Tips for seniors to reduce their sugar intake

March 7, 2022

Categories : Senior health tips

Tips for seniors to reduce their sugar intake

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.

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Give your skin a fresh start: skincare tips for seniors

January 24, 2022

Categories : Senior health tips

As you age, your skin naturally ages too. The production of collagen and elastin, proteins that make the skin supple and strong, goes down. Ageing skin looks thinner and paler – however, by taking appropriate care, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy and soft as you age. Here are some skincare tips that can give your skin a fresh start:    1. Avoid hot baths: Use warm or lukewarm water for bathing, instead of hot water. Though a hot, steamy shower or bath especially during the winter feels good, hot water strips away the natural moisture of the skin, making it excessively dry.    2. Use gentle skin care products: Use soaps and bath gels that are moisturising. Harsh soaps and alcohol-based products increase the dryness of the skin. You can also oil your skin for extra moisturisation. Use products that contain Vitamins C and E as they encourage the growth of new collagen.    Note: Avoid using oils in the bathroom as they make the tub slippery, increasing the risk of falling. Always dry your skin and sit in a comfortable position to apply oil.    3. Use creamy and fragrance-free moisturiser after bath: After bathing, use moisturisers that are formulated for dry skin. Moisturising helps ease the dryness and restores your skin’s protective barrier. When the skin is well-hydrated, the chances of cracks and itchiness are low.    4. Protect your skin from the sun: Whether you are running errands or stepping out for gardening, always apply sunscreen. Choose the spf level according to the harshness of the sun in your location.   5. Keep yourself hydrated: Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed. It also helps the skin maintain its elasticity. Make sure you get enough fluid on every part of your exposed skin. Dehydration can make skin more vulnerable to cracking, dryness and itchiness.  6. Eat a balanced diet: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Walnuts, avocados, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are some of the foods that are good for skin health. Add low-fat or fat-free dairy products to your daily diet.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai? As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we encourage our residents to lead a holistic lifestyle that enhances their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With an excellent range of community facilities offering every opportunity for a meaningful and worry-free retirement, our senior living communities are ideal for those who do not believe in the conventional notions of senior living, and demand a fuller life. To know more about us, call us at +91 88845 55554.

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Five steps to a meaningful 2022: tips by one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai

January 21, 2022

Categories : Senior living tips

senior living tips

2021 has been an incredibly hard year for many of us. After a year like that, setting new year resolutions can be hard. However, the beginning of the year is a moment of reflection, celebration, and making peace with the low points of the previous year. The best way to set new year resolutions and stick to them is to make sure that your resolutions resonate with your core values. Here we share with you 5 steps to lead a more meaningful 2022. Whether you choose one or all five, these steps will help you truly make an impact:  Be kind to yourself: “To love oneself,” wrote Oscar Wilde, “is the beginning of a life-long romance.” This year, be intentionally positive when you talk about yourself. Positive self-talk is a great way to subdue the critical voice that is often self-deprecatory. Embrace little imperfections because these make you who you truly are.  Give back to the community: For a meaningful 2022, there is no better way than giving back to the community. Give your time and talent to inspire others. You can volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. You can also help underprivileged children study or prepare youngsters for job interviews – your valuable time can make a world of difference to their lives. Spend more time with loved ones:Spending quality time together is the best way to show your loved ones that you care for them. Reach out to your loved ones, family, or friends, and plan activities together. Quality time does not have to be confined to having meals together.  Read to your grandchildren, plan monthly excursions, schedule game nights, or go for after-dinner walks. Make your passion a habit: Ever since you were little, you must have heard people saying ‘pursue your passion’. But now that you have retired, what does that phrase mean to you? Well, instead of waiting for something to find you, find ways to cultivate your passion. Start a hobby class or join a hobby group. Try different things as your passion may not lie in just one thing. Get closer to nature:Spending time in nature not only uplifts your mood but also brings many health benefits. It has been found that  access to natural surroundings, such as beaches or parks, promote sound sleep amongst seniors. Not just that, it also helps in reducing psychological stress and keeping depression at bay.     Looking for retirement homes in Chennai?   If you are looking for retirement homes in Chennai, check out Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar by Columbia Pacific. Our retirement homes provide a holistic environment and support system that enable our seniors to remain physically and socially active while doing things that they enjoy the most. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 88845 55554.

