Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

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.

American author Hellen Keller, famously said, that “No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” Maintaining the right attitude affects every aspect of one’s life, regardless of age. As you grow old, a positive attitude towards ageing can help you live independently. Here are a few tips to age positively from one of the leading senior living homes in Coimbatore Exercise for better gait and balance: As people grow old, they experience an age-related decline in balance, and this hinders their independence. However, by following a regular exercise regimen, they can improve balance, strengthen bones, and prevent many age-related problems. At our senior living homes in Coimbatore, we have a senior-friendly gym to help seniors with strength training. We also have yoga programs to help seniors strengthen their core muscles and boost cardiovascular fitness. Don’t procrastinate: Procrastination won’t get you anywhere. It stops you from getting important things done and as time slips away your to-do list will grow longer with unchecked tasks. Seniors who procrastinate experience stress and low self-esteem and, in few cases, it even leads to serious mental health conditions such as depression and severe anxiety. Get help for household chores: Hire help to do household chores like tending the garden, sorting laundry and buying groceries so that you can enjoy your golden years without any worries. With more time on your hands, you can pick up new hobbies, meet friends and pursue activities that you enjoy doing. When you choose to stay in our senior citizen retirement home in Coimbatore, all the household tasks are taken care of by our trained staff. Stay socially engaged: Maintaining social connections and creating new ones is vital for physical and emotional health. As nuclear families are on the rise, it becomes even more important to socially engage with people who share the same interests as you. To build new friendships, you can join a language class or a music class. At our senior citizen retirement homes in Coimbatore, we organise social, recreational, and educational activities that help our residents enjoy a good social life.

Staying healthy is a long-term commitment that requires one to take a proactive approach to health and wellness. As one of the leading senior homes in Bangalore, we support our residents through all dimensions of wellness – mind, body and spirit. To know more about our resident-focused programs and state-of-the-art amenities, call us on +91 8884555554. Stop procrastinating on your health goals and take a proactive approach Here’s how seniors can take a proactive approach to health and wellness: Schedule annual checkups: Regular health screenings can help you make sure that you find health issues before they escalate into something bigger. By keeping a tab on vital parameters like blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other health indicators, you can seek timely medical intervention and accordingly make lifestyle changes. At our senior homes in Bangalore, we conduct regular preventive screening tests so that our residents are aware of their health status. Be mindful of your nutrition: As you age, it is important that you are mindful of your eating habits. Eat vegetables and fruits that are loaded with essential nutrients and cut down on processed food. Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight can help you stay active and independent. To encourage healthy eating, our staff ensures that the meals for our residents are made from fresh ingredients and meet the nutritional needs of seniors. Do not sit for long hours at one place: Something as simple as a 30-minute walk every day after meals is good for your cardiovascular health. With facilities such as swimming pools, well-lit jogging tracks and well-equipped gyms, our senior living community in Bangalore encourages its residents to stay physically active. Residents can also participate in daily yoga and aerobics classes. Get adequate sleep: It is important to get good quality sleep regularly so that you feel rested when you wake up. However, when people grow old, they may find it difficult to sleep. Exercising regularly and having a proper sleeping routine can help you get good quality sleep. Build healthy relationships: When it comes to healthy living, your social health matters a lot. Learning a new language or joining a fitness class are some of the ways to meet new people who share the same interests as you. At our senior living homes in Bangalore, we have several scheduled activities such as Sanskrit learning class, music and art classes which help our residents keep themselves socially engaged and intellectually stimulated.

Regardless of age, sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are associated with numerous health risks. However, people over the age of 60 face unique challenges they lead a sedentary life. It not only affects their physical health but also their emotional wellbeing. As one of the best retirement homes in Bangalore, we believe in the benefits of happy and active living, at a pace our residents desire. If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, here are a few simple things you can do to enjoy an active and fulfilling retired life: Start with regular walks: One of the best ways to get yourself moving and stay physically active is to go for morning and evening walks. Being easy on the joints, walking helps you maintain a healthy weight and improves blood circulation. You can start with 15-minute walks, once in the morning and once at night. Our retirement homes in Bangalore have rubberised jogging paths to prevent falls and to support the knees. The walking and jogging paths are well-lit so that residents can walk at any time of the day. Join a senior-friendly gym: If you wish to be a bit more active, join a senior-friendly gym. With easy access to different equipment, you can try various age-appropriate exercise routines. You can also workout with a friend who can keep you motivated to stick to the gym routine. Our premium retirement community living facility in Bangalore has a gym powered with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength-training equipment for seniors. Reduce time spent sitting: The best way to break the sedentary lifestyle is to avoid sitting for long hours. While watching TV, you can do stretching exercises during commercial breaks. Move around the house while talking over the phone or do light household chores while standing. Start yoga and swimming: Yoga and swimming are ideal exercises for seniors. Without putting too much stress on joints, they help seniors gain flexibility. The best part about doing yoga is that it doesn’t leave one exhausted. At our premium senior living facility in Bangalore, we have aerobics and a yoga deck to help seniors relax and enjoy their workout sessions. Join a sports club: Our retirement homes have facilities for indoor and outdoor games like table tennis, billiards, and other games. The idea behind these is to ensure that our residents lead an active lifestyle.

