Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

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.

Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways of staying fit. There are countless physical and mental health benefits that dancing offers if you are ready to groove.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we share with you some of the benefits of dancing regularly: Improves strength, balance, and flexibility: Dance movements help your body gain increased flexibility. Dance is a great workout as it involves a lot of movements and balancing techniques. Choose a style that you are excited to learn. Dance moves also strengthen your muscles and joints which help in improving balance, reducing the risk of falls.  Reduces stress: Taking part in activities you love naturally reduces your stress levels. Dancing is a great stress buster  because when you dance, your body and mind feel good. Dancing can lift your spirits and improve your state of mind. As you focus on dance moves, your mind gets disconnected from all the worries of day-to-day life.   Improves heart health: Dancing is a good cardiovascular activity. By improving blood circulation, dancing helps in improving heart health. All dance forms make great cardio workouts as they involve moves that get your heart rate up.  Boosts social bonding: Dance classes offer you an excellent platform to meet new people. It is a great place to socialise with people with whom you share a common interest. You can also join online dance communities.  Helps to maintain a healthy weight: Dancing is an effective workout to maintain a healthy weight. Dance helps in burning a good number of calories, burn fat and tone your muscles. There are several dance workouts such as Zumba, Salsa, and Jazz that make daily exercises fun.  Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield, Bangalore? Explore The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences by Columbia Pacific Communities. The senior citizen home is perfect for those seeking serenity amidst city life. To know more about life at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, Budigere Cross, Bangalore call us at +91 8884555554.

The Greek philosopher Plato was right when he said, “In caring about the happiness of others, we find our own”. There is nothing like the warm feeling that you get when you have done something kind for others. According to a 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries, people who engaged in acts of kindness were happiest overall. Positive activities boost positive emotions, thoughts, and behaviour, in turn improving well-being. During a global pandemic, sending a meal to a friend or lending a sympathetic ear can make you happy and make a huge difference in someone’s day. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we suggest a few ways in which you can participate in acts of kindness:  Gift a meal: Whether you are missing meeting friends over dinner or you want to take a small step to spread kindness, gifting somebody a meal is a great way to say that you appreciate them. You can gift a meal to a friend or a stranger and spread positive vibes.  Sew masks for those in need: Making a DIY face mask is not just an interesting stay at home activity that you can engage in without stepping out, but you can also gift them to people in need. Homemade fabric masks are not medical-grade but they can be effective if the right materials are used. There are several videos online that you may find helpful. Sew fabric masks for your neighbours, helpers, and other people, especially those who cannot work from home during the pandemic.  Lend a sympathetic ear: People of all ages are experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness. While the times are tough for everyone, calling or writing to a friend is a great way to make yourself feel happy and to remind them that they are not alone. Lend a friend or an acquaintance a sympathetic ear without any judgement. Often people wish to share what they are going through without expecting the other person to offer any solutions. Pick up the tab for a friend: Daily chores such as cleaning the house, doing laundry, or maintaining the lawn can be time-consuming. Many people may struggle to either find time to do the chores or may have limited means to outsource them. You can offer to pick the tab should they choose to outsource the chores. This will give your friends precious downtime that they need to re-energise themselves.

It would not be wrong to say that antioxidants are like immunity superheroes. They are the reason why a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts is recommended. People know that antioxidants are good for their health. But what exactly are antioxidants, anyway? And, what do they do?  As one of the leading operators of retirement homes in India, we share with you some useful insights on antioxidants:  Antioxidants fight off radical damage: Every day your body’s cells face threats from viruses and infections. These free radicals damage the cells and contribute to the ageing process. They also play a part in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals. The body uses antioxidants to balance free radicals. This keeps them from causing damage to other cells. In simple words, antioxidants help to keep infections such as cold, flu, and even serious diseases at bay.  Antioxidants repair damaged immune cells: The immune system defends us against sickness and disease, but it can’t do it alone. When a virus or bacteria enters our body, the immune cells start to defend the body. But these cells cannot do much without antioxidants. Antioxidants don’t just neutralise free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons but also repair damaged immune cells. If the immune cells do not have enough antioxidants, they won’t be able to recover.  Not all antioxidants are equal: Any molecule that protects your cells against oxidation is an antioxidant. However, there are about 8,000 different types of antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols and they operate in different ways. Some antioxidants excel at fighting certain types of free radicals. Therefore, it is important to have a variety of foods and vegetables so that you get different types of antioxidants. For instance, fruits rich in Vitamin C cannot substitute the body’s need for Vitamin E.  The body generates its own antioxidants: To defend itself against free radicals and oxidative damage, the human body generates its own antioxidants. Plants and animals and other forms of life, all generate antioxidants. Not all antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables: Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, especially dark and bright coloured vegetables. But not all antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables. Even meat, dairy products, and eggs contain some antioxidants. However, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the ideal way to get antioxidants.

