Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Moving to a retirement home is an exciting new phase of life. However, packing your whole life and moving to a new place can be challenging. The moving day especially can be tiring, both physically and emotionally. As one of the best retirement homes in Bangalore, we share some useful tips to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the moving day:  Ask the retirement home about the formalities  Every retirement community is different, and they have their own moving-in processes and procedures in place. Make sure that you take a detailed run-down of documents needed from your end. Ask specific questions – for instance, ask if there will be any staff member to help you with unpacking boxes or do you have to fill in any forms before the moving trucks are unloaded. The retirement community manager should be able to help you with all the necessary information.  Get plenty of sleep the night before: The process of moving house can be stressful. There will probably be a lot on your mind the day before you move. Therefore, it is important to get a good night’s sleep to give your day a good start. Being well-rested can improve your mood and help you handle any challenges that may come throughout the day. Dress comfortably:  When you are too caught up worrying about your furniture and other household items, clothes are the last thing on your mind. However, choosing the right type of clothing on the moving day is important as you may have to walk around a lot. You can wear comfortable T-shirts and joggers or cotton Indian wear. Also, wear shoes that are covered. With so many boxes lying around, there are chances that you might get hurt in your slippers or flip-flops.  Take a moment to say goodbye Once the boxes are loaded up and the moving truck is ready, take a few moments to say goodbye to your home. Leaving your old home can be emotionally difficult because of the memories associated with the place. Bidding farewell to your old home in a proper way can help you gain closure.  Looking for the best retirement homes in Bangalore?  If you are still looking for the best retirement homes in Bangalore, explore Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific. It is a vibrant senior living community where you can meet people of your age and enjoy different activities such as cultural events, birthday celebrations, workshops, yoga sessions, and art and craft sessions. The community has a well-maintained garden, senior friendly swimming pool, Wi-Fi enabled clubhouse, and a library. Call us at +918884555554 to book a tour.   

Many seniors may find it difficult to figure out when they are ready for retirement. Some may think that being financially prepared and eliminating any debt they have incurred prepares them for retirement. However, getting ready to retire is not just about finance, it is also about being emotionally ready.  If you are a senior wondering if you are ready to retire, here is a useful read. As one of the reputed senior living communities in Kanchipuram, we share with you some emotional signs that indicate you are ready to retire:  You cannot wait to retire: If you find yourself looking forward to retirement, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the reasons. It could be the stress of managing responsibilities or the fixed schedule.  Of course, retirement does not mean the end of work altogether. In fact, you can find ways to stay active and engaged through volunteering and part-time work. But, if you are looking forward to retiring from your full-time job, it is probably because you are ready for a different phase of life.  You no longer enjoy the work you do: You may feel dissatisfied at work after reaching a certain stage in your career. If you are not seeking out new job responsibilities or turning down promotions, it can be a sign you are done with the professional stage of your life. Also, if work feels more like a psychological burden than something you enjoy doing, it can be a sign that you are ready for retirement.  You are daydreaming about retirement: Are you dreaming about buying a retirement home? Or are you already making plans to travel the world or stay with your children who are settled abroad? All these are signs that you are ready to say goodbye to your professional life.  You feel like work is “in the way”: If you find yourself feeling increasingly frustrated that work is getting in the way of your personal goals, it may be time to consider retiring. This is often a sign that your priorities and values are beginning to shift and that you are ready to embark on a more relaxed phase of your life.  Looking for retirement homes in Kanchipuram?  Once you have decided to retire, think about the retirement lifestyle that you want to pursue. If you want to enjoy a worry-free retired life, you want to move into a senior living community as most retirement homes have staff to take care of security, home maintenance, and other daily chores.  If you are looking for a peaceful retirement life, explore our senior living community in Kanchipuram. As one of the leading senior living communities in Kanchipuram, we have all the modern amenities such as a clubhouse, community hall for parties, a fully equipped gym, and a library with computer and internet access. Also, you will have access to a wide range of services such as housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance of common areas.  To know more about our retirement homes in Kanchipuram, call us at +91 8884555554.