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How to create positive energy? Useful tips for seniors curated by one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai

January 6, 2022

Categories : Senior health tips

How to create positive energy

According to a study, optimistic people not only experience reduced stress but also lead a healthy lifestyle. Having a positive outlook in life can influence different aspects. For instance, positive thinking improves overall well-being by helping you feel better about yourself. However, when things are not going your way, creating positive energy may seem difficult. While some people are naturally optimistic, some may have to make conscious efforts to harness the power of positivity. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you useful tips to channel positive energy:    1. Make yourself a priority: Negative thoughts about yourself can adversely affect virtually every aspect of your life, including your confidence, relationships, and your health. The first step that you should do is to take good care of your inner thoughts. If you feel good about yourself, you will automatically feel good about things and the people around you. Look after yourself and make it a habit to do things that make you feel good.    2. Do not dwell on negative emotions: Focusing on negative emotions is not only unpleasant, but it also results in low esteem and a heightened sense of frustration. You may have a solution to the problem you are facing but negative thoughts can make it difficult for you to recognise the solution. It is important to distinguish between a fact and a negative emotion. Being positive means paying attention to your thoughts and evaluating them on the basis of reason and then responding to the situation.    3. Find sources of positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement promotes positive behaviour. To make constant positive reinforcement a part of daily life, incorporate positive reminders in your daily life. From something as simple as a motivational quote to reading  inspiring books, there are many sources of positive reinforcement. Find your own unique sources of positivity that work for you.     4. Use positive words: Self-deprecating or self-limiting language is damaging as it increases stress and prevents you from thinking positively. As the mind fixates on negative words, it becomes all the more difficult to find the solutions that you are looking for. It is thus important that you choose your words carefully. For instance, instead of saying, “I cannot handle this situation”, try saying, “How can I handle this situation better?”.    5. Savour the good moments: Life is full of ups and downs. However, many times people let the good moments pass without celebrating them. Appreciate the small pleasures that life has to offer. Whether you are walking in a garden or watching the sunrise, be in the moment and savour it.    Starting your day on a positive note is a great way to create positive energy every day. At our retirement homes in Chennai, the day starts with yoga and breathing exercises – which sets the tone of the day. At our retirement homes, you will enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas, and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance are all taken care of.  Our retirement communities give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy your retirement years in a positive way without worrying about daily chores and maintenance. To know more about us, call us at  +91 8884555554.

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Eating disorders and seniors: useful insights by one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai

December 31, 2021

Categories : Senior health tips

Eating disorders of seniors

Eating disorders can affect anyone, including elderly individuals. Life changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, illnesses, or feelings of reduced independence can trigger eating disorders among seniors. Eating disorders may often go unnoticed in seniors as many older people may experience changes in their diets and appetites as they age. If untreated, eating disorders in later life can lead to a high rate of morbidity or even death.  It is therefore important to look out for signs of eating disorders and address them timely.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful insights on eating disorders among seniors: 1. Signs of eating disorders: The following are some warning signs that could indicate that an elderly individual is struggling with an eating disorder: a. Losing weight drastically  b. Skipping meals c. Making excuses not to eat  d. Often making negative comments on weight  e. Frequently going to the bathroom after meals 2. Types of eating disorders: Eating disorders are forms of mental health conditions that accompany other conditions such as depression or anxiety. They often require the intervention of medical and psychological experts. Some of the common eating disorders are: a. Anorexia nervosa: Elderly suffering from anorexia nervosa tend to severely restrict their food intake, even to the point of starving themselves. Usually, people with anorexia nervosa fear gaining weight and have an extreme reaction to this perceived body image.  b. Bulimia nervosa: Commonly called bulimia, it is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Elderly with bulimia eat large amounts of food and then they try to get rid of the extra calories in unhealthy ways — typically by using laxatives or forcing themselves to vomit.  c. Binge-eating disorder: Elderly with binge-eating disorder may eat a lot of food in a short amount of time, even when they are not hungry. Unlike bulimia, people with binge-eating disorder do not try to get rid of the food. However, they feel shame or loss of control after meals. 3.Helpful tips: Elderly suffering from eating disorders must take the help of a medical professional. Also, it is important for them to embrace a healthy lifestyle and better diet choices. Here are a few helpful strategies:  a. Keep a food and mood diary: Identifying personal triggers can be an important step in controlling impulsive eating. b. Practise mindfulness: By being more aware of what triggers certain food habits, elderly individuals can exercise better self-control.  c. Choose healthy foods: A wholesome diet rich in protein and healthy fats will help satisfy hunger and provide much-needed nutrients. d. Start exercising: Exercise not only improves body image but also reduces anxiety by releasing feel-good hormones.  e.Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep is associated with higher calorie intake. It is therefore important that seniors get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep per night.Seniors often struggle making healthy meals for themselves. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we ensure that our residents enjoy healthy, delicious, fresh, and nutritious meals daily. Trained nutritionists design the menu keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors. There are regular review meetings with the F&B team so that our residents can share their suggestions and feedback. All our retirement homes have spacious dining halls so that the meal-times are relaxed and comfortable. If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

