Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

One day Mrs Renuka Iyer (name changed) got an email from a stranger informing her that her grandson was in trouble.  According to the email, he was in a car accident which caused severe damage to a lady’s car. “The stranger wrote to me saying that my grandson broke his hand, hit a lady’s car, and would be sent to jail if I didn’t transfer money. I thought my grandson was really in trouble.” Mrs Iyer goes on to say “I couldn’t call my son and daughter-in-law as they were not in India at that moment. I was clueless on what to do as the email id appeared to be associated with a government agency. I transferred the money. I later came to know that my grandson was hale and hearty and that I was conned.” Mrs Iyer was a victim of what is known as a grandparent scam that preys on elder people’s emotions, fears or hopes. Older adults are often targeted by scammers. Experts believe that scammers exploit elderly as they may be isolated, lonely or not tech-savvy. Here are some key points that can help seniors identify a potential scam. Email/ phishing scams: In these scams, seniors receive email messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or institution like a bank, asking them to “update” or “verify” their personal information. If you receive such an email that looks like it has been sent to you by your bank, get in touch with a representative at the bank. Call them and let them know the details of the emails. Email lottery scams: These scams steal personal information and money. Scammers send out congratulatory emails that announce your winning of a lottery or sweepstakes. The recipients are asked to transfer money to receive the prize money. Some are even asked to send the scanned copies of their passports, Aadhar card and PAN card. Often such emails ask you to respond quickly or you risk missing out on prize money. If you receive such an email, do not reply to them, or open any links in them. In some emails, the scammers urge you to keep the information private, to maintain privacy or stop other people from getting your winning money by mistake. Romance scam: Scammers pose as interested romantic partners on social media and con elderly victims. Scammers spend hours online researching about their elderly victims before they send a friend request. They spend weeks or even months to gain your trust. Once you start trusting them, they invent lies about needing funds for urgent medical treatment for their kids, or urgent travel expenses or funds to keep afloat after a job loss. Some of the tell-tale signs of an online romance scammer are: they always find excuses to not meet face-to face, ask too many personal questions without telling you much about themselves and request you to transfer money to their account.

Loneliness and isolation are dangerous for seniors. Seniors who experience loneliness are more susceptible to emotional and physical problems than those who lead an active social life. If your parents are staying in a retirement community in India, they are more likely to stay socially stimulated. Whether it is a group walk in the parks or Saturday dinners, there is much more to do for your parents in retirement community. But however busy they may be, they look forward to connecting with you and hearing your voice. When it comes to seniors, even simple gestures like calling them every day or helping them manage their social media profiles can make the distance disappear. Here are some easy and simple ways to engage with your parents staying in a retirement community in India: Video calling: Help your parents get familiarised with video calling apps such as Skype, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. For many elderly parents, navigating the ever-changing world of technology can be confusing. Be patient while they understand the nitty-gritties of installing an app and making a video call. Call your parents regularly and see what they are up to. Ask them about their friends and everyday activities. Listen to them with an open mind and do not try to speak for them. Also, do not cut them off mid-sentence. Virtual tours of museums: If your parents are art lovers or are interested in world history, help them take virtual tours of some of the best museums and art galleries of the world. They can enjoy the experience from the comforts of their home and gain new knowledge on art, culture and history. Online classes: For many, retirement is a new phase of life. It is a time to try new things, travel to new places and learn new skills. If your parents are interested in learning new things, be it cooking or painting, there are several online classes they can join to satiate their appetite for learning. Help them find trustworthy websites that offer online classes. Visit them: Ensure that you visit your parents at regular intervals. Plan a family vacation every year. Vacations will help you catch up on the important things going on in your parents’ lives. Also, vacations will help them bond with your kids and spend quality time with you and your spouse.