If you are looking for senior living communities for NRIs, it is important to tour the facility to get the feel of the environment. When you visit retirement homes, you can walk through the common areas, see individual apartments, and check the facilities and amenities offered. But visiting different retirement homes can be overwhelming and confusing. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of useful insights:  Schedule a tour in advance: Rather than walking into a senior living community and asking someone to show you around, book a tour in advance. This will ensure that a dedicated staff member is available when you are touring the community. The staff member will show you the home, garden, gym, dining area, and other facilities and will answer your questions.  Know what questions to ask: When you are touring a property, you are immersed in the experience, and you may forget to ask some important questions. One simple way to avoid this problem is to prepare your questions in advance. Here is a useful read on questions to ask when touring senior living communities for NRIs – you will find this list helpful while comparing different communities. Keep a notebook or an electronic device in hand to take notes.  Visit during an activity: If possible, schedule your visit on a day when  residents of the senior living community are participating in an activity. It will give you an idea of the activities included in the social calendar of the community.  Get feedback from residents: In addition to speaking with the staff and personally touring senior living communities, you should talk to residents who are staying there. If they have lived there for quite some time, they would be happy to share their experiences. Also, check online reviews of the communities.  Do not forget to visit the dining facilities:  When you go on a tour, visit the dining hall. Check the hygiene of the hall and the kitchen area. Also, look at the menu options. Ask the F&B team whether residents have a say in designing the menu. If possible, have a meal. This is way better than settling for images on the brochure.  Looking for the best retirement homes for NRIs?  Our senior living community for NRIs will have premium living spaces available in four different sizes. It will have a senior-friendly fitness centre, spa, yoga deck, walking path, senior friendly swimming pool, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. The community will also have a bistro, restaurants, clubhouse, and business centre. Our on-site team of staff will take care of maintenance, housekeeping, and laundry, so that you can spend your time pursuing hobbies and new interests. To know more, book a virtual tour or  give us a call at +918884555554.

If you are a senior, maintaining a healthy weight is important. If you do not maintain a healthy weight, you are at an increased risk of suffering from diabetes and hypertension. As one of the best senior living projects in Coimbatore, we share with you some useful tips on maintaining a healthy weight after retirement: Have a high protein and low-calorie diet: A high-protein diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. Protein takes longer to digest than other nutrients – hence, it can help you feel full for longer after eating. You can increase your protein intake over the course of a week. Remember that calories still count, so make sure that you choose only healthy sources of protein, such as seafood, lean meat, low-fat dairy, soy, seeds, nuts, and eggs. Also, include healthy carbohydrates in your diet to feel energetic. Good sources of healthy carbs include sweet potatoes, bananas, whole grains, and oranges. Eat small and frequent meals:  Eating small and balanced meals every three hours helps to keep your body in fat-burning mode, as it prevents the body from going into starvation mode. In starvation mode, the body burns calories as slowly as possible to conserve its energy. Small and frequent meals help reset your metabolism and keep your body in the fat-burning mode. Eat plenty of fibre: High-fibre foods such as apples (with skin), pears, berries, whole grains, legumes, and nuts promote weight loss by helping you feel full. They also offer other health benefits such as reducing inflammation, promoting bowel movement, and keeping blood sugar levels in check.  Walk at least 30 minutes a day: Walking is a great way to stay in shape and improve your overall health. The number of calories you burn walking depends on how much you weigh and your walking speed. Work out regularly: Indoor cycling, swimming, aerobics, yoga, and dance are great forms of exercise that can help you manage weight and stay fit and healthy as you age. Drink sufficient water: The body needs water to burn fat. Water helps the body to metabolise stored fat or carbohydrates. It is a good idea to drink water before meals. As per a study, drinking at least half a litre of water 30 minutes before a meal can help in reducing body fat.  Note: The amount of water you need to drink may vary depending on factors such as your gender, activity level, and local climate. Looking for the best gated community villas in Coimbatore that promote active and healthy lifestyle?  Explore Serene Indus Valley and Serene Shenbagam by Columbia Pacific. These gated community villas offer facilities that help seniors lead an active life. We have fully equipped gyms, clubhouses with indoor games facilities, rubberised jogging paths, and yoga sessions that help our residents stay physically active. The menu at our senior living communities is designed by a team of nutrition experts. Also, the meals are prepared by trained chefs in a hygienic environment. To know more about our senior living projects, give us a call at +91 8884555554.  

