Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

When it comes to services and amenities, senior citizen homes in India vary from one another. If you are planning to move into a senior citizen home, you need to be certain that it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and the retirement life you’ve always wanted. Visiting the senior citizen homes helps you zero in on the right retirement community.  To make the best out of your visit, it’s important that you ask the right questions Here are 10 questions that we suggest you ask when touring senior citizen homes in India to find the perfect fit for you:   What types of apartments are available? Most senior citizen homes in India offer a wide range of living arrangements. From 1 BHK and 2 BHK independent senior citizen apartments to villas, you have a wide range of choices.  Are the apartments senior-friendly? Panic buttons, anti-skid tiles in the bathroom, panic buttons, and handrails in the shower and near the bathroom are some of the features that make an apartment safe for seniors.  What kind of social activities are available? Senior citizens often move into senior living communities because they feel lonely in their own homes. So, it is important to check their social calendar.  What safety and security services are included? Check whether they have CCTVs installed in the common areas. Make sure that the rooms are senior-friendly with grab bars installed at strategic places. Ask them whether they have 24X 7 security personnel. Also, ask about fire safety, disaster planning, and medical emergency services.  What are the food options? At many senior citizen homes, the menu is decided by a team of nutrition experts and prepared by well-experienced chefs. Not just that, there are multiple venues, including formal dining halls and restaurants.  What all services do they offer? Many senior citizen homes offer services such as periodic housekeeping, maintenance of electrical and plumbing work, laundry service, and daily meals. During your visit, ask about all the services and the service fees. Are there certain visiting hours for friends and family? While zeroing in on a retirement community, ask about visiting hours for friends and family. Also, find out if you can host dinners and get-togethers for them in the community banquet hall or restaurant.  Is the senior citizen home good at handling medical emergencies? While touring the senior citizen homes, find out about their medical facilities such as ambulance service or doctor on call or how trained their staff is at responding to emergencies.  What amenities does the senior citizen home have and are they all operational? With the right amenities, an independent senior citizen home can offer a resort-style living experience. Some communities feature a clubhouse, gym, library, swimming pool, jogging track, salon, and even restaurant. Remember to ask about the amenities that are important to you during your visit. What is the average cost of living? Always ask direct financial questions. During the tour, get a clear cost breakdown. If there are any add-ons, make sure that you ask about their costs. For all your cost-related inquiries, call us at +91 8884555554.

For seniors, embracing healthy eating habits is important to maintain a healthy body weight, get adequate nutrients, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, there are many myths surrounding senior nutrition that can turn them towards poor food choices.  Here we debunk some myths about senior nutrition:  Myth 1: Losing appetite is a natural part of ageing While it is true that metabolism decreases as people age, a complete loss of appetite is anything but normal. Many seniors struggle during mealtimes or simply refuse to eat because they do not feel like eating at all. Sometimes, eating may look less appealing due to several reasons such as natural reduction in the sense of taste, dental problems, trouble chewing or swallowing, or having a dry mouth as a side effect from the medication. Loss of appetite should not be taken as part of normal ageing and a doctor should be consulted to address the issue.  Myth 2: It is better to be a little overweight than underweight Maintaining an ideal weight is essential for good health at any age. But many seniors believe that carrying a few extra pounds is better than being underweight. In reality, both situations pose a potential danger. While being underweight increases the risk of chronic infections, excess body weight can increase the risk for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Myth 3: It is okay for seniors to skip meals as they have a slow metabolism Regularly skipping meals deprives the body of getting the right amount of nutrients. It adversely impacts the body’s ability to maintain blood sugar levels. It further decreases the metabolism and one’s overall sense of appetite. Seniors should have small but frequent meals to rev up their metabolism.  Myth 4: As long as seniors are eating, it is impossible to be malnourished For a healthy body, mere eating is not enough. If the meals are not nutritious, the food becomes a source of ill-health. For example, eating a diet high in sodium and low in essential nutrients is not good for anyone. Seniors need vitamins, minerals, calcium, and fibre to maintain healthy digestion. Seniors who live alone often choose easy meals which are processed or canned – these food items are high in sodium and sugar. Though they are eating, they are not eating right.   Myth 5: Senior living communities provide bland food There is a common misconception that food at senior living homes is bland and unhealthy. At our retirement homes in India, we have a dedicated team to manage food and beverages who ensure that our residents get fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals. Our experienced chefs work with dietitians to make sure that the food we provide is delicious and meets the nutritional requirement of seniors. Senior Living in Bangalore: Healthy and Delicious Meals At our senior living homes in Bangalore, the health of our residents is our priority. It is for this reason we have a team of nutritionists who work on the menu to ensure that the nutritional needs of residents are met. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know more.