If you wish for a stress-free retirement life spent in an environment which is energetic and fun, move to a retirement home in Bangalore. Why Bangalore, you ask?  Well, the city has a robust healthcare system with high-quality senior care facilities and meets the demands of an ageing population. Also, Bangalore is blessed with huge, sprawling parks, fine eateries, and marvelous architecture. With plenty of volunteering opportunities, galleries, museums, performing art theatres and historical wonders – the city offers plenty of activities to keep active retirees busy and engaged. With so much going on, the city is ideal for retirees who are looking to lead an active life rather than sitting in a rocking chair and watching TV. Why is moving to a retirement home in Bangalore a good decision? The best retirement homes in Bangalore offer a wide range of amenities and services, such as housekeeping, laundry and home maintenance which leaves you free to pursue your interests. For seniors who like spending time in the great outdoors, there are plenty of camping spots near Bangalore where retirees can go and enjoy the hills and lush forests. Our retirement home in Bangalore offers a host of senior-friendly fitness facilities such as swimming pool with non-slip vitrified flooring all around, wellness centers where exercises are conducted by aerobics and fitness instructors and a yoga deck where early-morning or late-evening yoga sessions take place. . Bridge, tennis, film clubs, gardening, art classes, trips to museums or other places of interests – are some of the activities you will find on the calendar in our retirement homes. Of course, it entirely depends on you how you spend your time and how many activities you choose to participate in. Want to know more about our outings, activities and special programs in our retirement homes in Bangalore? Get in touch with us to schedule a visit. Call us on +91 8884555554 to plan your visit.

Gone are the days when retirees spend lonely hours in front of the television in burdensome large properties that were difficult to maintain. Today, seniors want to enjoy their golden years on their own terms. They want homes that are designed keeping in mind their needs and safety and support an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s how retirement communities in India are helping seniors let go of unnecessary stressors such as daily household chores, property maintenance, security and loneliness. Services: The services and amenities offered at retirement communities in India are designed to give seniors the much-needed freedom and opportunity to pursue what matters most to them.  Seniors can enjoy their independence while enjoying onsite services such as 24*7 property maintenance staff, assistance with daily and periodic cleaning and customised housekeeping. The best retirement communities in India such as ours offer facilities like reading rooms, dining area and senior-friendly gyms to help seniors bond with other residents. Residents can take a stroll in the beautifully kept grounds and gardens without the worry of maintenance. Events: Retirement communities in India promote an active social life to help seniors battle loneliness. With onsite clubs and events, outings to local art galleries and museums, musical afternoons, fitness classes, movie nights and much more, retirement communities such as ours help seniors enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. At our retirement communities, there’s a wide spectrum of resident-led activities which include yoga classes, fitness workshops, art and craft classes and spiritual lectures. 24×7 security: For complete peace of mind, the best retirement communities in India offer 24×7 security services managed by onsite staff. These fully gated communities are equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons and firefighting equipment to ensure that residents can relax and enjoy their retired lives to the fullest. Access to emergency care: The best retirement communities in India like ours have partnerships with nearby hospitals, giving residents an assurance that medical help is always available. Explore our retirement communities To enjoy a long and happy retirement life that is free from worry, it is important that you select a retirement community that’s safe and secure and offers easy access to healthcare facilities as and when you need them. Have a look around our website to learn more about us or call us on +91 8884555554 and we will be happy to answer any queries you have.

Are your parents looking for the best retirement homes in India? You can make their decision easier by helping them in their search. Here are some handy tips that will make finding a retirement home easier for you and your parents: Get family on the same page: When you search for senior citizen retirement homes, start your search by getting everyone in the family on the same page. Often disagreements between family members can cause problems in the selection process and the family ends up zeroing in on a retirement home that is not right for the parents. Understand the cost of living: Remember buying a retirement home has a long-term personal and financial impact. There are charges that cover maintenance cost and daily living expenses. Check whether these expenses are subject to periodic increases and if yes, then what are the conditions. Also, it is important to consider the future needs of your parents while checking the financial aspects. Take a tour of the property: Before making a life-changing decision for your parents, you and your parents should visit some of the best retirement homes in India. This will give you a better understanding of the retirement homes and the nearby areas. Speak to the residents of the retirement homes to get first-hand experience of community living. Choosing a retirement home is a long-term decision, so do not rush into it. Think ahead and make an informed choice. Check the social calendar: Find out the types of activities conducted by the retirement home on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. A retirement home with an active social calendar will help your parents meet new people and make new friends. From watercolor classes and fitness opportunities to singing classes – most retirement homes in India offer a wide range of activities to meet everyone’s interest. Consider future medical needs: Consider a retirement home that offers skilled medical care. Some retirement homes in India like ours have tie-ups with nearby hospitals to ensure round the clock medical care. We also have emergency care facilities with 24/7 ambulance service, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place. Periodic health screenings, wellness workshops and awareness lectures are also conducted regularly at our retirement homes in India.