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Senior Wellness Trends Curated by One of the Leading Retirement Homes in Chennai

December 7, 2021

Categories : Senior health tips

senior citizen home in Chennai

Many seniors are adopting a holistic lifestyle that involves more than physical health. It is aimed at nourishing the mind, body, and soul. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we have curated some senior health and wellness trends that we think you may benefit from:    1. Leverage the power of technology: The popularity of smart wearable technologies is increasing in seniors. They are using these technologies to keep a tab on their physical activity, calorie intake, and monitor their sleep patterns. It has been found that these wearable devices encourage users to be more active by sending motivational notifications and helping them compare statistics with their peers. Some wearable devices are specially designed for seniors that help them monitor important health markers such as heart rate, heart rhythm, and oxygen levels. There are many apps that use intelligent fall detection and automatic alerts for emergency assistance. These apps use sensors to monitor the movements of the user. By detecting the abrupt changes in body movements, these apps identify falls and alert emergency services.  2. Focus on gut health: Seniors are focusing on diet plans that are gut-friendly and meet their nutritional needs. Numerous studies show a connection between gut health and overall wellness. There are over 1,000 types of bacteria in a human gut microbiome and each type plays a different and important role in the body. Gut microbiomes are extremely important for digestive health, sugar control, and heart health.    3. Alternate wellness measures: Ayurveda and other ancient texts provide guidance on leading a holistic lifestyle. The ayurvedic way of life includes making healthy changes in all aspects of one’s life – from dietary and behavioural to psychological. Seniors are adopting ayurvedic principles in their day-to-day activities to restore the balance between body, mind, and emotions.    4. Lifelong learning: Just as the body needs physical exercise, the brain too needs mental workouts. Picking up a new skill or learning something new is not just good for brain health but also good for emotional health. Pursuing new knowledge slows down cognitive decline and at the same time boosts self-confidence.    5. Managing stress: Though stress is an integral part of life, seniors should make a conscious effort to reduce stress that improves their overall health. It has been found that elevated levels of stress can adversely affect one’s health as it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. By simplifying their lifestyle, many seniors are focusing on things they enjoy doing rather than doing things that just fill their day.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we focus on holistic wellness. From hobby classes and fitness workshops to health screenings – our services and facilities are designed to ensure that our residents meet their wellness goals. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know more about our retirement homes in Chennai.