Working after retirement can be a great way to stay physically and mentally active, as well as have an additional source of income. However, to enjoy the time spent at work, it is important to choose a job that you are truly passionate about. As one of the leading senior living communities in Kanchipuram, we share with you some useful insights on jobs for seniors:  The purpose of the retirement job: Before beginning your job search, it is important that you take the time to understand your own expectations. Ask yourself these questions:  Why are you looking for a job? Is it primarily for financial reasons, or are you also seeking to fight boredom? What type of activities do you hope to engage in at work?  How many hours per week do you want to work?  Would you be interested in working part-time or full-time?  Would self-employment be a viable option for you?  Answering these questions honestly will lay the groundwork for finding a job that will suit your needs and preferences. Do you wish to continue your current job? If you really enjoy your present job and its benefits, there is no reason to leave the job voluntarily. One of the main reasons to leave a job voluntarily is because you might have something better to do.  You can also choose phased retirement. Phased retirement is when you reduce or change the hours you work at your current job while retaining your position and benefits. This can be a great way to ease into retirement, as it has many benefits, such as: It helps you earn an income It can provide more leisure time and let you pursue other interests It lets you continue receiving employer-sponsored medical benefits Why work after retirement? Working after retirement is not just for financial reasons, but sometimes for fun and vitality. Retirement jobs need not be stressful or gruelling. Find work that is enjoyable. Here are a few reasons to have a retirement job: Social interaction Mental stimulation Financial security Learning opportunities Jobs to do after retirement: Here are some of the jobs you can do after retirement: Start your own business: Starting your own business can be a great way to stay active and engaged after retirement. Not only can you set your own schedule and practice, but you can also draw on your years of experience to create a successful venture.  Consultant: If you hold an advanced degree or have specialised experience,, a career in consulting can be right for you. Teaching assistants and tutors: Being a teaching assistant or tutor is a great way to work with students while also getting paid. Universities often hire teaching assistants to help professors. Also, you can work as a tutor from home and set your own schedule. You can register with online learning platforms to teach online. Blogging: You can write on topics that you are passionate about. All you need is a computer and internet access. You can monetise your blogs by recommending your favourite products or services.  Volunteering: It is a great way to help others while also gaining new skills and experiences. You can volunteer at the local school or library and make positive changes in your community.    Looking for leading senior living communities in Kanchipuram to stay active and engaged? Moving into senior citizen housing communities can help you make new friends and give structure to your days. If you move into our senior living community in Kanchipuram, you will find modern amenities such as a Wi-Fi-enabled clubhouse, gym, banquet hall, and library with computer and internet access. The senior citizen housing community offers services such as housekeeping, maintenance of common areas, and electrical and plumbing maintenance work so that you can spend your time pursuing your hobbies and interests.  To know more about our senior citizen housing in Kanchipuram, call us at  +918884555554.