Retirement is the perfect time to take up a new hobby. Learning a new hobby helps seniors experience pure joy. Being one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we encourage our residents to pursue their passions and change the course of their lives. take their lives in a new direction. Our concierge team and other staff members ensure that our residents have all the help they need to start a new hobby. If you are living in a senior citizen home and want to learn a new hobby, here are some easy and simple tips to do the same: Make a list: Write down your interests and motivations. Once you have your list, zero in on the hobbies you want to start learning right away. Then make a list of things you would require for your learning. Check with the senior citizen home if they can help you find a suitable class and mentor. If the senior citizen home you are living in, is offering a group class, you can join that and start learning the skills. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have yoga classes, aerobics and art and craft sessions for our residents to help them pursue new interests. We also host inter-community competitions to give our residents an opportunity to showcase their newly acquired talent to a larger group. Be realistic: Whether you want to know the nitty-gritties of sewing or learn how to paint, setting realistic expectations is the best way to approach a new hobby. For instance, instead of planning to dedicate five days for sewing classes, start with two days and then gradually increase the intensity as per your interest and comfort. Be regular with your practice time – practice at the same time and on the same days. Get more people on board: Ask around to see if any of your fellow residents are interested to learn the same activity as you. Trying new things with others can make the learning process a lot more interesting and fun. You will also have more reasons to show up on time for the classes. Join an online community: If the hobby that you want to pursue is not available offline, you can join an online class or community that share the same interests. There are countless online communities that will help you connect with your creative side. At our senior citizen homes, there are Wi-Fi-enabled clubhouses so that our residents can pursue online learning with other residents. Whether you want to develop your artistic side by learning a musical instrument or to join an online writing workshop – there is a wide range of hobbies that you can pursue after retirement. If you live in a senior citizen home, learning a new skill becomes easier as you no longer have to worry about household chores and lawn care. Are you planning to move to a senior citizen home but wondering what the average monthly cost is? The monthly cost for a senior citizen home differs from city to city. For more information on the average monthly cost of our retirement homes, get in touch with us on +91 8884555554.

After a lifetime spent in a beloved family home, active retirees are embracing the prospect of evaluating and moving to a retirement home. For many, it offers an opportunity to live in a peaceful and safe environment, where they can participate in a wide range of activities, with access to 24-hour care and emergency assistance. However, to enjoy the retired life of their dreams in a senior living community, it’s important for seniors to choose a facility that meets their unique needs.When it comes to choosing the right retirement home in India, one of the key factors is the facilities offered. The average monthly cost of a retirement home largely depends on the facilities and services that are being provided. As buying a retirement home is a huge financial and personal decision, you need to ensure that the services being offered by the retirement home will help you enjoy a long and happy retirement that is free from worries. Here are some of the facilities offered by the best retirement homes in India: Senior-friendly accommodation: Our retirement homes in Bangalore, The Virtuoso, is designed keeping in mind the needs of seniors.  The senior living community is home to regular gatherings and celebrations at the clubhouse which has a restaurant, bistro, spa, multipurpose hall, yoga deck and barbeque area. To keep our residents healthy and happy, we have a health centre, swimming pool, theatre, gymnasium, and medical and wellness centre, and rubberised jogging track. There is a library for those who enjoy reading. All these common amenity areas have been designed as senior friendly in terms of space planning, interior finishes, furniture (heights, arm rests, back rests ) and lighting. Apartments the master bedroom along with the bathroom and kitchens are wheel chair compliant. Maintenance: Several retirement homes provide laundry and housekeeping services. At our retirement homes, housekeeping, 24X7 maintenance service and battery-operated vehicles for intra-community mobility are also available for residents. Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities: Recreational activities are often associated with physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore the best retirement homes in India offer indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. At our retirement homes in India, the clubhouse offers fitness facilities, and the games room is where residents can play, bond with others and stave off the feeling of isolation. Single-window helpdesk: Whether you need cabs or help with booking tickets, many retirement homes in India offer assistance through a single-window helpdesk. At our retirement homes, there is a dedicated helpdesk to cater to your specific needs. From organising customised housekeeping help for specific tasks to hiring vehicles, our staff at the helpdesk is always at the service of our residents. On-site ambulance service: When you are selecting a retirement home, check whether it has tie-ups with the nearest hospitals for emergency care as well as regular medical check-ups. Our retirement homes in India have emergency care with a 24X7 on-site ambulance service and doctor on call. All the rooms have emergency alarm systems so that trained and skilled security personnel can swing into action without any delay. We have also partnered with nearby hospitals for round-the-clock care. How much do these facilities cost? The average monthly cost of a retirement home in India could be anything between Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000 (excluding meals). The cost varies depending on the city, location and facilities offered. An independent unit in a retirement home could cost anything from Rs 30 lakh for a small 1 BHK to over Rs 1 crore for a 3-BHK.