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Tips for Seniors to Stay Active During Winters

November 28, 2021

Categories : Senior health tips

Columbia Pacific

Regular exercising has many benefits for seniors – it not only reduces the risk of chronic health conditions but also keeps seniors in a good mood. It is recommended that seniors should do moderate-intensity aerobic activities for at least 30 minutes on five days of the week. However, during the colder months, it can be a challenge. As one of the leading senior living homes in Chennai, we share simple ways to help seniors exercise during the winters:    1. Practise indoor exercise: To minimise the risk of falls during the winter, seniors should practise balance and strength exercises such as yoga, step-ups, chest stretches, and half squats. All these exercises can be done in the comfort of your home.    2. Attend a virtual exercise class: Seniors who are homebound during winters can attend online exercise classes. There are many online apps that offer group and one-on-one exercise sessions. From low-impact exercises to Zumba, seniors have many options to choose from. They can also ask their family and friends to join the classes. They can all exercise together from their homes and at the same time connect with each other.    3. Game nights: Organising game nights can be fun and at the same time it would help seniors keep their mind and body active. Such social activities will not only help seniors get some exercise but will also help them bond with their family and friends. Do make sure you do not stretch yourself and make sure you go to bed early.    4. Light dance: Dancing is a perfect exercise for winters – it helps seniors build muscle strength and increase flexibility without stepping outside. Seniors can organise light dancing sessions with friends and family or join an online dance class. Also, dancing has many mental benefits. A study indicated that dance sessions can reduce stress and improve social relations, general life satisfaction, and physical and psychological health.  Seniors searching for retirement homes in Chennai can explore Serene Pushkar and Serene Adinath by Columbia Pacific. We offer facilities that allow our residents to live a lifestyle that lets them define retirement on their terms. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.

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Meditation Apps for Seniors: Check this List by One of the Leading Retirement Homes in Chennai

October 29, 2021

Categories : Senior health tips

Healthcare tips

Spending a few minutes meditating is an effective way for seniors to calm down and find inner peace. The physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with ageing can be overwhelming. However, meditation can help seniors deal with these changes in a positive way.  For seniors looking for guided meditation sessions and exercises in mindfulness, here is a useful read on meditation apps that streamline the learning process.    Why do seniors need a meditation app?  Meditation is like riding a bicycle. While some people learn it on their own, some need a little help to practise mindfulness. Humans tend to have a wandering mind – and a wandering mind can be an unhappy one. An app offering guided meditation sessions can help seniors stay focused on the present and become more mindful. Here are some of the key benefits of using a meditation app:  It can be used at any time of the day, anywhere. Seniors can choose from a wide variety of meditation techniques.  The sessions are conducted by experts. The sessions are good for beginners as well as regular meditation practitioners.   As one of the leading senior living homes in Chennai, we have picked some of the meditation apps for seniors that are user-friendly and at the same time engaging:    Headspace: Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps that helps seniors start their day with mindfulness and clarity.  The app instructs how to sit still and avoid distractions while meditating. The instructions are delivered in a soothing voice. Also, the app offers colourful and calming visuals to help those who like to keep their eyes open while meditating. Breethe: Breethe is more than a meditation app. In addition to guided meditation sessions, there are music playlists and bedtime readings that are designed to help seniors get a good night’s sleep. Calm: Seniors who have been practising mindfulness and meditation for quite some time, can use this app to get access to open-ended meditation sessions. It also offers help to seniors looking for sleep guidance or soothing music to calm their mind.   Buddhify: It is an interactive app designed to introduce users to different techniques of meditation. The meditation sessions can help seniors cope with everyday challenges and difficult emotions. There are several meditation sessions that seniors can attend while they are not seated. For instance, seniors can listen to these sessions while walking or gardening.    At our retirement homes in Chennai, the day starts with yoga, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises. The open green spaces in our retirement homes provide excellent opportunities for our residents to relax, meditate, or to self-reflect.  If you want to know more about our retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

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How to Prevent Loss of Appetite: Useful Insights for Seniors?

