Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

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

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” ― Mason Cooley With people travelling less for different reasons, many are seeking different ways to experience faraway places. And reading travel books is a great way to scratch the travel itch while remaining indoors. As one of the leading  senior citizen homes in India, we share with you 5 armchair travel books that will set you around the world:    1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: The book has a shepherd as a protagonist who travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure. The book befittingly shows that the journey is more important than the destination.  It beautifully captures the journey of the protagonist and his realisation that the real treasure is all about pursuing one’s dreams. Filled with inspirational quotes such as “When you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” and “One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving” – the book is ideal for those who love travelling, adventure, and courage.    2. Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler: Whether you are planning to travel to London or a faraway exotic location, if there is one travel guide that helps you with useful information, it is a Lonely Planet Guide. This book tells you the story behind how Lonely Planet Publications became the world’s largest independent guidebook publisher. Authors share amusing and funny anecdotes from their travelling experience. Though it is not a conventional travel book, it is engaging and has a few interesting lessons on building a bootstrapped business.    3. Less  by Andrew Sean Greer: The Pulitzer Prize winning book, Less is a quirky and funny novel. The book’s eponymous protagonist, Arthur Less, goes on a madcap global adventure in a bid to avoid attending a wedding. This hilarious novel is not just a travelogue where you follow the character around the globe, but it is also an exploration of a myriad emotions.    4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The book will take you on a journey that you will never forget. Written in a delightfully witty manner, this book touches many emotions without going overboard. Though it is a memoir of travel and personal discovery in Italy, Indonesia, and India, the book has inspired many to travel and rediscover themselves. An enjoyable read, the travel memoir has some interesting quotes on life and spirituality.  Regarding spirituality, Gilbert writes, “We do not realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.” On life, she says, “You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.”    5. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: A tad different from other travel books, this amazing book delves into long-term travel.  The author, who spent 10 years on the road, shares valuable insights and practical information on how to discover and experience the world. It has practical tips on planning life on the road and saving money while achieving the dream of travelling around the world.    For more book recommendations for seniors, watch this space.  People who read every day are constantly learning new things. As a leading senior living community operator, we understand the importance of reading for seniors. All our communities have a well-stocked library and our residents cherish the time they spend amidst books. To know more about our senior citizen homes and services, call us at +91 8884555554.

More and more seniors are using the internet to connect with family and friends, access healthcare services, online banking, and pay bills. Of all the activities that seniors do online, shopping remains their favourite. Whether it is a friend’s birthday, Diwali, or any other occasion, online shopping lets seniors get all the shopping done without leaving their homes. Online shopping helps seniors buy their favourite products from an endless catalogue at the press of a button.    Let us take a quick look at some of the benefits of online shopping for seniors:  Convenience: Online shopping lets seniors shop from wherever and whenever they want to. There is no need for them to hustle through crowded stores and wait in long queues.  Time saver:  Online shopping helps seniors save time. They do not have to drive to stores or wait in traffic for hours. Also, seniors do not have to stress over finding a parking space for their cars.  Saves money: Online shopping is a good way for seniors to avail great discounts without physically visiting the stores.  Helpful customer reviews: This is one of the best advantages of online shopping. Reading reviews and understanding the product based on another customer’s experience makes the buying process a little more worry-free for seniors.    Although online shopping is convenient, it also makes it a lucrative platform for financial predators to target the seniors. Hence, it is important to be careful while shopping online.   As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of useful tips for online shopping for seniors:    Safety Tip 1: Use strong passwords  While shopping online, seniors should use strong passwords to avoid online frauds and cyber theft. Hackers often break into accounts by guessing passwords. Therefore, avoid commonly used passwords,here is a list of 2020’s commonly used passwords that you may find useful.    Safety Tip 2:  Shop with reputable retailers  Shop directly with online retailers you know and trust. If you already know the brand, it is safe to shop online from their e-store. However, if you are visiting an online store for the first time, do a background check by looking at the websites dedicated to reviewing e-stores.    Safety Tip 3: Shop on secure web pages  The internet browser tells if a site is secure or not. There are sites that show the letters “https” whereas others show “http.” The ‘https’ pages are secure and safe to make online transactions.   Safety Tip 4: Do not use public Wi-Fi while doing financial transaction  Public Wi-Fi connections are not secure for online transactions. Always use a personal or password-protected Wi-Fi connections while making financial transactions.    Safety Tip 5:  Avoid deals and offers that seem too good to be true Beware of online stores offering suspiciously good deals. Often scammers set up fake websites to tempt people to either buy counterfeit items or hand over their card details. The fake websites often look similar to websites of genuine retailers. Do not click on unexpected links or texts that promise deals too good to be true.    As people move into their golden years, they experience a greater sense of vulnerability. Which is why many seniors are moving into gated retirement communities. If you are looking for a worry-free experience after retirement, you can explore our retirement homes in Bangalore. Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific provides you a peaceful, convenient and the sort of safe retirement lifestyle you have always dreamed of.   To know more about this retirement community in Bangalore, call at +91 8884555554.