While you are working, professional life and its perks keep you motivated to get out of bed in the morning. Meeting people every day and getting recognised for a job well done keeps you happy and motivated. However, after retirement, many people need meaning to fill that void – and reading is one of the many interesting ways to find meaning after retirement.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of 5 books that can help seniors find meaning and purpose after retirement:  The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama: When it comes to positive psychology and finding purpose in life, this book is the ultimate guide. The Dalai Lama says that everyone has the same goal in life – that is to seek happiness. The book presents happiness as an attainable goal. Interestingly, in the book, he talks about sustainable happiness that can be developed and trained by the mind. From everyday insecurities to stress, from relationships to pursuit of wealth, the Dalai Lama in this book has explored different aspects of life. The book uses Tibetan Buddhist principles with an aim to help readers gain balance and spiritual freedom.  You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt: If you are looking for a philosophy on living with compassion, confidence, and maturity, grab this book. The former First Lady of the US penned this book to live a meaningful life at 76. The book encourages people to not just learn about themselves but also their fellow human beings and the world. A fulfilled person, the book says, must be curious to find new interests. There is a lot of emphasis on the importance of volunteer work in the book.  IKIGAI by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles: According to Japanese philosophy, one needs to find their ikigai to lead a fulfilling life. Ikigai, the reason of  being, serves as a motivation for people of all ages to find the right balance among their passion, vocation, and spiritual life. A best-seller, this book shows you how to find your purpose, nurture friendships, and find your passions — all at once. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: The literary masterpiece is all about finding a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction through introspection and self-discovery. Through the book’s protagonist’s journey to become a monk, the writer explains how a person can explore a vibrant life and make acquaintance with his conscience without monetary means. Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda: This is among the most engaging and intellectually stimulating books written by Swami Vivekananda. The book offers an interesting approach that people have a right to work, but don’t have a right to the results of their actions. This approach, the book says, saves people from a lot of misery and makes them more spiritually enlightened. The book offers a pragmatic approach towards leading a fulfilling life without renouncing it but rather by embracing it without expectations.   At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have well-stocked libraries with computer and internet access. Our residents can read e-books or grab a copy of their favourite books and enjoy a calm and relaxing ambience.  To find out more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”― Plato Music is great for the physical and mental health of seniors – it boosts their mood, reduces anxiety, and even protects them against dementia. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we offer some useful insights on how music therapy can help seniors: Music supports cognitive well-being: It has been found that musical activities such as listening to music, learning to play an instrument, singing, and practising an instrument can improve the cognitive abilities of seniors. Reduces stress and anxiety: Music can transport people to a different world and can instantly lift their moods. Often, music therapists use particular themes, lyrics, instruments, or rhythms to help participants relax. Multiple studies have shown that music helps lower the level of cortisol which is primarily a stress hormone. This helps seniors feel calmer and less anxious, helping them deal with stressful situations.   Inspires movement: Music can be highly motivating for seniors when they are walking, jogging, or working out. Listening to a great song can encourage seniors to tap their toes, clap or even dance. It has been found that upbeat music can help when exercising, especially when it comes to high-intensity workouts. Music also helps in improving coordination. Regardless of the exercise, music encourages people to move rhythmically.  Builds and strengthens social connections: Music is a powerful social glue. Listening to music and singing together play an important role in social closeness and connection. Music makes seniors more social and creates a positive environment.  At Columbia Pacific Communities, we ensure that our residents experience a retired life of their dreams. We offer a worry-free lifestyle to our residents. From housekeeping and dining to home security – everything is taken care of by our trained professionals. This allows our residents to focus on relaxing, meeting new people, and pursuing new hobbies. To know the average monthly cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