When air does not flow through your air passages smoothly, it can cause the tissues in your mouth, nose, and throat to vibrate. As you age, your muscle tone decreases, which can cause the airways to constrict and cause more frequent snoring. While occasional snoring is generally nothing to worry about, persistent snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. As one of the leading retirement homes in Kanchipuram, we conduct routine check-ups and offer comprehensive geriatric assessment and supportive care. We take a holistic approach to health that includes your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We conduct regular wellness workshops to raise awareness on healthy lifestyle and preventive health care. If you are worried about heavy snoring and looking for more information, we have curated some useful insights. 1. Some people are more prone to snoring: Here are some factors that can cause snoring or make it worse: Alcohol consumption Obesity Use of sedative medications Chronic nasal congestion Deviated septum or nasal polyps Enlarged tonsils A long uvula Soft part of the roof of your mouth is a bit low or thick 2. Why does snoring get worse with age? Here are some of the reasons why snoring can worsen with age: Loss of muscle tone: With age, the soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth becomes more vulnerable to vibration. It happens as the muscle tone decreases with age. Weight gain: As you age, your metabolism slows down and you tend to become less active. These changes can cause weight gain. The extra weight puts pressure on the throat and narrows the airway, making it difficult for air to flow through. In addition, fatty tissue in the throat can vibrate when you breathe. Medications: If you are struggling to get good sleep at night, you may be tempted to reach for medication. However, you should be aware that many medications can increase the risk of snoring. For instance, medications used to treat insomnia can cause muscles to relax and slow down the respiratory drive. This can lead to snoring, making it even harder to get good sleep.  3. Signs that you snore Here are some tell-tale signs that you snore: Waking up feeling tired Excessive fatigue during the day Being irritable during the daytime Waking up with a dry sore throat Headaches after you wake up Gasping or choking at night In some cases, snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition known as sleep apnea. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, your best course of action is to speak to a doctor. However, before making an appointment, you may want to consider recording yourself sleeping. This can be done with an old-fashioned tape recorder, or a smartphone app and it will help your doctor identify patterns in your snoring that may indicate sleep apnea. Record your snoring pattern for multiple nights. With this information, your doctor will be able to diagnose whether your snoring is indicative of sleep apnea. 4. How to keep snoring in check?If you snore occasionally, here are some tips to overcome it: Exercise regularly to lose weight Improve your eating habits Avoid sleeping on your back Go to bed at the same time daily Elevate your head with pillows Keep bedroom air moist   Looking for senior living communities in Kanchipuram that promote healthy ageing? Our senior living community in Kanchipuram is a vibrant community where no two days are the same. Residents enjoy a wide range of community facilities that help them enjoy an active and engaging retirement. Also, we offer various senior-friendly services such as maintenance of common areas, housekeeping, and electrical and plumbing maintenance work. To know more about our retirement homes in Kanchipuram, call us at +918884555554.  

It is important to be grateful for small and big things in life. Gratitude can shift your focus from negative to positive experiences, increase resilience in the face of stress, and boost overall well-being. One way to cultivate an attitude that encourages you to see the brighter side of life is to keep a gratitude journal. As one of the premium senior citizen homes in Bangalore, here are some tips to keep a gratitude journal: Choose a journal: When choosing a gratitude journal, consider how you want to pen down your thoughts. Would you prefer to write in a physical journal or use a digital app? Will you carry the journal with you? Would you prefer lined or unlined pages? These are all the important factors that will help you pick the right journal for you. If you are looking for a journal to carry with you, consider something small and lightweight. If you want a journal that you can keep at home, the size should not be an issue. Focus on the benefits of journaling: Gratitude journaling comes with great benefits such as: A greater sense of calm Lower stress levels Clarity These benefits can help you focus your time and energy on the things that truly matter to you. The other benefits of journaling are: Boosts happiness: A daily dose of self-love can improve your mental state. As per a study, people who consciously count their blessings are happier than those who do not. Reduce stress: Gratitude journaling can help increase your resilience in the face of stress. Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude can cope with stressful situations. Set aside time for writing: Developing a gratitude journal practice is not an easy task. However, once you get into the habit, it becomes easy. One way to make it a habit is by clubbing it to an existing habit such as having your morning coffee or reading before bed. This will give you dedicated time to pen down your thoughts. Start small: The whole idea of starting a gratitude journal is to appreciate the life around you. However, if you are finding it difficult to write a lot, start small. Write a sentence or two every day. You will eventually find your flow. Use gratitude journal prompts: Journal prompts can give you an idea of what to write about. Here are some prompts that help you to start with your gratitude journal: Name any five things that make you happy Write about something positive happening in your life Name five people who have been supportive of you What do you like about your retirement community? Things that made you smile today Write about a friend that you are grateful for Describe your favourite moment of the day Are you looking for a premium senior citizen home in Bangalore that promotes positive ageing? Our premium senior citizen home in Bangalore is designed to offer exquisite comfort during your retirement years. It will have restaurants, bistros, business centres, and multi-purpose halls. The community will also have an open-air swimming pool, spa, salon, and sauna. There will be a dedicated yoga and aerobics deck. Book a virtual tour of our senior living community in Bangalore or give us a call at +918884555554.  

