Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

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.

Crossword puzzles are entertaining and keep the brain sharp. For seniors, participating in mentally stimulating leisure activities such as crossword puzzles and sudoku offers a host of health benefits such as increased mental acuity and delayed onset of cognitive decline.  As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you useful insights on how crossword puzzles can help seniors:   1. Delays cognitive decline: Solving crossword puzzles is an excellent brain workout as it involves the use of both left and right sides of the brain. Crossword puzzles test problem solving, critical thinking, and memory skills. It has been found that playing crossword puzzles can delay the onset of memory decline in the preclinical stages of dementia.    2. Relieves stress: When you focus on disturbing events in the past or future, it triggers stress. Playing crossword puzzles often acts as a healthy distraction. It clears your mind and at the same time offers a sense of accomplishment. In the hyper-connected world where everything around us is constantly seeking attention, focusing on a single task such as solving a crossword puzzle can be relaxing and put the mind into a meditative state.   3. Strengthen social bonds: When played in groups, a crossword puzzle is a great way to bond with others, strengthen your relationships and make new friends. As solving crossword puzzles requires one to have knowledge on a wide variety of subjects, people of different ages and backgrounds can collaborate and have fun together.   4. Improve vocabulary: Crossword puzzles are a great self-learning tool – they expand vocabulary, stimulate critical thinking, boosts confidence, and fasten the learning process. A study has found that learning new vocabulary can protect against cognitive impairment.   At our retirement homes in India, our residents enjoy solving puzzles together. Also, living in a senior living community with people of the same age and shared interests is a great way to stay physically, socially, and mentally active. To know the average cost of retirement home and the facilities offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

Retirement is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover life anew. For many seniors, it is the right time to travel, spend time with family, learn new hobbies and skills, and volunteer at a local charity. However, this transition also brings significant changes in their daily routine, sense of purpose, and relationships. Retirement is a big decision and for some, it can be a reason for undue stress. If you are a senior who is about to retire or is already retired, keep a positive attitude as you go through different emotions.    Promoting mental health and well-being: Ensuring a happy and healthy retirement     As one of the best retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you a few useful tips to promote mental health and well-being in later life:    1. Think ahead and plan: An important component of having a meaningful and fulfilling retirement is to have a plan. Having a plan of what your life would look like after retirement makes the transition smooth and will reduce a lot of stress. Have short-term as well as long-term goals that you wish to achieve. Remember, preparing for retirement is like getting ready for a vacation — it never goes quite as planned. However, the better you are planned, the easier your journey will be. 2. Create a new routine: Retirement can be a difficult transition if you are used to leaving the house on a daily basis for work. Creating a routine does not mean that you have to do exactly what you have been doing for decades. It is time to create a new routine. Having a routine can take away or at least reduce the unpredictability, uncertainty, and stress that transition brings in. Also, having your day planned will give you a sense of control and organisation. Waking up and sleeping at the same time is part of good routine. It is best to stick to a mealtime schedule.    3. Make your physical health a priority: Being active not only gives you a sense of achievement, but also triggers necessary chemicals in the brain that boosts good mood. Staying active helps in making seniors feel energetic. Start with going for daily walks. You can even join a yoga class or a dance class to stay physically active.    4. Do things that you enjoy: An effective way of promoting mental well-being is to make time for things you enjoy doing. Whether you love writing, painting, playing music, or reading, try to set aside time for these activities. You can even join a hobby club or an online society to interact with people who share similar interests.    Moving into a retirement home is a great way to live your golden years the way you desire. If you are looking for the best place to buy a retirement home, check out The Virtuoso, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554. 

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.

It is important for seniors to stay hydrated as they are at a greater risk of dehydration than younger adults. When the weather is hot, it is easy for seniors to drink more water. However, as the winters begin, the fluid intake often goes down among seniors increasing the chance of dehydration. Also, during the winters, to make themselves feel warm, many seniors increase their intake of coffee and tea which are diuretics and contribute to dehydration.     As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you a list of warm beverages that will keep seniors cosy and hydrated during the winters:    1. Hot lemon water: Water is the best fluid to stay hydrated during all seasons. Unlike many other beverages, hot lemon water requires no added sugar. Sometimes, it can be boring to have plain water throughout the day. Adding lemon juice can increase the flavour and vitamin C to drinking water. Instead of lemon, you can also add juice of other citrus fruits such as limes and oranges.    2. Herbal tea: Regular tea contains caffeine that increases fluid loss. Herbal teas made from dried flowers, leaves, seeds, or roots of plants are naturally caffeine-free and are considered as healthy beverages. Some of the popular herbal teas are: Chamomile Ginger Lemongrass  Lavender    3. Hot cocoa: There is nothing more delicious and relaxing than a cup of hot cocoa on a winter evening. Cocoa contains powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. For a healthier version of hot cocoa, use low-fat milk, sugar-free maple syrup, and dark chocolate cocoa.    4. Kashmiri tea: Kashmiri Kahwah is a famous beverage that hydrates the body and keeps it warm during the winters. It is made of nuts, cinnamon, cloves and saffron.    Looking for retirement homes in India?    Our retirement homes in India enrich lives and build communities where like-minded people enjoy their golden years together. Whether you want to spend an afternoon absorbed in a great book or explore new hobbies and make new friends – our communities help you stay engaged, inspired and entertained. Our retirement homes in India have all the modern amenities such as gyms, libraries, spacious dining halls, 24/7 security and concierge services. To know more about our facilities and services, call us at +91 888455555.

