Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

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.

If you are looking for ways to bond with your grandchildren, reading books together can help you enjoy uninterrupted time with them. Reading aloud with grandchildren not only encourages a love for reading in the children, but it also gives you an opportunity to relax and bond with them. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you 6 handpicked books that will captivate you and your grandchild:    1. Grandpa’s Wishlist by Madison Lodi: If your grandchild is a toddler, this colourful board book is a keepsake. Grandpa’s Wishlist is a picture book about what a grandpa wishes for his grandchild. The book is full of colourful illustrations that your kids will adore. 2. In Grandma’s Arm by  Jayne C. Shelton: If you are looking for a book that has beautiful illustrations and lyrical rhymes, In Grandma’s Arm ticks all the boxes. This endearing board book is about a grandma and her grandchild and the journey they take through deserts and forests. 3. Please Write Back! by  Jennifer Morris: If your grandchild is learning to read and write, this is the perfect book you should grab to encourage him or her. The beautifully illustrated book features easy-to-pronounce words. The book is about an alligator who writes a letter to his grandma and awaits a response.  4. The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murty: If you and your grandchildren love fiction, you will love this book about a city girl visiting her grandparents’ village in Karnataka. From riding bikes to learning papad making, the young protagonist experiences an adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful book, which is ideal for children above the age of 8.  5. You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman: This is one of the best books that you can read with your grandkids. It not only includes short stories but also a read-together series. The read-together series has colour-coded sentences so you can take turns with your grandchild and enjoy reading the book together.  6. Katie Morag and the Two Grandmothers by Mairi Hedderwick: This is a lovely book about a young girl who has very different grandmothers. One is from the city while the other  lives on the farm. In this beautifully illustrated book, the young girl helps bridge the gap between the grandmothers.  Looking for senior citizen homes in Bangalore?    Enjoy the peace of mind of living in a warm, vibrant, and friendly senior living community where you can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Our team of trained staff members take the hassle and worry out of daily living, giving you opportunities to find more joy in life’s journey. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at +9188845 55554.

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.

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.

After having worked for decades, retirement offers seniors the time to enjoy the things they love the most. However, there are many factors that contribute to making the later years of life truly golden.  As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share a few useful insights on attaining happiness during retirement years:    Ensure financial stability: Financial stability means different things to different people. But as you retire and there is no regular income, it is important to have enough financial assets to cover your expenses, emergencies, and leisure activities. Many people often wrongly assume that post-retirement expenses will go down. However, they fail to realise that retirement gives them the opportunity to participate in activities they have always wanted to do. Whether it is travelling to exotic locations or pursuing hobbies, post-retirement activities are more enjoyable when seniors are financially stable.  Have a routine: For many seniors, not going to work can be challenging. Without a daily routine, they may start missing their old life – the purpose and meaning that came with their job, the everyday work routine, and the sense of camaraderie with their fellow workers. To make their retirement days structured and purposeful, seniors need to plan their schedule properly. They can add meaningful activities to their daily schedule or can spend some of their free time on new fun and leisure activities.  Move into a retirement home: Seniors may not like doing things that they once loved. For instance, many seniors who once took pride in keeping their home beautiful may find it difficult to keep up with the maintenance and repair works. Cooking may suddenly feel like a chore. The house in which they spent decades may suddenly seem isolating. In such a scenario, moving into a retirement home makes sense. Today’s retirement homes in India offer services and facilities centered around a senior’s physical and emotional well-being.    Looking for a retirement home that prioritises overall well-being?   Check our retirement homes in India that are designed to help seniors enjoy a rewarding and meaningful retirement lifestyle. Some of the services that we offer include 24/7 security services, concierge services, 24/7 preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work, and housekeeping services. An active social calendar ensures that residents have something to look forward to every day. To know the average cost of a retirement home, call us at  +91 8884555554.

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.

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.

Relaxation techniques help seniors navigate stressful periods – they create a sense of calm, inner peace, and boost one’s mental and physical well-being. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you some relaxation techniques to help you get started:    Practise yoga and meditation:It has been found that yoga offers a host of therapeutic benefits which include reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Practising yoga also improves sleep patterns and enhances one’s overall well-being. Practise yoga in a quiet and comfortable place because you need to feel every stretch of the body’s movements. Meditation is also a relaxation technique that can take your mind off the distractions and refocus it to help you cope better in stressful situations. There are many relaxing poses that seniors can make part of their daily routine. Seniors should talk to their doctor before starting any new exercise routine, including yoga and meditation.  Spend more time in nature: There are a number of studies that show that spending time in nature can help you achieve physiological relaxation and stress recovery. These studies suggest that the sight of plants, trees, herbs, and flowers can uplift your mood and help you relax.  Meet old friends: According to a study, having meaningful friendships in old age is linked to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.  Meeting old friends can help seniors leave their daily stress behind and enjoy positive thoughts and a sense of calm.  Sleep soundly: Many seniors find it difficult to sleep, especially when they are undergoing a stressful phase. Insufficient sleep can put a lot of stress on their body – seniors can suffer from frustration, anxiety, anger, and depression due to poor sleeping habits. To enjoy a proper sleep at night, seniors should try to switch off their digital devices at least two hours before bed. Also, they should avoid having caffeinated drinks and heavy meals for at least two hours before bedtime. They can listen to soothing music as research has shown that  listening to music can be relaxing and effectively improve sleep quality among older adults.    Taking a little time each day to nurture your mind, body, and soul can enhance your resilience and help you maintain balance in life. At our retirement homes in India, the day starts with yoga, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises. There are a myriad of opportunities for our residents to unwind and relax. To know more about our retirement home facilities, call us at  +91 8884555554.

