirement community: Retirement communities are a great place to meet people of your age. Leading retirement homes have many opportunities for formal and informal social activities that promote engagement and solidarity amongst residents. In a retirement community, you can choose how little or how much you wish to socialise.  Looking for retirement homes with independent senior living apartments?  Explore our premium retirement home in Bangalore. The senior living community will have an active social calendar that will offer you a host of options to make new friends and stay socially active. To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554 or fill in a form to book a virtual tour. 

Health problems such as dehydration and digestive issues during summers can cause loss of appetite amongst seniors. By including hydrating and delicious summer recipes in their diet, seniors can ensure that their nutritional needs are met. Here are a few amazing summer recipes:   1. Fruit salad:    Fruit salad is easy to make and can be customised to meet individual tastes. A bowl of delicious fruit salad is rich in fibre for a healthy gut, micronutrients that keep your body working at its best, and antioxidants to fight diseases.    Ingredients:    For the dressing    3 tbsp cup honey 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice Zest of 1 lemon   For the salad    2 to 3 strawberries, chopped  1 banana, sliced  2 kiwis, sliced 2 apples, peeled and chopped Half a mango, peeled and chopped   How to make it ?    In a bowl, mix honey, orange juice, and lemon zest. Add fruits to a mixing bowl and add the dressing. Toss the fruits gently to combine. Before serving, sprinkle chia seeds on top.    2. Tomato soup:  It’s a healthy alternative to evening tea. Pair the soup with a crusty roll and enjoy the rich flavours.    Ingredients:   2 to 3  tablespoons unsalted butter  1 medium size onion, chopped  ½ tsp ginger  3 to 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed  1 ½ cups of water or vegetable stock 1/2 teaspoon salt   How to make it?    Melt butter in a pot and add chopped onion.  Add ginger and sauté. Slowly, pour 2 cups of water, crushed tomatoes with their juices, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.  Blend the soup, and then season to taste. For extra flavour, add basil and oregano.    3. Roasted potatoes:    The goodness of roasted potatoes and aroma of herbs make it a perfect meal.   Ingredients:   3 to 4 medium size potatoes  2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder  3 tbsp olive oil  Salt Thyme  Oregano  Rosemary  Blackpepper    How to make it?    Skin the potatoes and cut them into pieces. Soak, rinse and pat dry the potatoes. In a mixing bowl, put potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and all the herbs. Gently toss them. Spread the coated potatoes over a greased baking sheet. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes. Place the baking sheet inside the oven and cook for about 30 minutes at 200 degree Celsius.    Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore that promote a holistic lifestyle?  Explore The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, our premium retirement home in Bangalore. A welcoming senior living community that will have trained chefs offering our residents nourishing home-style food. Besides that, our senior citizen home will have a wellness centre, swimming pool, rubberised jogging track, and yoga deck that will help our residents stay healthy. To know more about The Virtuoso, book a virtual tour or call us at +91 8884555554.

Today, seniors are embracing new forms of entertainment. From watching movies on streaming sites and playing games on tablets to attending virtual concerts in different cities – media consumption habits are changing rapidly for seniors. One channel that has gained immense popularity amongst seniors are podcasts – they are streamable and downloadable audio entertainment. They are easy for on-the-go listening like a radio. However, unlike a radio, these audio programs are delivered through the internet and can be accessed on computers, smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. Given the growing popularity of podcasts, it is not surprising to know that India is the third largest consumer of podcasts.   As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of engaging and interesting podcasts. Check this list:    Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd: If you are looking for something lighthearted and yet thoughtful, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd is the perfect podcast for you. The host interviews celebrities on his show. The interviews usually revolve around the “messiness of being human” and the struggles that help define a celebrity’s life. Stuff You Should Know: If you are looking for humour, knowledge, and short content, you will find ‘Stuff you should know’ interesting and engaging. The hosts talk about everything under the sun – from the history of traffic signals to how the Nobel Prize works. They also have ‘Short Stuff’ – where each episode is of 10 minutes to 15 minutes.  The Daily Quote: If you love to start your day on a positive note, this podcast will put you in a good mood. There are 2 to 3 minutes of positive quotes and thoughts. They are great to give your mornings a positive beginning or to find a sense of calm when things are not going well.  Tech Tutor for Seniors: Do you wish to stay in touch with your family and friends through video calls and social media but struggle with technology? Well, Tech Tutor for Seniors will help you navigate the ever- changing technology landscape. From using smartphones and fitness bands to understanding video chatting – the podcast will help you understand technology and how to use it the right way. Tech Tutor for Seniors is hosted by a senior who wishes to defy the stereotypes surrounding baby boomers and technology.   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes that promote positive ageing?    At our premium retirement homes in India, we truly believe that age is just a number. Our senior citizen homes are designed in a way that encourages our seniors to stay active physically and socially. All our senior citizen homes in India have age-appropriate gyms and dedicated jogging and walking paths. There are daily yoga and aerobic sessions and walking groups. The monthly calendar is full of activities and events that give plenty of opportunities to our seniors to get to know each other and socialise. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

Greek philosopher Aristotle once famously said, “The end of labour is to gain leisure.” After having worked hard for years, retirement is the best time to focus on things that you love. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we offer a wide range of leisure activities that help our residents meet and engage with like-minded people. Let’s take a look at some of the leisure activities liked by our residents: Reading: There is nothing like the joy of holding a book and reading it in silence. Reading helps people slip away to a different world, forgetting all their worries and problems for a while. Our retirement home in Bangalore has a well-stocked library where residents can enjoy their favourite books in a relaxed and quiet ambience. We also have book clubs where seniors can meet like-minded residents and engage in interesting debates and discussions. Playing indoor games: Be it puzzles, chess, or board games, indoor games help seniors boost their memory, enhance their verbal and numeric skills, and improve their spatial abilities. Our residents enjoy playing indoor games at our board game rooms – where they find a host of opportunities to improve their memory skills, verbal language acuity and decision-making abilities. Learning a new skill: Be it learning a new language or figuring out the nuances of photography, there is a lot that our residents can do to spend their leisure time in meaningful ways. We have music and dance classes, art and craft classes to help our residents learn a new hobby and socially engage with others. We have a dedicated concierge team that helps seniors learn about different activities going on in and around our senior living community. Travelling: At our retirement homes in Bangalore, many residents love travelling to nearby hill stations like Coorg and Ooty. Our friendly and dedicated concierge team helps them with hiring vehicles and booking hotels. If you are looking for premium retirement homes (senior living communities) in Bangalore, visit The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences in Budigere. From spa, indoor theatre and fitness deck to barbeque area on the roof – the community amenities are designed to provide the best in holistic health and wellness. To know more about our premium retirement homes in Bangalore, call us on +91 8884555554. Read More – 6 Fun Activities for Senior Citizens to Stay Active Physically and Mentally