Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

It is normal for people to feel lonely from time to time. However, when the feelings of loneliness continue for a long time, they can have an adverse effect on the overall well-being of a person. As seniors are at an increased risk for loneliness, it is important for them to engage in activities that will help them feel more connected to others.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we share with you some ideas on how to beat loneliness:  Consider volunteering: According to a study, volunteering helps in easing feelings of loneliness and social isolation. If your health allows, explore volunteering opportunities such as feeding the hungry, offering free tuition lessons to underprivileged children, and running a tree plantation drive.  Join a hobby class: Joining a hobby class is a great way to hone your existing skills or explore hidden talents. Hobby classes are a great platform to keep yourself busy more productively and creatively.  You also get to meet new people who share your interests.  Use technology to connect: By using technology to your advantage, you can beat loneliness. You can stay in touch with your loved ones and reconnect with old friends and colleagues on social media. You can also join online classes or participate in online groups to meet new people with whom you may share similar interests. If you are new to smartphones or computers, there are many online workshops you can attend to understand the safe use of the internet and social media.  Exercise: Exercising helps release endorphins, the feel-good hormones, that can help you beat feelings of loneliness. You can join an exercising group that will also give you opportunities to meet new people.  Get a pet: Pets can be a great source of joy as they are affectionate and they make you laugh. There are several health benefits of having a pet. However, if it is not a practical option for you to have a pet, you can  explore fostering. When you foster an animal, you look after it until it finds a permanent home. You can also  check out pet visiting services for seniors in your area.  If you are planning to move to a senior citizen home, explore our retirement homes in Coimbatore. At our retirement communities, you can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily housekeeping, maintenance, meals, and upkeep of common areas are all taken care of. If you are looking for a senior living community and wish to know the monthly cost of our apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

Though skin care is important from an early age, it becomes even more important later in life. As you age,  your skin starts getting thin and fragile. Though ageing is inevitable, you can take steps to take better care of your skin. Here are some skin tips for seniors curated by one of the leading retirement home facilities: Use a mild cleanser: Many typical chemical-laden cleansers are harsh on the skin, causing skin irritation and dryness. Use a gentle cleanser that does not contain harmful chemicals.  Moisturise your skin: Dry skin is common in senior adults. While there may be several reasons for this — including certain medical conditions, it is always a good idea to keep your skin moisturised using a fragrance-free moisturiser.  Keeping your skin well-hydrated helps to prevent cracking and itchiness.  Avoid the sun during peak hours:  It is a good idea to step out in the sun to get your dose of Vitamin D. However, avoid the sun during the time when sun rays are the strongest. When you step out, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours. When going out in the sun, wear a hat that shields your face.  Quit smoking: Smoking is not just bad for the lungs, it damages the skin in numerous ways. Smoking adversely affects the working of blood vessels which reduces blood flow and depletes the skin of nutrients and oxygen.  Go easy on long baths: While hot baths can be relaxing, exposure to hot water for prolonged periods of time can make your skin dry. Instead, use lukewarm water and keep bath time short.  Keep yourself hydrated and eat a  fibre-rich diet : When your body is dehydrated, your skin also starts getting dry. And the chances of developing cracks on the skin increase. It is important to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Also, make sure that your diet consists of fibre-rich foods. Fruits and vegetables rich in fibre and antioxidants help protect the skin from sun damage.  Want to read more about healthy ageing? Watch this space! 