If you are looking for a retirement home in India either for yourself or your loved ones, here is a list of FAQs and their answers that will help you make an informed decision: What kind of retirement homes are there in India? There are 2 categories of retirement homes in India, independent senior living homes and assisted living facilities. The former is ideal for seniors who wish to lead an active life and the latter is ideal for those who require assistance for performing daily activities. What is the cost of retirement homes in India? The cost of senior living homes in India depends upon the location and the amenities offered. The cost can range from Rs 25-30 lakhs for a one BHK apartment to over Rs 1 crore for a three BHK apartment. If you want to know more about the monthly service charges of our retirement homes, call us on +91 8884555554. What are the amenities that retirement homes in India offer? From dining to maintenance and concierge to activity programs, there are a host of amenities that retirement homes in India offer. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can enjoy housekeeping services, 24-hour emergency call system and planned social, educational, and cultural activities. We have dining venues, fitness center, library, Wi-Fi-enabled clubhouse, and buggy facilities for intra-community mobility. Residents can also avail banquet service to host parties. At our select communities, you will also find swimming pool, spa, and salon for our residents. How much does it cost monthly to stay in a retirement home in India? The service charge for a home in a retirement community varies from one city to another. For instance, the monthly cost of a home in a senior living community in metro cities is higher than those in tier-two cities. The monthly cost could be anything from Rs 10,000 to Rs 40,000 excluding meals. What are the various types of accommodation available in retirement homes? Retirement homes offer different types of accommodation; some offer independent villas and large apartments whereas others offer condos and studio apartments. How do retirement homes take care of the medical needs of residents? Many retirement homes in India provide easy access to on-site emergency care. At Columbia Pacific Communities, our Healthcare Partner is Columbia Asia Hospitals. Also, we have partnered with nearby hospitals to provide round-the-clock medical care. Also, a comprehensive geriatric assessment and supportive care is provided through regular medical checkups.

Retirement is a time when you deserve to sit back and relax. But while it is okay to slow down a bit, people these days want to lead an active life. Many people don’t like the word ‘retirement’. They believe it is a transitional phase where they switch from work to other pursuits. Just like any other phase of life, a little bit of preparation can help you enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.     Here are 6 tips to enjoy a successful and rewarding retirement:     Plan for longevity: Healthy lifestyle and medical advancement have helped people live longer than previous generations. You need to ensure that you are financially prepared for a longer retirement. Focus on your health and well-being. The healthier you are, the happier your retirement years will be. Communicate with your spouse: Transition to retirement can be a bumpy ride for couples with each having different expectations. You need to communicate with each other as a team and figure out what works best for you and your spouse. Find your purpose:  For a lot of people their professional life becomes their identity and purpose. Once retirement starts, one needs to look for a strong sense of purpose. Volunteering at a local charity or giving time to your hobbies or getting involved with local groups can help you find a sense of belonging and purpose.   Retirement spending needs: There are many who mistakenly think that once you have retired, there won’t be many expenses. Rather it is the other way around. With more time in hand, you will have more opportunities to spend. Travel and entertainment is something you would not want to miss after working hard for so many years. So while planning your retirement do keep leisure in mind. Make a list of things you would like to do: To make the most out of your retirement years, make a list of all the things you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have time for, before. It can be learning a new language, travelling, gardening, photography or hiking. Having a list in hand will help you plan your retirement years in a structured manner. Where do you wish to live post-retirement: For a  lot of retirees, moving into senior citizen retirement homes seems like a brilliant idea. This opens up a lot of free time as these communities are built for the convenience of retirees. There is no more cooking, housework or any other chores. At our independent senior living communities,  laundry service, concierge, multiple dining facilities and trained in-house 24/7 staff for breakdown or maintenance are available, leaving our residents to enjoy their golden years in comfort.  With careful planning, you can make the most out of your golden years!

Loneliness can hit seniors particularly hard. Factors like the death of a spouse, children moving away, and poor physical health can make it difficult for seniors to stay connected with others. Here are some facts and insights about loneliness and aging:     Loneliness has a negative impact on physical health: Loneliness is not just an unpleasant experience but it can also significantly affect a senior’s overall health, including their physical health. The feelings of loneliness are associated with an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone.  An increase in this hormone can weaken the immune system.     Loneliness increases the risk of depression: Connecting with others is not just a way of passing time, but it also helps in building strong emotional bonds. Lack of social interaction can often lead to depression. According to a 2016  study, lonely people are more prone to depression. The best way to keep loneliness at bay is by being a part of something that you enjoy doing. Picking up a new hobby or taking part in the community events can help you battle loneliness in a better way.     Loneliness raises the risk of dementia: Similar to the effect loneliness has on physical health, it also affects mental health. Loneliness is linked to a higher risk of dementia. Social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has put older adults at greater risk of feeling lonely. To help combat this, our retirement homes at Columbia Pacific Communities are engaging the residents through virtual activities and contests.           To help combat loneliness, senior citizen housing complexes at Columbia Pacific Communities, encourage the residents to socially engage in various activities such as yoga classes, exercises, movie screenings, and workshops. We provide our residents with a supportive and understanding environment where they can socially connect with people their age.  Our wellness team at the community helps residents talk to friends and family through video chats. Our communities also have a multi-purpose hall where one can host birthday parties and dinners.