Ageing is inevitable and old age comes with its own set of challenges. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we are doing our bit to identify these challenges and address them in the best possible way. Social engagement: One of the biggest challenges that seniors face is the feeling of social isolation and marginalisation. Staying meaningfully engaged is essential for their physical and mental health. To encourage lifelong learning and meaningful engagement, senior citizen homes in India such as ours schedule activities that allow them to have fun, engage in interesting discussions, and form new friendships. We also offer concierge services so that our residents can take part in off-campus activities without worrying about the hassles of arranging a vehicle or booking tickets. Safety and independence: When seniors live alone, their safety becomes a major concern for them and their family. Moving to one of our senior citizen homes in India will help seniors remain safe and happy. Trained professional security guard our communities 24X7. The common areas are well-lit and under the surveillance of CCTV cameras. Also, there is firefighting equipment on the campus for your safety. Daily living and lifestyle: Seniors who are tired of household chores like cooking, cleaning and home maintenance can enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle when they move to a retirement home. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we take care of all daily household chores so that our residents can pursue their passions and enjoy the independence of advanced years without worrying about home maintenance. Healthcare access: Ageing necessitates better medical and health support. As people grow old, they need help to take care of themselves. We have a holistic approach to the overall wellbeing of our residents. From daily stretching exercises to regular health screenings, we provide adequate and continuous preventive care and medical check-ups. Our Healthcare Partner is Columbia Asia Hospitals and we have also partnered with nearby hospitals for round-the-clock care. The emergency protocols are in place and doctors and qualified nurses are easily available on the campus. The apartments and villas in our retirement homes in India have panic buttons for immediate assistance. If you are looking for premium retirement homes in India, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences is India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards.

For Dr. A Sreekumar Menon, a counsellor, writer and motivational speaker, age is no bar when it comes to following his passions. After having authored several books, Mr Menon, a resident of Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities, Bangalore, has organized over 52 lecture sessions on various topics for fellow residents and has delivered lectures himself. Well acquainted with new technology, he keeps in touch with his family and friends through Facebook. Mr Menon is one among many people who have started a new chapter in life after moving to a senior citizen facility. Retirement offers seniors precious time to connect with friends and family. It also offers them opportunities to pursue passions they have always loved. Leading retirement homes in India such as  ours are helping seniors begin a new chapter of their lives in a worry-free environment. Here are a few things that retirement homes in India are doing to help seniors make a smooth transition into retirement: Help them rediscover what they enjoy: Seniors often get so consumed with work and family that they completely forget what they enjoy doing. At our retirement homes in India, a well-thought-out activities program is at the heart of creating quality life for residents. The activities are designed to appeal to their interests and to enhance their overall physical and mental well-being. We have several daily activities like yoga and aerobics classes, art and craft, music classes, language classes and informative workshops to keep them engaged. A jam-packed activity calendar gives residents numerous opportunities to pursue activities they have always dreamed of doing rather than looking back at the missed chances. Creating opportunities for social interaction: When seniors become a part of a community, they find numerous health, fitness, social and spiritual opportunities that benefit different aspect of their lives. Music, dance, theatre, history, spiritual lectures, movie nights, yoga classes and excursion trips are some of the many activities offered by retirement homes in India. These activities give seniors a chance to broaden their horizons and meet like-minded people. Leading a maintenance-free lifestyle: The best retirement homes in India have a full-time maintenance staff on site. The staff take care of the garden, housekeeping and all the little chores around the house, so the seniors can sit back, relax, and enjoy life to the fullest. Also, seniors who are tired of cooking can enjoy chef-prepared meals every day. These are some of the benefits of moving to one of our retirement homes in India. Click here to know about amenities you can expect at the best rated senior living communities.