With a growing number of senior adults living independently, it has become important to make sure that they are safe at home. Falls and burns are among the most common accidents involving seniors. Seniors living alone may also become victims of crime.  If you are a senior  living alone, here is what you need to do to stay safe at home: Improve bathroom safety: If you are noticing that you are facing trouble getting around independently, it is time to take important steps to fall-proof your home. Falls often occur in the bathroom because of water and slippery floors. Consider installing handholds near the shower, toilet, and wash basin. To make falls less likely, place an anti-slip safety mat in the bathroom.  Make your home fall-proof: To ensure that your house is easy to navigate, arrange furniture in a way that there is plenty of space to move around. Remove tripping hazards such as carpets, scattered objects, or slippery stairs. Rug anchors can also help prevent slips and trips. Ensure adequate lighting in every single room in the house. Stairs, entryways, and corridors should be especially well-lit.  Invest in a home security system: Whether you live in an apartment or a house, have a peephole installed on the front door. Do not open doors for strangers and ensure the doors are locked. When you hear a knock at the door, keep your phone handy in case you need to call for help. Never leave the door key under the mat. You can go the extra mile by installing a panic button in the house so that you can reach someone in case of an emergency.  Save emergency contacts on your phone: Emergency contacts are important for any senior who lives alone. To ensure safety and proper care in the event of an accident or injury, you should easily be able to call for help. Create a list of emergency contacts – this list should include family members, friends, medical emergency number, family doctor’s number, and the number of the nearest hospital.  As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, the safety and security of our residents is our top priority. The 24×7 security personnel takes care of all entry and exit points at our gated senior living communities. Security measures such as CCTV cameras, security personnel, and access control entry for residents are in place. Each living space is equipped with a panic button so immediate assistance can be sought, in case of an emergency. To find out the average cost of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Just as your body ages, your eyesight too begins to change. While some changes are driven by genetics, others are exacerbated by poor lifestyle choices such as leading a sedentary life, eating processed food and smoking. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have curated a list of tips to maintain your eye health in later years: Eat a well-balanced diet: A diet rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E is good for eye health. Include green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, and kidney beans in your daily diet.  Exercise regularly: Many vision problems stem from high cholesterol and high blood pressure; exercising and a healthy diet can help lower both. Cardio exercises such as aerobics, rope skipping, cycling, and power walking can reduce the risk of several common eye ailments. Cardiovascular exercises help you maintain a healthy lower intraocular pressure – which increases the flow of blood to the optic nerves and the retina. For a good vision, make exercising a part of your daily routine.   Quit smoking, if you have not already: Smoking increases your risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing many eye conditions. If you have tried to kick the habit before only to start again, seek professional help.  Limit your screen time: As one gets older, tear production diminishes. This makes dry eyes syndrome common in people over 50. And too much screen time can make the symptoms of dry eyes worse. If you spend a considerable amount of time in front of a computer, smartphone or a tablet, you must reduce your screen time. Uncontrolled screen time can result in dry eyes and eye irritation. Consult an ophthalmologist if you need any eye drops to keep your eyes moist.  As you age, regular eye testing is important. At our retirement homes in India, your vital parameters are monitored regularly, along with regular health screening for early detection and treatment. To find out the average monthly cost of staying in one of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

As you age, your body must get the right nutrients to help you stay active and independent. Choosing healthier snacks over processed snacks is an important part of fulfilling your daily requirements of nutrients. Healthy snacks such as seeds, nuts, and fruits provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre, without adding too many calories, sugar, saturated fat, or salt to your diet. However, if you are struggling with finding the right kind of healthy snacks, check this useful read. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we have curated a few healthy snacking tips for the elderly: Munch on seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all healthy alternatives to greasy chips. Great sources of fibre, these seeds are loaded with heart-healthy mono and poly-unsaturated fats, healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Also, they taste great and are ideal for satisfying your salt cravings in the evenings. Satisfy sweet cravings with fruits: Many people after having their meals long for something sweet. To live a healthy lifestyle, you don’t have to deny your sweet cravings. Substitute processed candies and chocolates and start getting your daily dose of sweet snacks from fresh fruits and dried nuts. Fruits such as apples, dates, fresh figs, pears, and pineapple are naturally sweet. Dried fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, cherries, and peaches make for great take-along sweet goodies.  Having a filling and healthy evening snack: An evening snack does not have to be unhealthy. An avocado or an egg toast is a great evening snack. You can also have raw or steamed vegetable sticks such as carrots, beetroot, broccoli with flavoured hummus or yoghurt dip.   Power up your mornings and evenings with smoothies: Blend your favourite fruits with yoghurt and your healthy snack is ready. Smoothies are an easy way to incorporate nutrient-rich fruit and protein-filled yoghurt and milk into your daily diet.  Senior living in Bangalore and healthy meals  At our senior living homes in Bangalore, we prioritise the health of our residents. 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. At senior living homes in Bangalore, daily meals are delicious and nutritious. To know more about the services that we offer at our senior living homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Do you often find yourself looking for your phone? Or do you keep on forgetting whether you fed the dog or not? Or do you often forget where you parked your car? If so, it might be useful to read this article. As one of  the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of spices and herbs that are considered to improve memory and alertness:   Turmeric: A frequently used herb in Indian kitchens, turmeric can boost mental health. In fact, animal research studies show that turmeric may even stave off Alzheimer’s disease. It has been found that curcumin in turmeric can help curb inflammation and fight oxidative stress – factors that may cause Alzheimer’s disease. In Indian curries, turmeric is a major ingredient. You can also add turmeric in smoothies to get more curcumin in your diet.  Amla: Primarily known for its immunity building properties, amla can also improve concentration and memory power. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in amla fight against the free radicals that are responsible for the functional decline in aged brains.  Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve brain function, boost memory in people suffering from early stages of memory loss, and prevent the damage of brain cells. Studies have found that ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity which prevents the nerve cells from damage due to free radicals.  Ginseng: It is an adaptogen that helps you cope with the effects of stress. Some studies have  shown that the components in ginseng can protect the brain against damage due to free radicals. It also improves mental performance and has mood-boosting properties.  Note: Always consult your doctor before adding any herbal supplement to your health care regimen.  In addition to including herbs and spices in your diet, there are different ways to improve your brain health. You can start following a brain-healthy lifestyle that includes performing targeted brain exercises to increase your brain function, improve focus, and boost your memory. To find out the average monthly cost of staying in one of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important at any age, especially in the later years of your life. Burning calories is key for keeping your weight in control. In addition to following a dedicated workout plan, here are 6 ways you can squeeze more activity into your day and burn calories:  Start your day right: Workouts are a great way to give your mornings an energy boost. There are many short (7 to 10 minutes) workouts that will help wake up your body and mind. As soon as you get up, doing a few yoga poses or doing 15 push-ups will help you start your day on an active note. Take walking breaks: Try to get up and go for short walks multiple times a day. The best part is you can do it any time, even inside your home. Whenever you find yourself sitting for too long, you can take a short walk.  Walk whenever you can: Whenever possible, give your car a break and incorporate short walks into your daily routine. You can also park far away from your destination so that you get to add a few extra steps to your errand.  Use a standing desk:  If you find yourself sitting for long hours, use a standing desk.   When you stand, you burn more calories than you do while sitting. Spending more time on your feet also reduces back pain associated with sitting.  Practise water aerobics:  Water aerobics is a great way to burn calories for seniors. The gentle resistance from the water helps build strength and increase muscle mass. It also helps you gain better balance and reduce your risk of falls.  End your day right: Exercising before you hit the bed can help you fall asleep faster and burn a few extra calories. Go for a walk after dinner or do some gentle yoga poses.  At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, there are facilities available for our residents to lead an active lifestyle. From fully equipped gyms to clubhouses with indoor games facilities, we promote a retirement life that is physically active and socially engaging. If you are looking for senior citizen homes and wish to know the monthly cost of our apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

