Rustic charm combines the beauty of natural materials and the simplicity of country living to create warm and inviting spaces. If you prefer a natural and traditional look for your home interiors, incorporating elements such as plants, stone, and wood can enhance the indigenous beauty of your space. As one of the leading senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai, we share some useful insights on rustic charm and home decor.  1. Select earthy tones: Choose earthy tones to create a comfortable and hospitable atmosphere in your home. Warm, muted colours such as green, brown, tan, and beige can bring the outdoors inside and enhance the beauty of the textures and styles of your walls. Soft colours such as light blue, powder pink, and yellow can also be used for a modern rustic look. Using these rustic colours in various elements of your home, from walls and floors to furniture and accessories, can create a warm and inviting environment. 2. Buy wooden furniture: The warmth and natural beauty of wood can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. From the intricate grain patterns to the rich, earthy tones, each piece of wooden furniture is unique and has a story to tell. If you are looking for a classic and versatile furniture style to amp up the rustic charm of your living space, consider buying wooden furniture such as bookshelves, crockery units, or overhead lamps. 3. Mix and match different elements: To create a sense of balance in your home interiors, you can mix and match different elements in equal proportions. Incorporate materials such as bare brick, stone, wooden flooring, floor tiles, rugs, and ceiling tiles to achieve a rustic look. Natural stone floorings, such as marble, granite, slate, limestone, and terracotta, can add sophistication and charm to your space. Consider adding a quirky element, such as a faux fur rug, to elevate the overall look of the space. 4. Add vintage pieces: Vintage pieces such as wall clocks, sofa sets, or flower vases can add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your rustic home decor. Antique shops selling old valuables are great places to find such pieces, which can be made of wood, terracotta, or metals. Incorporating vintage elements such as a multi-purpose wooden trunk, hanging lanterns, or a grandfather clock with a pendulum can revamp the entire space with an old-world charm. These vintage pieces add a bespoke element to your home that complements the overall rustic aesthetic. 5. Embrace imperfections: Rather than concealing or disguising flaws, rustic decor embraces them as part of its charm. The imperfections contribute to the unique and appealing visuals of rustic decor. Including imperfect furniture and decor can add authenticity to your space and imbue it with history and character. Unlike a generic, impersonal space, this results in a distinctive ambiance that tells a story. For instance, the knots in wooden furniture or textured walls, even withered paintings and mirrors – all add character to the space, reflecting your personal style and values. Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai? Explore our senior citizen homes in Chennai. Our retirement homes are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind, providing the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. With spacious living areas, modern amenities, and beautifully landscaped gardens, our retirement homes offer a serene and tranquil environment that will make you feel right at home. To know more about our services and amenities, call us at +91 8884555554.

The coastal city of Chennai experiences a scorching climate during summers. The heat and constant sweating can be overwhelming at times, but the locals have developed various techniques to beat the heat. Staying hydrated is just one of the many ways to cope with the extreme weather. If you are new to the city, here are some useful tips that you can follow to tackle the summers in Chennai. 1. Stay hydrated: Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. If you struggle with staying hydrated throughout the day, use your smart device as a reminder. Set up alarms or notifications at regular intervals to remind you to drink water. To make water taste better, you can add natural flavours such as lime, orange, berries, mint, cucumber, or other fruits to water. Avoid harmful additives such as artificial sweeteners or colours. Another way to hydrate is by drinking coconut water. It is rich in minerals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium and is widely available in Chennai. You can also try buttermilk. With its refreshing taste, buttermilk is an excellent choice for quenching your thirst during hot summer days. 2. Stay refreshed with fresh fruits: ​​During summers, fruits can be a refreshing source of hydration. At home, you can easily create fresh mixed fruit bowls or make smoothies by blending your preferred fruit, sweetener, and a cup of yoghurt. You can also make milkshakes with mangoes, strawberries, and mixed berries. Also, fruit vendors in Chennai offer a variety of drinks made from watermelon, mangoes, muskmelon, pineapples, kiwi, and grapes. Some vendors even sell mixed fruit bowls with added spices for an extra kick. 3. Avoid spicy food: During the summers, it is important to take precautions to avoid dehydration. One way to do this is by avoiding junk food and spicy meals. Spicy food can cause dehydration and disrupt your digestive system. Spicy meals can increase body heat, making you feel uncomfortable. During summers, it is recommended to have light foods and curries such as yellow chicken curry, lentil and spinach curry, and potato and cauliflower curry. 4. Avoid alcohol: As a diuretic, alcohol causes an increase in urine production and fluid loss. This, coupled with the increased sweating caused by the high temperatures, can result in dehydration and even heat stroke. 5. Shower frequently: Showering frequently during the summer is an essential self-care practice that can cool down the body, cleanse the skin of toxins, limit water loss, and promote overall relaxation and well-being. 6. Avoid too much salt in food: Excessive intake of salt can dehydrate the body by drawing out moisture, which can result in fatigue, dizziness, and overall feeling of sluggishness. Furthermore, a high salt intake can lead to different health issues, including high blood pressure, bloating, and heart-related diseases. Looking for the best senior citizen homes in Chennai? If you are searching online with phrases such as “best retirement homes in Chennai for rent” or “best senior citizen homes in Chennai”, explore our retirement homes. Our senior living communities have been designed with your comfort and well-being in mind. From beautifully landscaped gardens to comfortable living accommodations, we have created an environment that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation. Our team of caring and compassionate staff is always on hand to provide you with the support and assistance you need to live your best retirement life. To know more about our services, call us at +91 8884555554.