If you are a senior who is no longer constrained by work and family responsibilities, moving into a retirement home can be a great choice. Senior living communities are ideal for you – if you prefer a worry-free retirement lifestyle and want to stay physically active and socially engaged. These communities offer you a safe and comfortable living environment that you need to lead a happy and enjoyable retirement life. However, before you move into a retirement home, there are many decisions to be made such as the cost of the retirement communities and facilities. If you are wondering what should you prioritise – the retirement homes’ cost or the facilities offered, here are some useful tips for you: Analyse your budget Before you start looking for retirement homes, it is important to make proper financial planning. Create a plan and spend time with your spouse and family to decide how much money you can spend for a retirement home. Include all your fixed living expenses to create a practical financial plan. Know your needs: It is really important that you understand what your housing preferences are, what facilities and amenities you want and need, and how well the selected retirement homes can meet those wants and needs. When it comes to choosing a retirement home there are many factors that come into play and some of them are: Current mobility and accessibility needs Health concerns Proximity to family Opportunities to interact with others Home security Dining facilities Opportunities to pursue new interests and hobbies Amenities offered Most premium retirement homes are integrated with modern facilities such as a clubhouse, senior-friendly, swimming pool, library, restaurants, yoga deck, spa, and salon. You need to figure out which amenities are essential for you. List them out and see how much they cost and how they improve your quality of life. What should you prioritise – the cost of the retirement home or the facilities? Well, the simple answer to the question is that you must find the right balance between the two. Just going by the cost and denying yourself comforts during your retirement years will definitely not lead to a fulfilling retirement life. At the same time, going all out on amenities without worrying about the cost would not be financially prudent. Remember, the ideal retirement choice for you would be something that offers comfort and happiness within your budget. Besides the price of retirement homes, what should you look for in a senior living community? If you are looking for retirement homes in India, here is our buyers’ guide that helps you make an informed decision. To know more, you can get in touch with us at+918884555554.

Life goes through several transitions over time. Often these transitions can be unexpected or something you might have anticipated for years. Retirement, loss of a spouse, and moving to a senior living community are some common changes that people experience later in life. These changes can be emotionally tough to handle as they come with the fear that life will not be the same. However, if you approach the transition with the right mind set you can navigate the situation while maintaining good physical and emotional health. As one of the leading senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai, we share some useful tips to handle life transitions: Prepare as much as possible: Being ready for a change will make the transition much smoother. As soon as you know that you have a change ahead, you should start making plans to cope with different possible scenarios in the future. For instance, if you are planning to move to a senior citizen retirement home, make a list of things you would want to do before and after you move to your new address. You might want to go on a trip with your family or host a party before vacating the house. Also, you can start planning the activities you would want to do once you move into the retirement community. Manage your fears:  It is common to have fears when changes are inevitable. However, by not acknowledging your fears, you cannot find a way to address and release these feelings. The first step is to accept your situation and to recognize your emotions and embrace them. Practice self-care: Often when you are going through a major life transition, you tend to overlook your health. While self-care is always necessary, it is especially important when you are navigating a life transition. To get through the change with as little stress as possible, you need to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Here are some of the best things you can do to practice self-care: Get adequate sleep Eat healthy meals at regular times Spend time outdoors Enjoy a book, movie, song, or participate in activities that bring you happiness Talk to friends or family Note: Stick to your normal routine as much as you can. Keeping things simple can help you gradually adapt to changes. Embrace the changes: One of the effective ways to adapt to changes is to let go of the past. Find or create new ways to celebrate life in your new environment. While it is okay to miss old traditions, sometimes starting new traditions is important to mark successes in your transition. Also, it can help you maintain a positive attitude and focus on what you have, rather than what you do not have. Looking for senior living projects that promote positive ageing? Like most life transitions, retirement can be overwhelming at first – but slowly you understand the new circumstances and navigate your life accordingly. In such a scenario, being with those who are in the same boat as you can be of great moral support. Moving to our senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai can help you embrace a lifestyle that promotes exploring new activities and hobbies. You can follow a social calendar so that each day you have something to look forward to. The activities include group yoga, music lessons, art and craft, cultural events, and birthday celebrations. Community spaces such as a clubhouse, senior-friendly gym, community hall, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games, are designed to help you make friends and socialise. To know more about our senior living projects, call us at +91 8884555554.      