Every day there is so much happening around you that you feel like you are being pulled in different directions. Amid chaos, it is important to nourish your soul.  As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we share with you 6 everyday things you can do to re-energize your soul:  Start the day on a positive note: Setting the tone of the day in the morning can dramatically improve how you feel about the rest of your day. Instead of getting up and checking your phone, read something positive. Choose to read something that motivates or inspires you. You can also start your day with a gentle stretching exercise that will prepare your body and mind for the day. Take out time for yourself: Often people are so occupied that they cannot even hear themselves think. You need peace and quiet environment to access your thoughts. Spend at least 10 minutes to 15 minutes each day alone with yourself in a peaceful way.  Practise gratitude: Writing a gratitude journal is a simple, but powerful way to bring positivity to your life and nourish your soul. At first, you may find it difficult to write  but with practice, you will get into a routine. The easiest way to maintain a gratitude journal is to fix a time of the day for it. For instance, write when you are having your morning tea or before going to bed.   Spend time in nature: To spend time in nature, you do not have to plan a vacation to the hills. Just walking in the nearby park or sitting in your own backyard can bring a sense of calm and peace of mind.  Just looking at the trees and flowers, walking on the grass, and soaking up some sunshine can help you relax, de-stress and heal your body, mind, and spirit.  Be creative: Tapping into your creativity is a powerful way to cultivate and nourish your soul. There are many ways to be creative — you can write, paint, cook, do gardening, or photography. Engaging in creative pursuits daily helps you experience moments of joy and at the same time have fun.  Create moments of joy: Do things that make you smile and feel good, even if it is only for a few minutes. Your little joyous moments could be playing with your pet, listening to music, or talking to your children.   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.

Chess demands total concentration, and this intense focus can be helpful to people of all ages. Seniors particularly can reap a wealth of benefits from playing it. As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we share some of the benefits of playing chess for seniors:   Helps improve memory: Playing chess is an excellent mental exercise as it involves tactics and strategies. You need to remember the complex rules before you make a move. As the game demands your total attention, your brain gets trained to be more focused and attentive. This active participation of the brain is a great way to push cognitive functions to work optimally, boost memory and keep your brain energised.  Boosts critical thinking: Exercising the brain is a great way to keep it active. Since playing chess requires critical thinking, it stimulates the brain to function in a better way. If you play chess regularly, your brain gets its regular dose of workout that is good for your cognitive functions. Chess may help protect against cognitive impairment in an ageing brain. Offer great social opportunities: The nature of the game is such that you need a partner to play, which is a great way to socialise. There is nothing better than a good game to bond with friends, old and new. Friendships tend to get stronger if there is shared interest. You can teach your friend how to play if you are already familiar with the rules and moves. If you have friends who play chess, you can learn from them. Either way, it is a nice way to get along with people.  Fun way to relieve stress: Chess is a fun and interesting game because it always requires new strategies to master winning moves. While playing chess, you are completely immersed, and your brain thinks of nothing but the game. Hence, it is a great way to relax your mind and distract yourself from any ongoing life issues.  At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore,  we have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games such as chess, table tennis, and carrom. Our residents can play friendly matches and have a good time with their friends. If you are looking for senior citizen homes and wish to know the monthly cost of our apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.