For seniors, connecting with nature comes with a whole host of benefits – from regulating blood sugar levels and easing chronic pain to reducing stress and anxiety. A study has shown that even a small experience such as hearing the sound of a buzzing bee or the sound of water can have a positive impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the seniors. You would be surprised to know that hospital gardens can impact a patient’s recovery from surgery. Research has shown that postsurgical hospital patients staying in rooms looking out on natural scenery recover faster than those staying in rooms with a window view of buildings or brick walls. Activities for seniors that can help them connect with nature in meaningful ways  As a senior citizen home in Bangalore, we share some daily activities that can help seniors connect with nature:  Walking: A study has found a link between group nature walks and improved mental health. As you stroll through gardens or parks, try to experience nature. Take in the details of the scenery, inhale the fresh air, and listen to the sounds of birds or children playing.  At our senior community living in Bangalore, there are many open and green spaces where seniors can walk in a safe and secure environment.  Outdoor activities: Bird watching, gardening, fishing and picnic are great outdoor activities that are fun and offer a host of health benefits. Feel the movement of your body as you participate in your favourite outdoor activity. Smell the air, the flowers, and the trees. Tune in and use all your senses.  Note: Outdoor activities are a great way for seniors to get Vitamin D which keeps bones strong and may prevent bone diseases such as Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis.  Outdoor exercises: Joining outdoor exercise group classes such as yoga and aerobics can be rejuvenating for seniors. When exercising on outdoor terrain, your body is challenged more in comparison to when you are working out on a flat indoor surface. At our senior citizen homes in Bangalore, our residents can participate in a wide range of physical activities without stepping outside the community. From yoga classes to in-house swimming pools, our residents have ample in-campus opportunities to stay physically active.  Picnics: A classic outdoor activity, picnics are a great way to get out, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up sunlight. Besides offering opportunities to engage in physical activities, picnics are an enjoyable way to socialise. The concierge team at our senior citizen homes in Bangalore helps our residents plan day-outings.    Gardening: Gardening is one of the most popular outdoor activities for seniors. Gardening helps seniors to stay active and maintain flexibility. It also helps reduce stress and promote relaxation. It has been found that exposure to nature through gardens and gardening activities can enhance psychological well-being among seniors.  Living in our senior citizen homes in Bangalore will help you enjoy your retirement life to the fullest. The green open spaces help you connect with nature while housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance of infrastructure are taken care of by our trained in-house staff. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Driving gives people a sense of freedom. However, various physical issues linked to ageing can take their toll on a senior’s driving ability. As  one of the leading retirement communities in India, we have curated safe driving tips for seniors: Get regular medical checkups done  Seniors must consult a doctor to ensure they are fit to drive. They should talk with a doctor about their ailments and the medications they are currently prescribed. Seniors need to ensure that their corrective lenses are current. Also, seniors should get their hearing checked annually. If they need hearing aids, they must wear them while driving. Certain medications may have side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. Seniors should not drive after taking such medications.  Mobile phones should be on silent mode </strong Regardless of age, people get distracted by mobile phones while driving. Seniors must keep their mobile phones on silent mode to prevent distraction while  driving. In case of confusion regarding driving directions, seniors should use GPS navigation systems. However, it should be used carefully, seniors should pull over to check the GPS rather than using the phone while driving. Understand physical limitations and adjust the driving schedule  Seniors should understand their physical limitations and work around them to ensure that they are driving safely and comfortably. Those who struggle with night driving should schedule driving for daytime only. Those who are not comfortable with heavy vehicles should avoid them.  Use driving aids, if needed Certain accessories can make it easier for seniors to drive safely. Key extenders, brake, and accelerator hand controls for the steering wheel help make driving more convenient. Seniors can make use of these aids.  Adjust your car Wearing a seatbelt is a prerequisite for driving. Seniors should adjust their seat belts as per their comfort level to prevent injury and have an improved view while driving. It is also important to  adjust the mirrors for a clear view. Windows should be kept clear and clean, inside and out. Also, talking to co-passengers while driving should be limited as much as possible as it can draw their mind away from the task at hand. It is also important to ensure that the car is safe to drive in adverse weather conditions.  Drive during ideal conditions If a senior has an issue with taking left turns and the route requires multiple left turns, it is better to choose a different route. If seniors find driving at rush hours a problem, they should opt for either less busy routes or drive at a time that is convenient to them. Explore our retirement communities in India that help you enjoy your retirement your way. With fitness facilities on the premises and an active social calendar, there is a lot to look forward to every day within the community.  To know the cost of senior living communities, calls us at  +91 8884555554. Watch this space to read more such articles!