Stress is much more than just a feeling. It not only affects your thoughts but when left unchecked it can contribute to many health problems. We share with you some signs that your body is telling you that stress is making you sick:  Too much weight gain or loss: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which changes the way you metabolise fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Stress can also cause you to either overeat or undereat which can lead to significant changes in your weight. Ensure that you are eating well-balanced meals at the right times. Avoid eating junk food. Include a lot of fibre in your diet so you don’t binge on unhealthy foods.  Skin rashes: When you are experiencing emotional stress, there are a number of hormonal or chemical changes that occur in response to it. This can lead to hives. Those suffering from existing skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema may experience severe symptoms. Though hives clear up in a few days, they can be quite uncomfortable. Seeking medical treatment for hives can help ease the irritation.  Headaches: When you are stressed, your muscles tend to tense up. This can cause a headache. Along with a headache, you may find it difficult to sleep and feel low on energy. There are many over-the-counter medicines that can relieve headaches. However, after consulting your doctor, you can also try dabbing essential oils on your temples. If you are struggling with sleep, essential oils can help soothe feelings of anxiety and act as a natural sleep aid. Indigestion: Too much stress can wreak havoc on your gut and digestion. Stress can not only cause you to lose appetite, but it may also slow down digestion. This causes gas and bloating and may even lead to stomach pain. Whenever you are going through a stressful situation, it is important to eat well and keep yourself hydrated. Reducing stress can lower inflammation in the gut while eating well can ensure that your digestive system is back on track.  Persistent cold: Stress suppresses the effectiveness of the immune system, which makes it harder to fight off infections. According to a study, those dealing with stress are twice as likely to get sick than those who are not stressed out. If you have the above symptoms, take steps to manage your stress. Explore stress management strategies, such as exercising, practising relaxation techniques, and spending time with family and friends. At our retirement homes in Bangalore, there are daily yoga sessions. Residents can play indoor games in the clubhouse or work out at the fully equipped gym. As one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore, we ensure that our residents enjoy their retirement years while we take care of their comfort and security.

There is nothing like the joy of having a pet, be it a dog, a cat or a bird. They show you affection, make you laugh and comfort you when you are sick. No matter what, pets are always a source of joy that can help keep the feeling of isolation at bay. We share with you a few insights on the surprising health benefits of owning a pet:  A healthy heart: One of the many benefits of having a pet is lower blood pressure which is good for your cardiovascular health. Several studies suggest that those who own dogs have a lower blood pressure than non-owners. This could be because pets help their owners to calm down. Moreover, dog owners tend to get more exercise than people who don’t have dogs. According to a study, owning a dog reduced the risk of death for heart attack and stroke survivors.  A healthy weight: All breeds of dog need regular and daily walks to stay happy and healthy. Therefore, a study has found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. Dog walking may be a good way for seniors to stay active and maintain their overall health.  Keep stress at bay: Petting your cat or dog feels good. Playing with your pet or just cuddling them can have soothing effects on your mind. Interacting with pets help decrease levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and lower blood pressure. By providing you company and love, pets help you keep anxiety, depression and stress at bay.  Keep you socially connected: Pets are social magnets. They provide their owners with more than companionship. They help create human-to-human friendships and social support, both of which are good for long-term health. Whether you are walking them down the street or taking them to a veterinarian, pets help you connect with other people. Walking a pet leads to routine conversations with neighbours, other pet walkers or even strangers. Having a pet is a great way to meet new people and this can be helpful for those who are not too good at small talk.  If you are looking for independent senior living apartments, explore our retirement communities in India that offer you a worry-free lifestyle so that you have more time to spend your golden years doing things you enjoy the most.

Reading is the best way to get some good insights and perspectives on life. Often monotony of daily life can put a lid on imagination and creativity. Reading inspirational words will not just make you feel more courageous and optimistic, but also help you think creatively.  As operators of one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of inspirational books for seniors:  Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda: Regarded as a spiritual classic, the book has inspired many from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to cricketer Virat Kohli. The book beautifully talks about miracles and the yogic teachings. The incredibly inspiring book is written in an entertaining and humorous way. Not only does this book introduce its readers to the beautiful world of yoga and meditation, but it also offers some powerful life lessons that bring happiness and peace.  The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: Highly practical and a wonderful read, this book has an unforgettable tale that describes many people who are running a race that they have not even chosen. What sets this book apart is the practical rituals that the author shares. From not littering your mind with unnecessary information to ruthlessly living your priorities, this book should be your go-to choice if you are looking for some practical life lessons.  Freedom from the Known by J Krishnamurti: If you are looking for a unique and radical philosophy, there cannot be a better pick-me-up book. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill inspirational book. Rather it questions societal expectations that define the construct of our daily lives. It takes you through a journey where you will come across many truths, some harsh ones too and how you can break away from the vicious cycle of what is expected.  Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old by Deepak Chopra: No matter how old you are, you will always find people obsessively talking about age. This inspiring book presents us with information that can help us live long, healthy lives while not taking assumptions associated with a chronological number too seriously. There is nothing inevitable about ageing, says the book. For those looking to live a healthy and fulfilling life, this book is an excellent read.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have libraries with computers in our communities. Our residents can read ebooks or grab a copy of their favourite book at our well-maintained libraries.