Cooking as a hobby has many therapeutic qualities – it makes people feel good about themselves and satisfy their creativity. If you are planning to discover the inner chef in you, there are many cookbooks with ideas, tips and new recipes to inspire you. As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we share with you a list of cookbooks that will inspire you to cook healthy and delicious meals:    1. Forks Over Knives by Del Sroufe: If you are looking for plant-based recipes, your search ends with this insightful book. The book is informative and covers hundreds of mouth-watering recipes. The recipes come with simple instructions and useful tips that will help you improve your diet and health.    2. Fit Food: Eating Well for Life by Ellen Haas: The book begins with the basics of nutrition and then introduces you to simple-to-make recipes by some of the best chefs in the world. These recipes are designed for those who are looking for suggestions on eating well and staying fit. The book gives you useful insights on how everyday nutrient-rich foods can influence your overall health.    3. A Chef in Every Home: The Complete Family Cookbook by Kunal Kapoor: If you are looking for easy ways to cook, grab this cookbook that offers fuss-free cooking techniques. From bruschetta and humus to dal makhani, this cookbook has got you covered from breakfast to dinner.    4. Indian Cookery by Madhur Jaffrey: Published in 1982, Indian Cookery is considered as one of the best books on Indian cuisine. Those who love authentic cooking techniques and want to know the background information on different food ingredients, this cookbook gives them answers in simple ways. You will find chapters dedicated to different types of dishes. For instance, there are chapters on curries, meat, chutneys and pickles.    Healthy eating impacts your overall well-being    The health and well-being of our residents remain a priority at our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore. From serving delicious and nutritious daily meals to creating age-appropriate menus, we ensure that our dining facilities are centred around our residents. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554. 

It has been reported that cardiovascular diseases remains the number one threat to women’s health. It is the leading cause of death for women globally. Women, like men, need to take preventive action to manage their risk factors such as monitoring their blood glucose and cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure, and eating a balanced diet. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we have curated some useful tips for women to keep their heart healthy:    1. Be physically active: Sedentary lifestyle is associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Scientists have discovered that people who sit for more than 9-10 hours per day have above-average troponin levels in their blood. Troponin is a protein that is released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged.    To improve their heart health, senior women can perform cardio workout as it increases blood circulation which can lower high blood pressure. Also, regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle and reduces the chances of the artery damage that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Some common exercises that are good for a healthy heart is:   Jogging Cycling Swimming  Dancing    2. Maintain healthy weight: Excessive weight is among the leading causes of elevated cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity. To prevent heart disease, maintain a healthy weight. It has been found that hormonal changes that occur with menopause can lead to weight gain. Senior women who are overweight must consult a doctor to get a new diet and exercise regimen.    3. Eat a healthy diet: When you eat right, you can keep your weight under control and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. A healthy diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and non-processed foods that are low in saturated fats. Senior women should also watch their sodium intake as excessive sodium intake is associated with hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and stroke. Also, a diet rich in magnesium improves blood pressure and blood sugar control. It may also help in maintaining a healthy heartbeat, regulating muscle contractions, and lowering high blood pressure.    Looking for senior homes in Bangalore?   Our senior living homes in Bangalore are warm and vibrant communities that let seniors enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Book a virtual tour of our senior homes in Bangalore. To know more, call us at   +91 8884555554.