October 5, 2021

Categories : Senior health tips

retirement homes in Chennai

Eating well is important for seniors to lead a healthy and active life. Having a balanced diet helps them maintain a healthy weight and boosts their energy levels. However, many seniors often struggle during mealtimes because of loss of appetite. Many think it is a natural part of ageing. However, loss of appetite when not addressed properly can result in malnutrition which can cause weight and muscle loss.     Hence, instead of assuming loss of appetite as a normal part of ageing, it is important to understand the reasons behind it and prevent it.    As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful insights for seniors on loss of appetite:    Let us first try to understand the reasons why seniors lose appetite. From depression and altering taste buds to medication side effects, there can be many reasons for a senior to not want to eat.    Common reasons for seniors to experience loss of appetite?   Slowing metabolism means seniors need lesser calories. But they still need to get enough important nutrients.  Taste bud changes can make seniors lose interest in food items they once savoured.  Dental problems such as toothache and poor-fitting dentures can make mealtimes painful for seniors.  Trouble chewing or swallowing can make mealtime uncomfortable for seniors.  Side effects from medication can alter the taste buds.    If you think you are losing interest in food, here are some simple and effective ways to stimulate your appetite and improve your nutrient intake:    1. Create a routine:    One of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your appetite is to have meals at the same time every day. Setting a consistent routine trains the body and mind to look forward to a meal.    2. Have small but frequent meals:   As you age, having a large meal for lunch or dinner can be overwhelming. Instead, tweak your daily routine to have five to six small meals with equal intervals. Your meals should be packed with vitamins, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.    3. Make mealtime a social activity   Eating alone and depression are closely linked. It has been found that people eat more with friends and family than when eating by themselves. To make your mealtime interesting and entertaining, invite your friends and family members. When you dine with friends and family, eating becomes less of a chore and more of a social activity. If you are living alone, try eating with your friends and relatives online. Use video chatting to have virtual dinners to make mealtimes enjoyable.    4. Keep easy-to-eat snacks handy   Have different types of healthy and nutritious easy-to-eat healthy snacks such as steamed vegetables, boiled eggs, avocado sandwiches, nuts, fruits, and smoothies.    5. Stay physically active   Often lack of physical activity could be a reason behind your loss of appetite. Low- impact workouts such as walking, running, yoga and swimming can increase your appetite.   At our retirement homes in Chennai, residents enjoy delicious and nutritious meals daily. The menu is prepared by nutritionists, keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors. There are regular review meetings with the F&B team so that our residents can give their suggestions and feedback. The kitchen and food service area are well-designed and hygienic. Our retirement homes have spacious dining halls so that the mealtimes are relaxed and comfortable. To know about our facilities and the monthly cost of the retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

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Ways to Keep Your Joints Healthy: Tips Curated by One of the Leading Retirement Homes in Chennai

September 20, 2021

Categories : Senior living tips

average monthly cost of retirement home

Healthy joints are important for better mobility. But with ageing, the lubricating fluid inside the joints decreases, thus leading to joint stiffness. Here we discuss some useful tips that can help you keep your joints healthy.  Be active regularly  Being active has been proven to be beneficial in improving the functioning of joints in seniors. Multiple studies have shown that people who do moderate exercise on a regular basis have a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Low-intensity workouts such as walking, light jogging, swimming, yoga, and cycling can help seniors increase their range of motion. Also, regular exercise improves mobility and bone density.  Listen to your body There will be days when you feel sore and worn out. Do not overexert yourself – pay attention to your body’s warning signs and take a break for a few days.  Maintain right body posture Always maintain the right body posture while sitting. Always sit and stand upright. While working out, do not repeat the same movements every day. It may hurt the joints and make the pain worse.  Maintain a healthy weight Excess weight can put extra pressure on the weight-bearing joints, particularly, the hips, knees, and spine. Those who are overweight are more likely to develop arthritis compared to those who maintain a healthy weight.  Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet  Having a well-balanced diet that contains fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, can be good for your joints as well as health. Adding anti-inflammatory spices and herbs such as turmeric, basil, cumin, rosemary and ginger, can be beneficial. Choose plant protein sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and avocado to provide essential nutrients to your joints. Here is a useful read on food items that support joint health.  Note: The arthritis-affected joints are weak and prone to injuries. Therefore, it is important to take a few extra measures to protect them. Before starting a new exercise regimen, talk to your doctor and physiotherapist.  To increase your fitness in a welcoming and supportive environment, join a senior-friendly gym or a health club. At our retirement homes in Chennai –  Serene Pushkar and Serene Adinath– we have senior-friendly gyms, daily yoga classes, and a calendar filled with engaging activities that will help you stay socially and physically active.  For the average monthly cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

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