Leading a holistic lifestyle includes more than eating right and working out. It also includes making time for yourself and doing what you love. Spending time on activities that add joy and happiness to your daily routine can benefit your overall well-being. According to a study, actively engaging in healthy hobbies help older adults to preserve their cognitive function, physical function, and mental health. Hobbies also help seniors cope with stress, maintain a routine, and give structure to their days.    As one of the best retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you a list of healthy hobbies that are positively associated with physical and mental health benefits:    Spend time with a pet:  Pets are great companions as they provide a comfort system. It has been found that simply petting an animal for 15 minutes can decrease cortisol levels (associated with increased stress). Moreover, pet owners, especially dog owners, walk more often and take longer walks than those who do not have pets. If you are not quite ready to adopt an animal, there are animal shelters that allow you to spend time with animals. Try volunteering: You can dedicate your free time to local charities, fundraisers, and homeless shelters. When it comes to volunteering, there is a lot you can do — from feeding the less privileged ones and teaching students to volunteering at the local library. Studies show that adults above 50 who volunteer feel socially connected. Performing volunteer work also increases physical activity among seniors who are not otherwise very active. Get involved in arts and crafts: Art and craft activities can help you express your inner thoughts and feelings. The process of turning a thought into a tangible piece of art keeps the brain active and provides a sense of accomplishment. It has been found that arts and crafts improve cognitive function and reduce depression levels significantly. Painting, sculpting, scrapbooking, and photography are some of the simple yet wonderful and contemplative creative activities that can offer tremendous benefits. Get into gardening: Gardening is a good physical activity. Bending, squatting, and stretching can get your heart pumping. Many studies suggest that gardening increases an individual’s life satisfaction and is also associated with lower levels of stress, anger, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.    The Virtuoso, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards, will have a community planting patch on the rooftop. Also, there will be a podium at the table height to ensure that seniors do not have to bend too much to enjoy gardening.    Looking for the best place to buy a retirement home?    Living in one of our retirement homes in Bangalore will help you enjoy your retirement life to the fullest. As maintenance, housekeeping, and cooking are taken care of by our trained in-house staff, residents have all the time to do things they love. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Before retirement, professional commitments can keep your days structured and organised. However, after retirement, planning your days can be difficult and without a proper daily routine, you are thrown into a state of disarray. But creating a new routine and sticking to it is easier said than done, especially when you have all the time in the world. As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we share with you a few useful tips for creating a daily routine:    1. Make a list: Write down your priorities and timings. Keeping a to-do list can help you avoid random and non-urgent tasks. Keep your daily to-do list small so that it is manageable. If you struggle to remember all the important tasks, carry a notebook around and take notes throughout the day. When you are able to cross items off your to-do list, it inspires you to accomplish more things.   2. Structure your day into smaller parts: To be productive, be as specific as you can when planning the day. When you are outlining the activities for the entire day, divide the day into different parts and write specific tasks next to each part of the day. Some people are early birds and get things done effectively before lunchtime while others prefer evenings. For instance, some people love doing creative activities such as writing, painting, and drawing either early in the morning or late in the night and devote the time in between for domestic chores. Think about the timings that work best for you to get the most out of the day.   3. Be consistent with time: Doing the same things at the same time can help you stick to your routine.  For instance, if you want to include morning walks in your daily routine, choose a regular time each day for the activity and try to stick to the time you have decided.   4. Leave room for flexibility: While it is a good idea to structure your days, it is also important that you leave room for unplanned things. Retirement years give seniors enough time to be spontaneous and be in charge of their own schedule. When it comes to daily routine, be flexible to do things that bring you joy.     Looking for senior citizen homes in Coimbatore?   Our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore offer services and amenities that help you maintain your independence and lead a worry-free lifestyle. Whether you want to join group yoga sessions or spend your free time pursuing new hobbies, our senior living communities offer you a world full of inviting opportunities and activities. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at +91 8884555554.