Valentine’s Day is not just for couples – it is for everyone to celebrate. For seniors, it is the perfect day to show love and affection to their spouses, family, and friends. We have rounded up a few fantastic Valentine’s Day ideas for seniors that are sure to fill their hearts with love and joy:   Celebrate with good food: Whether you are celebrating with your spouse or your family, cooking a heart-warming meal is a great way to get the celebration started. If you find cooking tiresome, take your loved ones on a gastronomic journey at your favourite restaurant. Kick off a movie marathon: Pick out your favourite movies that you know your spouse or your family would like, and have a movie marathon. Include classics such as Casablanca, When Harry Met Sally, Mughal-e-Azam, or Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Do not forget the popcorn to make the movie-watching experience extravagant. Make it a self-care evening: For some seniors, Valentine’s Day can be a perfect day for self- care. Meditation is a great way to start Valentine’s Day on a positive note. Seniors can take some quiet time to reflect and meditate in the morning. Arrange an at-home spa experience and complete it with candles and calming music. Follow it up with an extravagant dinner. Indulge in hobbies: Pursuing a hobby can give seniors immense pleasure and can make Valentine’s Day extra special. From creating heart-shaped wall hangings, beautiful cardboard photo frames, and knitting heart patterns to baking heart-shaped cakes, there are many hobbies that help seniors and their loved ones enjoy the day thoroughly. Love knows no age at our senior living homes in Chennai We, at Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar by Columbia Pacific, celebrate love in all its myriad forms and glory. Valentine’s Day at our senior living homes in Chennai is filled with fun and joy. We organise different group activities and contests where residents get opportunities to express themselves through photos, sketches, painting, and writing. To know more about our senior living homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Home is where seniors feel the safest and yet most accidents that need medical assistance happen at home. Tripping hazards, mislabelled medications, and slippery floors are some of the threats. However, there are many unseen indoor threats inside the house that can make seniors sick. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share a few useful insights on household hazards that can cause health complications and what can be done to avoid them:  1. Radon: People across the world are vulnerable to adverse health effects of radon at home. The radioactive radon gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It cannot be detected by human senses. Radon enters living spaces through cracks and gaps. Increased concentration levels of these gases are dangerous for the health of the  seniors. Ensuring adequate ventilation and sealing cracks and gaps with plaster, caulk, or other materials can help reduce radon levels. Also, use a radon testing tool to check the levels after the changes have been made.  2. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is another invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be a health hazard. When exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, people may experience weakness, headache, blurred vision, and confusion. It can also lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage, or death. You can install carbon monoxide detectors to check the levels in check.  3. Mould: The presence of mould can cause symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache, itchy skin, and difficulty in breathing. Long-term exposure to mould spores can have a serious impact on even healthy individuals, but elderly persons are among those who are most at risk.  4. Poor water quality: Drinking water that contains heavy metals, biological contaminants, and chemicals can lead to serious health problems among seniors. Installing water filters is the best way to ensure steady supply of safe drinking water.  5. Pests:Cockroaches, rats, mice, and other pests are not just unsightly but also unhygienic. Seniors who are unable to keep their homes clean on their own are often vulnerable to pest infestations.    Looking for a senior living community that promotes a safe and healthy environment for its residents?    If you are looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai, check out our retirement communities. Our dedicated team of staff members take care of daily and periodic cleaning. They also maintain common areas and offer preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work.  In addition to on-site support services,  we offer a wide range of community facilities and a varied social calendar to help our residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

A good post-retirement investment option should not only grow your savings but also give you a regular income during your golden years. While selecting the investment plans after retirement, consider the following factors: a. Retirement goals b. Regular expenses  c. Consider all your income sources (pension, FDs, and interests) As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few useful tips to invest money after retirement: Options:  1. Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme: As the  name suggests, this scheme is for senior citizens (above 60). A government plan, the scheme was launched with the main aim to provide senior citizens a regular income once they turn 60. The scheme has a 5 year tenure which can be extended by three years once the scheme matures. It is not eligible for tax benefits under Section 80c of the Income Tax Act, but it allows early withdrawals. 2. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): A number of saving schemes are offered by branches of the Post Office under the purview of the finance ministry. The lock-in period is 5 years for the scheme. Once the scheme matures, the money can be reinvested. As it is a fixed income scheme, the money invested is not subject to market risks. Seniors can open more than one account and can nominate a beneficiary (a family member).  3. Bank fixed deposits (FDs): Many senior citizens prefer investing in bank fixed deposits because of the flexibility they offer. Senior citizens can open various fixed deposits with different tenures. Once the FD with the shortest term matures, it can be reinvested for the longest period. In the financial world, this is called a laddering technique that offers ease of investment without forgoing liquidity. Note: This above information does not intend to be or constitute financial advice. Before taking any financial decision, it is important to educate yourself about your retirement and wealth-management options. Always consult a financial advisor for expert advice.    Looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai?  A very important part of your retirement plan is to buy a retirement home. Modern senior citizen homes make living for the elderly far more secure and comfortable. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai are designed in a manner that helps senior citizens lead an active and healthy life. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions among seniors. Poorly controlled blood pressure can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated ways to help seniors control their blood pressure:    1. Stay physically active: Light to moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, and swimming can help seniors to have control over their blood pressure. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai have fully equipped gyms, jogging paths, and activity centres to help our residents lead a physically active lifestyle.  2. Reduce your daily salt intake: Over time, excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension. According to WHO, adults should consume less than 5 g of salt per day. Seniors should avoid processed foods and limit their intake of salty snacks. Also, they should avoid keeping a saltshaker on the table. When buying canned food items, seniors should buy items with ‘no-added salt’ labels. Also, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to daily meals can reduce their sodium intake.    At our senior retirement homes in Chennai, meals are prepared in accordance with the nutritional needs of residents. Prepared by expert chefs, the meals are delicious and cater to senior nutritional needs.   3. Get enough sleep: Getting less than six hours of sleep is known to be bad for health. It has been found that sleep deprivation and heart disease are closely linked. Here are some tips to get quality sleep:  Reduce blue light exposure in the evening Do not consume caffeine late in the day Try to sleep and wake up at the same time  Do not eat late in the evening Do not have heavy meals in the evening   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai?   Check our senior retirement homes in Chennai where everything is designed keeping in mind your physical health and emotional well-being. From 24/7 security services and concierge services to in-house 24/7 staff available for breakdown or maintenance, we offer a wide range of senior-friendly amenities and facilities. To know more about our senior retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Retirement is the right time to learn to play a musical instrument. Learning to play an instrument is a constructive hobby for seniors, providing many physical and mental benefits such as –    It boosts mental health: It has been found that playing a musical instrument reduces the incidence of cognitive impairment. When seniors learn musical instruments, they have to remember the musical notes – which improves their memory skills. It acts as a stress reliever: Playing a musical instrument can alleviate stress.  It gives a sense of purpose: When seniors start learning to play a musical instrument, it gives them a direction or sense of purpose.  It offers an opportunity to socialise: Seniors who take part in group music sessions meet like-minded people and forge new friendships.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated a list of musical instruments that are great for senior citizens to learn:    1. Guitar: Seniors may face difficulties initially as they have to coordinate their fingers to create a firm grip on the strings. However, with practice, they will see improvement in their performance. One of the key benefits of learning guitar is improved fine motor skills. It is also good for mental health as it offers therapeutic benefits such as improved emotional strength and reduced stress.    2. Drums:  Drums are the right musical instrument for seniors who are looking for a musical instrument that helps them express their emotions and feelings. It has been found that drumming  that triggers a positive feeling in the body.    The physical stimulation of hitting the drums and the sound vibrations make people feel physically and mentally energetic. Also, drumming is a great workout for the body and brain.    3. Piano: A versatile instrument like piano stimulates the brain and improves the ability to recall information. Practicing piano boosts cognitive health and improves fine motor skills.    4. Harmonica: Though small, harmonica is a mighty instrument that produces melodious sounds. Seniors can benefit from playing a harmonica as it encourages the mind to remain active and alert. Also, it has been found that playing a harmonica can improve breathing control and is especially beneficial for those suffering from respiratory problems.    