“Retirement gives you the time literally to recreate yourself through a sport, game, or hobby that you always wanted to try or that you haven’t done in years.”  -Steven D. Price Pursuing hobbies help seniors make their post-retirement days productive and fulfilling. Also, hobbies have a positive effect on their physical and mental health. It has been found that pursuing craft activities and playing games later in life can help preserve cognitive functions.    As an operator of senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we share with you some useful insights on how you can find a fulfilling hobby in the later years of your life.    1. Transform what you already enjoy into a hobby:  A carefully chosen hobby can be entertaining, fulfilling, and relaxing. To find a hobby that meets your goals, it is important to try the activities that you already enjoy. Be it painting, writing, cooking, quilting or woodworking – you can try as many things as you want and then zero in on the activities that you really want to pursue.    2. Reclaim your childhood interests: Think of all the activities you enjoyed doing as a child. Did you enjoy making those paintings that are still hanging in your living room? Can you still feel an adrenaline rush that you felt while scoring a century for your college team? Are you still proud of a costume you designed for yourself while participating in the college drama fest? Revisit those lovely memories and try to add those activities back to your life.    3. Start trying new things (and check the hobbies that stick): Picking a new hobby can be very much a hit-and-miss affair. It might take more than one or two attempts to pick a hobby that suits you well. What may start off as an enjoyable pursuit may turn out to be boring and a monotonous activity after a few days. Give yourself some time and experience the trial and error process of finding the right hobby.  4. Activities that are relaxing:  Pursuing a hobby should not be overwhelming. Your hobby should make you feel content, relaxed, and happy. If it is draining you mentally and physically, you need to reconsider the pros and cons of pursuing the activity. If a hobby feels physically challenging or you think it is taking too much of your time, reconsider pursuing it. No matter how much you love doing something, go slow and steady for your peace of mind.   5. Set realistic goals: If you want to continue a particular activity, do not pick a hobby that is too difficult to pursue. Setting goals that are hard to accomplish will disappoint you. Pursue activities that are easier to accomplish as it will be a rewarding experience when you successfully complete them.  As a resident of a senior living community, you will find different opportunities to pursue a creative activity that will improve your well-being and help you connect with other like-minded people.  If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Journey towards retirement is a long one and often has a few twists and turns along the way. If you are planning for retirement, it is normal for you to have questions. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about retirement:  Question 1: When can I retire?    Answer: The retirement age in India is 60 years for both men and women. However, if you wish to retire early, ensure that you are financially secure for the later years. Other factors to take into consideration before making the decision includes: Career goals Health Family responsibilities Spouse’s plans and goals  Retirement lifestyle  Question 2: How much money do I need to retire?    Answer: Many people wrongly assume  that once they have retired, there won’t be many expenses. However, in many cases it is the other way around. With more time in hand, you will want to spend more on travel, shopping, new hobbies, charities, and leisure activities.  Also, you must think about your healthcare expenses as they tend to increase as you age. You can check our blog on 6 tips for a successful retirement.  Question 3: How to spend time during retirement years?    Answer: With no professional commitments, leisure time can be daunting if you do not plan out your daily activities. Prepare an organised schedule to spend your time doing things you love the most. You can pursue new hobbies, learn a new language, travel the world, start a business, start a blog, or even get a part-time job.  If you are looking for some inspiration, you may find our blog on 15 Meaningful Things to Do After Retirement worth a read.  Question 4: Is moving into a retirement community a good idea?    Answer:  From increased sense of community and support to having instant access to health care services – there are several benefits of living in a retirement community. You can check this informative read on the benefits of moving to a senior living community.    Question 5: Can I rent or buy an apartment in a senior living community?   Answer:  You can rent or own a house at any of our retirement communities in India.  