As people age, they are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and diabetes. For many diseases, there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, an annual health check-up is important for early detection, which can increase the chances of treatment and recovery. The best way to make the most of your annual health check-up is to prepare for it. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share with you some useful insights on preparing for an annual health check-up:   Schedule your appointment by phone or online. While scheduling an appointment, ask whether the tests require you to be on fast.  If you have questions or concerns, write them down so that you do not forget to ask them when you meet the doctor.  Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and your family’s medical history.  Bring a friend or relative along so that he or she can help you with the formalities.  Bring a list of your current medications and dosages and the dates of your recent vaccinations.  If you were admitted to a hospital, bring the discharge summary with you.  Share your eating habits, sleep patterns, and other important lifestyle-related matters.  Tell the doctor if you have experienced any recent changes in your health that may or may not have required medications. Be honest and open about your health concerns even if you think they are trivial or embarrassing. Painful bowel movements, constipation, or incontinence can be signs of serious medical conditions.  Ask the doctor to repeat himself or herself if you do not understand. It is best to ask your questions right away to avoid confusion later.  If you are visiting a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, follow all the safety protocols such as wearing a mask, using sanitiser and maintaining social distance.  At our senior citizen homes in India, we conduct regular health screenings and medical records are always kept up to date as we prioritise the health of our residents. In addition to health screenings and periodic wellness workshops, awareness lectures are also held. We have also partnered with nearby hospitals to ensure round-the-clock care. If you are looking for independent senior citizen apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colours, there are only so many flavours—it is how you combine them that sets you apart.” – Wolfgang Puck, Michelin Star chef    Cooking is an emotionally rewarding experience for many seniors. If you, like many seniors, love spending time in the kitchen, joining cooking classes is a great idea to spend your time learning new delicacies. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we share with you some of the benefits of joining cooking classes: 1. New skill and knowledge: Some seniors join cooking classes to enhance their skills and learn to cook new delicacies. These days, many cooking classes are centred around interesting themes. You can join a class that focuses on restaurant style cooking, nutritious cooking, gluten-free cooking, or any other theme that piques your interest.    2. Happy memories: Food is an emotional experience as it can trigger positive memories of sharing and preparing meals with family and friends. Research has shown that smell-induced memories are more emotional than memories evoked by other sensory stimuli, such as visual or verbal. Cooking classes help seniors prepare traditional cuisines that they have grown up eating and, in the process, evoke emotional recollections, feelings, and thoughts.   3. Social bonding: Across cultures, cooking is a social activity. Family members cooking together and spending time together in the kitchen were once a common sight. However, in today’s busy times, families cooking together has become a rare sight. A cooking class gives seniors an opportunity to meet people from different cultures and cook together while learning about different cuisines.    4. Healthy cooking: By joining a cooking class, seniors can learn ways to give a healthy twist to an otherwise indulgent dish. This emphasis on healthy cooking is a great way to encourage seniors to eat nutrient-rich food. Cooking classes provide plenty of information and inspiration about new ways to create healthy meals.    Food is an important part of social connection  At our retirement communities in India, we provide healthy and delicious meals to our residents and encourage them to dine together. Dining halls at our communities are a great place for residents to catch up with each other while enjoying nutritious meals. To know more about our retirement homes and the facilities offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

Sweet cravings are often hard to resist. The very sight of  freshly baked pies, cookies, and cupcakes can be enticing. However, desserts can seem off-limits for seniors trying to lead a healthy lifestyle as they are high in refined carbs and provide poor nutritional value. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a few ideas to make desserts healthier:  1. Enhance sweetness with fruits: Consuming processed sugar on a daily basis is not good for your health. Excessive intake of sugar is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Instead of adding artificial and refined sugar to your desserts, use fresh fruits such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges, and kiwis to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Here are some easy and simple ways to make quick and healthy desserts:  Add fruits to your ice cream. You can also replace ice cream with plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt.  Make a smoothie with different fruits for breakfast. Place your favourite fruits on a skewer and grill until they are golden. Enjoy them with fresh cream.  Make a fruit bowl and top it with whipped cream.    2. Instead of refined flour, choose healthier flour: Refined flour is not good for seniors as it has no fibre and it slows down digestion. While preparing baked goodies such as cakes, brownies and cupcakes, substitute regular refined flour with:  Whole wheat flour  Almond flour  Coconut flour  Quinoa flour  Oat flour     Note: When you are replacing white flour with a healthier option, you may have to tweak the water and flour ratio.    3. Replace butter with healthy oils: Butter is a cholesterol-rich food. High cholesterol is not good for heart health and can increase the risk of narrowed arteries, heart attacks and strokes. Solid, room-temperature coconut oil is a good substitute for butter. You can also use canola oil, avocado oil, safflower oil and peanut oil for baking.    Leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore promote a holistic lifestyle  The Virtuoso, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards, is a welcoming senior living community. Designed by Perkins Eastman, pioneering architects of senior living communities in the US, The Virtuoso is designed to meet international standards. The apartments will have an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities, premium living spaces, and world-class healthcare. It will have a wellness centre, movie screening hall, salon, swimming pool, rubberised jogging track, and a bistro. Rooftop amenities will include bar and lounge, barbeque area, yoga deck and community planting patch. To know more about our premium senior citizen homes in Bangalore, book a virtual tour.