If you are a senior, cycling is a great way to exercise and explore your neighbourhood or nature. Cycling can be done solo or as a group with friends, family, and other cyclists.  If you are new to cycling, you need to follow some safety precautions to prevent injury and enjoy a safe ride. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we share some useful cycling safety tips for you: Tip 1: Wear a helmet: According to a study, wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the odds of sustaining a head injury such as intracranial injury, subdural haematoma, and skull fractures. As helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a fall or collision, it is important to always wear a helmet, whether the distance you are planning to cover is short or long. Tip 2: Wear proper attire: When you are cycling, wear appropriate clothing. Wear shoes with proper grip so that your feet do not  slip off the pedals. In addition, wearing gloves will protect your hands in the event of a fall. Also, ensure  that your clothing covers the limbs as it can lessen the severity of injury if you do happen to fall off the bike. Note: Avoid wearing full-length loose pants as they may get caught in the gears of your bike. Tips 3: Wear bright-coloured clothes:  Wearing bright colours or reflective clothing can help you to be seen by others, reducing the risk of being involved in an accident. Tip 4: Buddy up: As you get older, your balance may become shakier, vision may weaken, and reaction time may decrease. These factors can increase the risk of an accident. Hence, to stay safe while cycling, do not go for solo rides. Always ride with someone else. In the event of an accident, they will be able to provide assistance or seek help, if needed. If you are unable to find someone to cycle with, consider joining a local cycling group. Tip 5: Choose routes carefully: Biking is a great way to get some exercise, but it is important to be aware of the potential dangers. One of the best ways to stay safe while biking is to choose routes with flat surfaces and avoid steep slopes. Another good tip is to bike in city parks. This will help you avoid traffic. Also, the park roads are usually closed to motor traffic at certain times of the day. Tip 6: Ride the right bike: The type of bike you ride should be chosen according to the terrain on which you will be riding. For example, a speed bike is not ideal for the mountains. Also, when choosing the bike, consider your own height and comfort level. Tip 7: Protect your back: If you suffer from back pain, here are a few steps you can take to increase back support while riding your bike: Getting a seat with extra padding will take pressure off of your lower back and tailbone You can wear sports back braces for those long bike rides Get your bike fitted professionally for you. This will ensure that you are sitting in the correct position and that all the parts on the bike are adjusted correctly for your body type. Tip 8: Obey traffic rules: You can avoid potential problems by following the traffic laws. This includes: Coming to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights Riding on the correct side of the road Properly signalling turns Looking for the best senior living communities in India that promote an active and healthy lifestyle? At our senior living communities in India, there are many facilities available for our residents to lead a physically active and healthy lifestyle. We have clubhouses with indoor games facilities, fully equipped gyms, and rubberised jogging paths that help our residents stay physically active. There are daily yoga sessions at our senior living communities.  Also, aerobic and dance sessions are organised on a regular basis. To know more about our senior living communities, give us a call at +91 8884555554.