Question 6: How is life at the senior living communities operated by Columbia Pacific Communities?     Answer: In our communities, residents enjoy a wide range of services – from periodic housekeeping and laundry services to preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work. Our F&B team serves delicious, well balanced and nutritious meals to our residents daily. And the social calendar ensures that our residents have something to look forward to every day. Also, there are several amenities such as swimming pool, well equipped gym, yoga room, library, and banquet hall. Our senior living communities in India have partnered with nearby hospitals to ensure that our residents get round-the-clock medical care. Check more details about our services here   Looking for retirement communities in India?   If you are planning to move to a retirement community, we can help you find the perfect property where you can spend your retirement years in a friendly and considerate community. To know the cost of senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554. 

Reaching retirement age comes with a mixed bag of emotions. There is a sense of relief that you can finally enjoy an exciting phase of life and gain new experiences. However, with no professional commitments, the feeling of not having a schedule can be daunting. Many seniors feel stressed when they suddenly have all the time in the world. However, with a little bit of planning, seniors can feel as if they are starting their life all over again. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India,  we share with you some useful tips on starting over after retirement:   Never stop learning: The best way to move forward in life is to keep learning. You can explore a new hobby or pursue old hobbies. Stay busy with a meaningful activity that provides you a sense of purpose and makes you feel productive.  One of the best ways to get started is to join group classes where you will meet people who share similar interests as you. Group sessions are a great way to socialise, meet people, gain confidence, and learn.    Stay socially connected: With children settled and no 9-to-5 commitments, loneliness can slowly become a part of ageing. When you retire, you lose social connections and may start to feel isolated, which can have adverse effects on your mental and physical health. It has been found that loneliness can be worse for your health than obesity and high blood pressure.    To start afresh, make new social connections. Sign up for volunteering opportunities, invite neighbours or connect with your existing friends. Schedule a part of your day to build and nurture social connections. You can make phone calls, have coffee with neighbours, or have lunch with your former colleagues.    Replace your previous work routine with a new routine: With no daily commitments, you can lose structure and routine from your day. To enjoy a satisfying and fulfilling life, you need to replace the old routine with a new one that is packed with new interests, activities, and social commitments.    Having a routine helps you lead an organised life. However, when you make a new routine, be serious about it and stick to it.    Set new goals: Create a bucket list of activities that you wish to complete or a creative project you want to start. By creating a list you will push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore things you never thought you would.    Stay healthy: When you are starting over, begin on a healthy note. From staying physically active and eating a well-balanced diet to improving your emotional well-being – make health a priority. Do not forget that staying healthy is your ticket to enjoying your life to the fullest.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we do not believe in the stereotypical retirement life. We have an active social calendar that helps our residents socialise, make new friends, and explore new interests.  We have 1 and 2 BHK independent senior living apartments as well as villas. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

 “Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar, Yoga guru         Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors. Being a low-impact exercise, yoga puts less strain on the joints but it strengthens muscles, improves heart health, posture, and breathing. It also has a positive impact on mood.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of benefits of yoga for seniors:                                                                                                                        1. Yoga reduces stress: A regular yoga plan involves breathing and meditation techniques that can help reduce stress. Seniors can join a local yoga studio or practise by watching a yoga video at home. Note: An effective yoga regimen is stress-free. It improves blood circulation and boosts energy rather than depleting it. Yoga sessions should calm the nervous system rather than overstimulating it.  2. Yoga improves flexibility: Regular yoga practices improve muscular strength and flexibility. Committing to a daily yoga routine can help seniors increase their flexibility, balance, and strength.  