Music can be a powerful tool for seniors to connect with people having similar interests. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we host music sessions that provide our residents with opportunities to learn and socialise at the same time.    We encourage our residents to participate in activities that interest them, while our team handles the day-to-day chores like home maintenance, daily meals, and other time-consuming tasks. To know more about our senior citizen homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Inflammation is your body’s response towards an injury or infection.  It is a necessary part of the body’s immune system. But when inflammation is out of control, it can damage the healthy tissues. To keep inflammation under control, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, shed excess pounds, and control high blood pressure.   The first step to begin a healthy lifestyle is to start following an anti-inflammatory diet. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few insights on anti-inflammatory diet: 1. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits If you are eating canned, packaged or preserved food, switch to fresh vegetables and fruits. Add salads and lightly steamed vegetables (you can season them with pepper, salt, and olive oil) to your daily meals. For desserts, switch from pastries, cakes, and gulab jamuns to fresh fruits.  Try to add antioxidant rich vegetables, fruits, and spices to your diet. For instance, turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and they are used generously in Indian recipes. You can also make lattes using turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk or add them to your juices and smoothies.  Also, berries, avocados, whole grains, and beans have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.     Note: Antioxidants protect your body against any harmful effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants come in many forms such as teas, foods, and vitamin supplements.  2. Try to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements Omega-3 fatty acids have enormous health benefits – they are good for cardiovascular health and can reduce inflammatory processes. Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Also, freshly ground flaxseeds contain omega-3 fats and a healthy dose of dietary fibre.  3. Drink more water  Your body needs enough water to detoxify. If your body is dehydrated, it cannot release harmful toxins and cellular waste products – which can cause inflammation. It is important to note that consumption of liquids such as soda, juices, tea and coffee cannot help your body to cleanse itself and they do not count towards your daily intake of water as they act as diuretics.  Note: In addition to drinking water, having broth and soups on a regular basis can hydrate your body.  4. Identify foods that are not good for your body  Avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, and deep-fried food as they all contain unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation. While preparing a diet plan, identify foods that make you uncomfortable or cause indigestion. Your body communicates with you through various symptoms, pay attention to them. Some of the common food triggers include: Dairy  Eggs Soya Peanuts Wheat  In addition to following an anti-inflammatory diet, seniors should lead an active lifestyle. It has been reported that adults aged 65 and over are the most sedentary age group – they spend 10 hours a day lying down or sitting. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we provide a supportive and welcoming environment to our residents who want to improve their fitness levels.  If you are looking for senior citizen homes in Chennai, explore our retirement communities to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know important details such as retirement home monthly cost, maintenance fees, facilities, and services offered.

Regular exercise offers a host of physical and psychological benefits to people of all ages. Those who make exercising a regular part of their daily routine live a healthy life. However, many people still wrongly believe in myths surrounding seniors and exercising.  As a leading senior citizen home in Chennai, we debunk some of the common myths here:  Myth 1: Exercise is pointless since a decline in old age is inevitable Though ageing is a natural process, symptoms such as weakness and loss of balance get worse because of inactivity rather  ageing. Staying active can improve blood pressure and reduce stress levels. One of the main benefits of exercising for seniors is that it helps improve gait and balance. This reduces the risk of falling.   Myth 2: Seniors are too old to work out It is never too late to start exercising and reap the benefits of it. Lack of activity puts seniors at a higher risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Those who have not exercised in a long time, don’t have to worry. Walking, yoga or simple stretching exercises are perfect for beginners.  Myth 3: Avoiding activity is the best way to prevent falling Contrary to popular belief, it is inactivity that increases the risk of falling. If you reduce your level of activity, it will impact your reserve of energy, muscle tone, and alertness. Exercise makes your bones stronger and builds strength and balance, which reduces the risk of falling.  Myth 4: Exercising will leave seniors exhausted  It is commonly believed that seniors should avoid exercise because they will be exhausted and lose their much-required energy reserve. In reality, exercise helps seniors boost their energy levels. Practising yoga and doing aerobics make the heart go up which in turn helps seniors feel more energetic.  