Congratulations! Finally, you are entering the phase of your life that you have been working hard for and looking forward to. However, with no professional commitment, you may be wondering what to do after retirement. Well, new retirees, fret not. As a leading senior living operator, we share with you 15 retirement ideas that are fun and meaningful:  Spend quality time with friends and family: Plan for dinner parties with your friends, schedule weekend outings with your grandkids and catch up with school and college friends over a cup of coffee. When you are retired, there are ample opportunities to have fun with your near and dear ones.  Volunteer in the community: Volunteering is a great way to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Not just that, it is a great way to meet new people and increase social interactions after retirement.  Start a business: Why not work for yourself? Use your years of experience and wisdom to start your own business. From financial consultation to starting your own baking business, there are immense opportunities to pursue after retirement.  Learn a new language: Learning a new language is not just good for your cognitive development but also helps you make friends from different cultures. Join a photography class: If you love getting behind the lens, joining a photography class can be a good idea to learn new techniques.  Travel near and far: This is something that all retirees wish to do after retirement. When you have all the time, you can explore new destinations. You can live in a foreign country for a while or visit places nearby.  Connect with your spiritual self: Including some spiritual activities in your day can deepen your sense of meaning and purpose. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, being part of a spiritual community or simply getting out in nature can help you appreciate the small moments of joy and happiness. Find your inner artist: Tap into your creative side through drawing, painting, sculpting, and woodworking.  Start gardening: Gardening is a great way to get some exercise and connect with nature. Start with low-maintenance plants and then up your game.  Start a blog: Writing can be quite therapeutic. If you enjoy writing, start writing a blog and share your thoughts with others.  Write a book: If you love putting your thoughts into words, write a book. You never know, you could be the next best-selling author! Participate in sports: Participate in swimming, cycling, table tennis, badminton, squash or any other sport activity that interests you. It is a great way to remain active and have fun with friends.  Sign up for a dance class: Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways of moving around and keeping fit. Kathak, Salsa, Ballet, and Jazz are some of the great dance forms to learn. Dancing also helps you stay fit.  Mentor students: With the wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained over your lifetime, mentoring less-privileged students can be a great use of your time.  Start a hobby group on social media channels:  Whether you love quilting or collecting stamps, starting a hobby on social media is a great way to meet people who share similar interests. You can share your work with others and get inspired by others.  If you are looking for independent senior citizen apartments, explore our retirement communities in India. At our retirement communities, you will get to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas daily housekeeping, 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 the way you wish to.  