3. Yoga is good for cardiovascular health: As per a study published in the International Journal of non-communicable Diseases, yoga is good for heart health. It may help lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.  4. Yoga improves resilience: With regular dedicated practice, one becomes mentally strong. It promotes a calmer and stronger mental frame that can cope with the ups and downs of life. 5. Yoga lowers the risk of depression: Yoga is considered to be a mood booster. The combination of body movements and breathing techniques can induce a sense of well-being and raise serotonin (the happiness hormone) levels. Also, going to yoga classes gives seniors a chance to meet new people and make new friends. 6. Yoga improves concentration: While practising yoga poses and meditation techniques, seniors need to concentrate on their breathing. This process has a calming effect and helps them concentrate better and control their thoughts. Meditating for just a few minutes in the morning can help seniors recollect and retain more information throughout the day.  7. Yoga can alleviate pain: Yoga is helpful in easing chronic pain. Even if a senior has physical limitations, he or she can practice simple yoga postures to get relief from pain.   Note: If you are suffering from arthritis, you can practise yoga moves such as Cat pose (Marjaryasana) and Cow pose (Bitilasana). You can check this useful read on arthritis -friendly yoga poses.  8. Yoga can reduce insomnia: Relaxing yoga poses combined with deep breathing techniques help seniors sleep better. Asanas such as Utthan Pristhasana and Salabhasana promote better sleep.  9. Yoga strengthens lungs: Deep breathing techniques and simple asanas can improve the functioning of the lungs.   Note: A study found that pranayama exercises and asanas can improve lung functions and diffusion capacity in coronary artery disease patients.  10. Yoga improves immunity: Asanas such as Sasakasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama, and Trikonasana can boost the  immune system. 11. Yoga teaches self-discipline: By repeating patterns and sequences, one learns to maintain a sense of self-discipline, an important trait to lead a healthy life and accomplish retirement goals.  Our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore encourage residents to lead a physically active lifestyle. Mornings at our retirement homes start with yoga and meditation classes. A regular events calendar includes yoga classes, walkathons, and many other engaging activities that promote flexibility, strength, and fitness. To know more about our retirement homes, 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.

“Loneliness acts as a fertiliser for other diseases,” says Dr Steven Cole, Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine and it can “accelerate the build-up of plaque in arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread, and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease.” His research was focussed on the impact of loneliness on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.    Loneliness is a serious health risk for seniors   If you do not live with your parents, you must often worry that they may feel isolated and lonely –and you are right to be concerned. As one of the leading  senior living homes in Chennai,  we offer some useful insights to help your ageing parents avoid the risks of loneliness:  Encourage them to nurture a hobby Having a hobby reduces the  feeling of isolation among seniors. With that little pressure of trying something new, your parents will enjoy the process of learning and meeting new people. Besides providing a sense of purpose, hobbies such as dancing and group knitting are inherently social in nature. Joining dance classes, knitting groups or reading clubs can open doors for them to make meaningful connections with like-minded people.  Talk to them about moving into a retirement home  The perception of ‘old age homes’ has undergone a drastic change in recent times. Nowadays, retirement homes in India offer a great sense of community. Residents are encouraged to participate in social activities and organise social events, while the management staff takes care of the facilities. Moving to a retirement home will give your parents the opportunity to live life to the fullest. They can explore new hobbies, make new friends, and stay happy and engaged.  