Of late many seniors are choosing to move to senior living communities. In these communities, active and healthy residents can maintain their independent lifestyle while enjoying a host of amenities. The decision to move to a senior citizen home is not just a financial one but also an emotional one. Many think that as long as they are healthy and active, they should continue to live in their own homes in residential societies. However, this might not be the right approach to aging.  Here is an incident of a son spotting the signs that his father was struggling with age-related issues and that it was time for his father to shift to a senior citizen home. When Rohan Iyer (name changed) came from Seattle to visit his elderly father, he was shocked to find the house in a complete mess. From piled-up laundry and kitchen sink overflowing with unwashed utensils to cockroaches feasting on left-over food in the kitchen counter, the house needed a thorough cleaning. It was then that Rohan realised his father needed help with his daily household chores. He was also worried about his emotional wellbeing. In a heart-to-heart talk, he proposed to his father to move to a senior citizen home. As his father wanted to stay in control and remain independent for as long as possible, Rohan looked at different senior living options in India. He was amazed to see the amenities and services offered by senior living communities. But his father was unsure of moving to a senior living community. When his father visited one of the senior citizen homes, he liked the maintenance-free lifestyle and the caring and supportive neighbours. After moving to the retirement home, he has met several like-minded residents and has discovered new ways to grow and find personal fulfillment. Like Rohan’s father, if you are unsure about moving to a senior citizen home, here are four signs to look out for: You are tired of managing your house: Housekeeping, laundry, yard work and home maintenance get harder as you age. If you are tired of maintaining the house, maybe it is time to evaluate and move to a retirement home. Senior citizen homes like ours offer you more than a comfortable and private place to live. You can leave household chores to us while you enjoy your golden years the way you have always wished for. You can travel or pick new hobbies without having to worry about the maintenance and security of your home. You are unable to maintain a healthy diet: Proper diet and a healthy life go hand in hand. As you age, it becomes even more important for you to take care of your diet. However, if you are finding it difficult to go to the grocery for fresh produce, rustle upealthy meals, and stand in the kitchen for hours, it is time to consider moving into a senior living facility. Most independent senior living communities in India such asurs provide fresh and nutritious meals that are prepared in consultation with qualified nutritionists. You want to have an active social life: After having retired or the loss of a spouse, you may feel the need to meet new people and form new friendships. Senior citizen homes are a great place to meet people of your age. These days, many senior citizen homes have scheduled activities which makes it easier for you to learn new things while socialising. At our senior citizen homes, you can make new friends, and also invite your family and friends from outside for movie screenings, celebrations, dinner parties and more. You are finding it difficult to drive around: The ability to drive gives you the freedom to go wherever you want. But not being able to drive can make people feel trapped. Many senior citizen homes like ours have concierge services that help you hire vehicles, booking tickets and other such services, letting you enjoy your life to the fullest. When you move into one of our senior citizen homes, you are choosing to retire to a new lifestyle of ease, comfort, peace of mind, security, wellness, and community living.