Fitness trackers are not just for the young. Many senior  are turning to fitness trackers to stay healthy and active. Fitness trackers help seniors keep a tab on their daily fitness goals and stay on track. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated some of the benefits of fitness trackers for seniors:    Personal accountability: Using fitness trackers can motivate you to get moving. You get to monitor your progress against your greatest competitor – yourself! Self-tracking can not only make you stick to your workout routine, but also follow a healthy diet and sleep better. Daily notifications encourage you to increase your fitness goals. Remaining physically fit can have long-lasting effects on health and wellness — this includes helping seniors to remain independent for longer. Tailor your fitness goals: Fitness trackers allow you to set daily goals as per your personal preferences and mobility. The goal could be training yourself for a half marathon or doing 30 minutes of cardio every day. Creating your own fitness plans and routines specific to your goals help you stay motivated in the long run. The best way to make the most of your fitness tracker is to set a realistic goal at first and gradually increase the goals.  Sleep monitoring: Seniors need 7-8 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and refreshed. But many seniors often struggle for good sleep. A fitness tracker can help you know exactly how well you are sleeping. Many fitness trackers monitor your sleep and can let you know how much time you spent in deep sleep and how many times you woke up at night. The information provided by the fitness trackers will help you know whether you need to improve your sleep hygiene or not.  Group encouragement: Many fitness trackers allow you to compete with your friends and family. Knowing that someone is tracking your performance and even competing against you can help you stay motivated. You can create weekly competitions with your friends and family members and enjoy the healthy spirit of competition while staying active.  Different workout ideas: Many fitness trackers are connected to an app where you can find personalised workouts or personal trainers. Doing different workouts every now and then can prevent your exercise routine from getting monotonous. At our retirement communities in Bangalore,  residents are encouraged to stay physically active. We have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games and a senior-friendly gym. There are group yoga and aerobics classes that help our residents to stay fit. These also present our residents with a great opportunity  to build meaningful friendships with those who are dedicated to their health. To find out the average monthly cost of staying in one of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Exercising is good for your physical and mental health. It plays an important role in helping you stay physically independent as you age. However, as people retire, life starts to slow down. Many people gradually stop being as active as they once were. If you have just turned 60 or passed that milestone and are planning to get back to exercising, you are on the right page.  Here are some useful insights on getting back to exercising after 60 curated by one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai:   Consult a doctor: Before you start any new exercise regime, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you have not been exercising for a while. Your doctor will check your fitness level or if you have any medical conditions that may need you to avoid certain exercises.   Do not let negative emotions hold you back: If you have never exercised or have not done it for a long time, it can be challenging at first. Do not let negative thoughts stop you. Remember, exercising is good for your mental and your overall health.  Find something you love: Doing physical activities that you love can make it easier for you to follow an exercise regimen. You may love taking long walks in the open or doing yoga in the morning — start with what you like the most. You can also experiment with different types of physical activities. This will prevent your daily workout routine from getting monotonous.  Work out with a fitness buddy: Working out with a friend can be both fun and competitive. When you work out with a friend, you hold each other accountable – which brings a healthy level of motivation and competition.  Join a beginner’s class: Learning to exercise with the help of an experienced instructor can be quite helpful in understanding the movements that suit you individually. Also, joining a class can help you stay motivated as you will get to exercise with others.  At our retirement homes in Chennai, we encourage our residents to stay physically and socially active. One of the many benefits of living in our retirement community is that our residents get to stay physically active without stepping outside the community. The retirement homes have facilities such as fully equipped gyms and a clubhouse for indoor games. There are numerous activities such as yoga and dance classes to help our residents follow a daily exercise routine. To find out the average monthly cost of staying in one of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

There are plenty of hobbies that you can try at home for the first time, many of them can fend off a decline in brain power and are good for relieving stress. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have put together a list of virtual hobbies that you can try with your friends:  Book clubs: If you are a bookworm, start your book club with your friends and schedule a time for a video chat and share your thoughts over books. Each month, you and your friends can choose a book to read. Check out this list of inspirational books for seniors that can get the conversation started.  Online games: Whether you are looking to sharpen your cognitive skills or an easy and enjoyable way to pass the time, there are several virtual games that you can play with your friends. In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that playing online games such as sudoku and crosswords prevents cognitive decline.  Movie parties: There is nothing like watching a movie with your friends. There are several apps that let you and your friends watch a movie together and share thoughts in a live text chat. Karaoke: Whether you and your friends are professional singers or amateurs, singing your favourite songs from the comfort of your home can be fun and therapeutic at the same time. To enjoy online karaoke, schedule a video call and sing your heart out.  Work out together: If you love the feeling of healthy competition, connect with your friends and video chat as you pedal your stationary cycle or do yoga moves. Schedule a time in advance with your workout buddies so that you can exercise together and have fun at the same time.  Join a hobby class: From painting and cake decorating to gardening, there are many online hobby classes that you can join with your friends. Hobby classes also present a great opportunity to make new friends who share the same interests.   Discover new hobbies or revive forgotten hobbies at Columbia Pacific Communities There is no dearth of things to do in our senior living communities. Whether it has been a hobby you have been passionate about or an exciting new hobby that has piqued your interest – we fully encourage you to get started and rejuvenate your mind and soul.