Gift them a pet  Having a furry friend will keep your parents entertained and bring a lot of excitement to their lives. A pet might not be an equal substitute for human companionship, but people feel positive and less isolated with a pet around. Also, having a pet can have a positive effect on their health – pet ownership is associated with lower systolic blood pressure  and pulse pressure. Visit them in person  If it is not possible to stay closer to your parents, make an effort to visit them as frequently as possible. It would be a comforting feeling for them to see you in person rather than talk to you over the phone. And in case you live too far away from your parents to see them frequently, do video calls on Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime and give them a reason to smile every day seeing your face.  Teach them how to use technology Technology is a great way to stay connected to your parents. Learning technology will also help them to stay in touch with their friends and relatives. Teach them how to use technology – so that they can operate the computer’s camera, go online, use social media, or enrol for classes online to stay happy and socially connected.  Encourage them to be socially active Encourage your parents to stay in touch with their friends. If they take part in group outings or be a part of community events, they will have a social connection alive.   Looking for senior living homes in Chennai for your parents?  Explore our retirement homes in Chennai  – our senior living communities will help your parents live their retirement days in a fulfilling way. From fitness facilities and art classes to clubhouses, there are a host of options for our senior residents to stay physically active and socially engaged. To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

Indoor plants not only beautify your room but also create a sense of well-being. Some indoor plants can even improve your mood and help you cope with anxiety. In fact, a study found that interacting with indoor plants has a range of positive psychological and physiological benefits. Let us delve more into the surprising benefits of growing indoor plants: Purifies air: Some indoor plants can remove indoor pollutants and toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. In a study conducted by NASA, it was found that some indoor plants have air-purifying qualities and they can remove up to 87 percent of pollutants and toxins in the air. Induce a nice aroma: Aromatic plants have mood-boosting qualities. Jasmine, Lavender, and Indoor Citrus are some of the popular fragrant plants that seniors can consider planting indoors. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore we have curated a list of 5 easy-to-grow indoor plants for seniors: 1. Peace Lily: Peace Lily is not only a gorgeous indoor plant, but it requires minimal maintenance. Also, it adds moisture to the air. With glossy green leaves and big white bracts, Peace Lily can add colours to any room. It is believed in many cultures that this plant is a symbol of luck. Peace Lily does not require direct sunlight. Therefore, it should be kept in a place with proper ventilation but away from direct sun exposure. The soil should be kept moist enough so that the roots stay nourished and the plant can thrive. 2. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a low on maintenance succulent plant. It does not require much watering. The plant needs to be kept near a window so that it gets as much light as possible. Aloe vera is a common household plant known for its healing properties. Note: From healing minor cuts and burns to treating conditions such as eczema and acne, people have used Aloe vera for centuries as a traditional medicine for various skin diseases. 3. Boston fern: It is one of the best air-purifying plants. In addition to improving air quality in homes, the plant enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home as well. It can be hung around in the house using macrame plant holders. Also, it is easy to maintain  the plant does not need to be watered every day. To keep the plant healthy and fresh, place it where there is no reach of direct sunlight. Note: Boston fern can improve indoor humidity. It is a good option for seniors who have dry skin and dry throat. 4. Spider plant: Spider plant comes in different varieties. With their beautiful long and thin leaves, spider plants can be used as hanging plants. It works as a natural air purifying agent. The resilient plant requires minimal maintenance – it can survive in medium light and less water. Also, this plant is non-toxic and is safe for pets. 5. Amazon elephant ear: This plant resembles the elephant ears and has heart-shaped leaves.  It is low on maintenance and can thrive in warm and humid conditions. The plant requires moderate watering from time to time and should be kept away from direct sunlight. A good way to nurture this plant is to mist the leaves to mimic the humidity that is founHere is an interesting read d in the jungles. Here is an interesting read on how one of our residents found his long-lost passion for gardening after retirement.  If you are looking for senior living homes in Bangalore for yourself or your loved ones, give us a call at +91 8884555554.