Myth 5: Exercise will cause joint pain Chronic pain from arthritis may make exercising too painful. But it has been found that moderate exercise helps in alleviating arthritis pain. Regular exercising can help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis.  Exercising helps improve the range of motion.   Myth 6: Seniors will hurt themselves while exercising People of all ages are at the risk of getting injured while exercising. However, by not exercising seniors put themselves at the risk of unhealthy weight gain, stiff joints, and immobility. When done correctly, exercising helps seniors gain strength and flexibility. Those who are new to exercise should consult their doctors to plan an age-appropriate exercise regimen.  At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games and a fully equipped gym. The mornings at our senior citizen homes start with yoga and aerobics classes. There are several workshops that are held round the year to spread awareness about various health-related issues. To know the monthly cost of the retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important at any age, especially in the later years of your life. Burning calories is key for keeping your weight in control. In addition to following a dedicated workout plan, here are 6 ways you can squeeze more activity into your day and burn calories:  Start your day right: Workouts are a great way to give your mornings an energy boost. There are many short (7 to 10 minutes) workouts that will help wake up your body and mind. As soon as you get up, doing a few yoga poses or doing 15 push-ups will help you start your day on an active note. Take walking breaks: Try to get up and go for short walks multiple times a day. The best part is you can do it any time, even inside your home. Whenever you find yourself sitting for too long, you can take a short walk.  Walk whenever you can: Whenever possible, give your car a break and incorporate short walks into your daily routine. You can also park far away from your destination so that you get to add a few extra steps to your errand.  Use a standing desk:  If you find yourself sitting for long hours, use a standing desk.   When you stand, you burn more calories than you do while sitting. Spending more time on your feet also reduces back pain associated with sitting.  Practise water aerobics:  Water aerobics is a great way to burn calories for seniors. The gentle resistance from the water helps build strength and increase muscle mass. It also helps you gain better balance and reduce your risk of falls.  End your day right: Exercising before you hit the bed can help you fall asleep faster and burn a few extra calories. Go for a walk after dinner or do some gentle yoga poses.  At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, there are facilities available for our residents to lead an active lifestyle. From fully equipped gyms to clubhouses with indoor games facilities, we promote a retirement life that is physically active and socially engaging. If you are looking for senior citizen homes and wish to know the monthly cost of our apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

Many seniors prefer to remain in their own homes as they age. However, this is not always possible because of health or difficulty in maintaining the house. As a result, we are seeing a growing number of older adults proactively choosing to move to senior citizen homes as these facilities offer an independent living and support services. Also, senior citizen homes are inherently social settings and thus, many residents see them as an opportunity to expand their social circle while having the comfort of their own homes. If you are planning to move to senior citizen homes, you can explore our communities in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, and Puducherry. Here we discuss few tips to help you plan the move: Why do you want to move to a senior citizen home? Yard maintenance, personal security and other tasks often hold back seniors from spending their retirement years exactly how they’d like to. If you feel burdened by household chores, moving to a senior citizen home can be a good choice. Some of the features that are considered important in relocation decisions are: maintaining independence, access to medical facilities, security and community activities. Often people also look for luxury features like salon, spa, restaurants and swimming pools. If you know what features you want from senior citizen homes, it will be easy for you to find the right one. Where to live after retirement? While there are many senior citizen homes in India, it’s always a good idea to take the factors related to location into account – like the cost of living in a particular city, proximity to family and friends, weather and medical facilities. What is the cost of living? When you are planning to move to a senior citizen home, compare the amenities different communities are offering and the associated costs. Ask if the maintenance fees are payable weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Find out how often maintenance fees are revised and how much will it increase in the coming months. Are there on-site provisions if you fall ill? Many senior citizen homes offer a wide range of wellness services that make it easier for residents to stay healthy. However, on-site arrangements for medical emergencies is different from wellness services and is a must. Ask these questions when touring a facility, is there a doctor or a nurse available on the premises? Is there 24×7 ambulance available? Is there a panic button in rooms? If so, who responds to the calls? What does community life look like? From yoga classes and art workshops to charity work, senior citizen homes offer a variety of experiences that help residents spend their time in meaningful ways. Check the social groups and community activities when touring a facility.  

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?