Life after retirement is a great time to sit back and enjoy life. The older you get the more comfortable you feel in your own skin. However, the inability to move around, feeling of social isolation and daily mundane tasks make growing old a challenging process. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we ensure our residents do not get bogged down by these challenges. Just like everything else in life, we encourage our residents to choose the power of positive thinking and turn aging into a happy experience. Age is just a number when it comes to happiness Mr. Raman (name changed), a 65-year-old professor living in a senior citizen home in Chennai says “When I stayed alone, I often neglected my health. I ate irregularly and most of the time it was the same type of food. I slept when I felt like. My health started deteriorating with each passing day. My son who stays in Canada was worried and came to visit me. He suggested that I should move to a retirement home in Chennai. At first, I was angry and did not like the suggestion. He somehow convinced me to visit one of the facilities. I must say that I was quite surprised by the well-maintained facilities and state-of-the-art amenities. I have now moved to a senior citizen home. I think it’s lovely. I love my room; the food is delicious, and the staff are wonderful. The entertainment is fantastic, and I always have fun. I have made friends in the community and always exercise with them. Before my move, I led a sedentary life. Now I live an active life with my friends. It is a great way to lift my spirit and energy levels.” Our retirement homes in Chennai provide an environment that helps our residents achieve wellness across multiple dimensions of living. A day at our retirement homes in Chennai starts with stretching exercises and then there are yoga and aerobics classes too. Evidence suggests that regular exercises not only helps you keep a tab on your waist size but also helps you stay happy, as when you exercise your, body releases feel-good hormones. Eating a nutritious diet is important as people grow old. However, eating meals alone is strongly associated with unhappiness and mental illness. When you move to a retirement home, you enjoy a variety of meals shared together as a community in the dining hall. The meals at our retirement homes in Chennai are prepared keeping in mind the age-related needs of the residents. We also have big dining halls where our residents can eat together and spend some quality time with other residents. Seniors who play games like sudoku, chess or tambola have higher levels of happiness than those who don’t. An afternoon spent playing games doesn’t just bring back childhood memories, but also helps relieve stress.  At our retirement homes in Chennai, we have good facilities for indoor games and activities. Our residents meet fellow residents for a friendly game or even a fun, competition. Chennai is one of the most favoured cities in India to settle down after retirement. The city has cultural events happening around the year and has healthcare facilities that are senior friendly. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai offer a hassle-free lifestyle by taking care of housekeeping, cooking and other mundane tasks so that our residents can enjoy their golden years doing things that they truly enjoy.

Growing old does not mean slowing down and giving up on happiness. In fact, evidence suggests that happiness levels drop between the late 30s and early 50s. By about the age of 60 happiness levels rebound, possibly because of the experience and knowledge people gain. In today’s world, the concept of ageing is changing as seniors stay healthier and physically active for longer than ever before. They are more than willing to embrace a fulfilling and positive retirement in a rich and vibrant cultural atmosphere facilitated by today’s retirement homes in India. Here are a few things that retirement homes in India like ours are doing to help seniors make positive lifestyle changes: Active physical life: “Before I moved to a retirement home, I didn’t have a proper schedule and could not take time out for yoga. I was busy with household chores and cooking. Now that I have joined the yoga classes conducted at the community, I feel less stressed and tired,” said Naina Gupta (name changed), a 60- year- old resident of a retirement community. At our retirement homes in India, residents are encouraged to exercise and keep themselves fit. Our residents have access to fully equipped gyms, exercise classes and indoor and outdoor games facilities. Whether residents are looking for yoga classes, a quick game of tennis or an intense workout session, our senior living communities provide them with state-of-the-art amenities. Worry-free living: Mrs Shefali Reddy’s (name changed) two biggest passions are reading and travelling. She said that moving to a senior living community in the heart of the city of Bangalore has allowed her and her husband to live their retirement dream. Now they travel around the world every year worry-free knowing their home is looked after professionally. When she is not travelling, she spends time reading and volunteering at the community’s library. She helps the staff curate the growing collection of books. Living in a retirement home in India also means that all your maintenance and security worries are taken care of, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. With more spare time on your hands, you can learn new hobbies and meet like-minded residents. To help our residents have an active social life, we have several scheduled activities including photography classes, spiritual programs, art and music lessons, movie nights, board games and gym groups, to name a few. At our retirement homes, we have well-stocked libraries as well as several active book clubs where residents can participate in engaging discussions. To know more about activities at our communities, call us on +91 8884555554. Staying connected: As people get older, getting in touch with friends and family can be quite emotionally rewarding. Our wellness team helps residents learn how to use social media and video chats so that they can stay in touch with their friends and family. Residents can also invite their friends over for movie screenings, dinner parties and celebrations. Getting older comes with its own set of challenges. However, by embracing positive lifestyle changes, seniors can maximise the good aspects of ageing. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we help seniors focus on leading a healthier and positive life. At our retirement homes in India, we provide residents with an array of conveniences that allow them to focus on doing things they love. By addressing the challenges of ageing, we let our residents focus on the positives of growing old. To know about the average cost of living in our retirement homes, get in touch with us at +91 8884555554 or visit our facilities.