Walking is a simple and effective form of exercise. It is great for improving your overall health. Though it is simple, there are some common mistakes that can get in the way of achieving the desired results. Walking the wrong way not just wastes your efforts but can also results in injuries. As operators of one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore, we share with you walking mistakes that seniors can avoid making while they are out for a stroll:  Wearing the wrong footwear: When it comes to avoiding injury, it is essential to wear the right walking shoes. Athletic sneakers that are supportive, feel good, and fit correctly are ideal for walking. Make sure that your walking shoes are lightweight, while still providing support and cushioning. Wearing inappropriate footwear can make your feet swell when you take a sustained walk.  Not using your arms to your advantage: It is natural to move your arms while walking. But when you keep your arms stiff, they slow you down. Do not keep your arms still at your sides while walking. Rather let them swing naturally forward and back as you walk. Taking wide steps: When you walk faster, there is a natural tendency to reach out farther than your back foot. The longer steps may increase your walking speed but it is an ineffective walking technique that has the potential to lead to an injury. When you overstride in the long run, your shins may hurt. If you are trying to walk fast, taking shorter and quicker steps can be more helpful.  Not maintaining a good posture: While walking if you are always looking down, hanging your head, or checking your mobile phone continuously, you may end up straining your neck and shoulders. This will make walking a less pleasant experience. While walking, make sure the shoulders are loose, arms are moving freely, the neck is in a neutral position and the chin is up so that you’re not straining.  Walking through pain: If you are experiencing pain, it is best to skip your walks for a few days. Walking with pain can lead to soreness, discomfort, and even injury. If you are having trouble walking or experiencing pain that does not seem to go away, see a doctor before continuing your daily walks.  Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield Bangalore? Explore The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences by Columbia Pacific Communities. The retirement home is located in the integrated township of Ozone Urbana. You will find a well-maintained community garden, swimming pool, cafeteria serving delicious meals, clubhouse with Wi-Fi, fully equipped gym, library with computer, and internet access at The Virtuso. To know more about life at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences , call us at +91  8884555554.

As you age, your muscles tend to shrink and weaken. Though the muscles start shrinking as early as the 30s, it happens so slowly that you won’t even notice. But over the decades, if the muscles decline too much, you can be diagnosed with sarcopenia. Reduced muscle mass can adversely affect the overall quality of life by hindering mobility and increasing the risk of falls and fractures.  Signs that you are losing muscle mass  Feeling physically weaker over time Difficulty in lifting objects  Walking slowly Losing weight without trying Here are a few things that you should know about preserving muscle mass: The link between a sedentary lifestyle and loss of muscle mass: Although ageing is the most common cause of sarcopenia, there are factors such as a sedentary lifestyle that can trigger the condition. Bed rest or immobilisation due to an injury or illness presents a difficult challenge to many seniors as they lead to rapid loss of muscle. Even two or three weeks of decreased physical activity is enough to decrease muscle mass among seniors.   Regain lost mass with exercise: Exercise is key for the prevention and treatment of muscle decline. Exercising, especially resistance training, can slow muscle shrinkage. With the right kind of resistance training exercises, senior adults can build muscle and increase strength. Certified trainers who have experience working with senior adults can help seniors with the transition.  Eat more protein: Seniors who are deficient in calories, protein or certain vitamins and minerals are at a higher risk of muscle loss. As protein is the most important building block of muscles, increasing protein intake can be beneficial. Senior adults need to consume more protein than the average recommended intake. Nuts, lentils, dairy products, beans, fish, and poultry are all good sources of protein. As one of the best senior citizen homes in India, we encourage our residents to lead a physically active lifestyle. Our retirement homes in Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, and other cities have fitness centres that are senior-friendly. From working out in the gym to playing table tennis, at our retirement homes, there are numerous options to stay active. We also ensure that we serve our residents with fresh and nutritious meals. Our team of nutritionists puts together a senior-friendly menu every day to meet the nutritional needs of our residents.