If you have always wanted to start your own business, retirement is the perfect time to give wings to your ideas. Starting a business after retirement can be a great way to do something that you love while earning an income to supplement your retirement savings. The experience and wisdom that age brings with it can be used to your advantage. If you are a new retiree and looking to start something of your own, you are on the right page. As one of the leading  retirement homes in Chennai, India, we have curated some business ideas that you can pursue:   1.Online selling: Selling products online is a great way to start your own business. You can sell a wide range of products – from designer clothes and soft toys to perfumes and handmade soaps and candles directly through ecommerce and social media platforms.   2. Homemade food items: If you are good at baking cakes, muffins, or cookies, or making pickles, you can start your small business taking orders from your neighbourhood. There is a growing demand for organic and healthy food, so you can even try your hand at preparing recipes using organic ingredients.   3. Content writing agency: With online businesses growing, the demand for content for these businesses is also immense. Decide what services you wish to offer — SEO content writing, technical writing, social media content writing, or creative writing. To offer different content services, you need to hire content writers as one individual may not have expertise in different types of content writing. Initially, you can hire content writers on a freelance basis and later on a full-time basis as the demand grows. For this, you will first need to create a website through which clients can contact you.   4. Clothing boutique If you know how to design clothes, you can run your small boutique from home.  You can share photos of clothing items that you have created on social media and instant messaging platforms to build the buzz.   5. Become a life coach: Although to become a life coach you do not need any certification, getting certified can help you get started. As a life coach, you can help people cope with different stages of life such as moving to a different country, career change, and even marriage. You can either create your  own website or register on life coaching platforms.   6. Sell gardening produce If you have a garden and you grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables, you can sell the produce online. If you have a small garden, you can start selling your produce in the neighbourhood by sharing details on instant messaging platforms.   Are you looking for retirement homes in Chennai, India? Explore our retirement homes in Chennai, India. From customised housekeeping and laundry to maintenance work – our on-site team helps you enjoy a worry-free retirement lifestyle where you can spend your time doing things that bring you joy. We also offer activities, dining options, and amenities that are designed keeping in mind your convenience, safety, and comfort. Our retirement communities in Chennai also have clubhouse with a party hall where you can host your family and friends. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.

As one grows older, it becomes even more important to eat nutritious meals  and maintain a healthy weight. Reducing sugar intake can help achieve this goal. However, reducing sugar intake can be  quite difficult for seniors with a sweet tooth.    Here are a few insights on sugar consumption that will motivate seniors to reduce their sugar intake:    Sugar is bad for cardiovascular health: Many seniors often love sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks. But they are the biggest sources of added sugar. It has been found that excessive intake of sugar is associated with fat deposits around the heart and in the abdomen, increasing the risks of heart disease and diabetes.  Sugar increases appetite: Often seniors partake of sweetened beverages, baked foods, and sugary cereals thinking that they would make them feel full. However, eating sugar-laden food does the opposite. According to a study, consuming sugar decreases the level of the appetite-suppressing hormone, peptide. Eating sugar-laden foods does not make one feel full; rather it increases the levels of the hunger-promoting hormones. Sugar is bad for gut health: For good gut health, seniors need a diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Sugar has none of these. Natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables are considered nutritional but added sugars have zero nutritional value. Too much sugar, thus, wreaks havoc on the digestive system. According to a study, a diet with a higher amount of sugar-laden food is associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  Sugar does not lift mood: Often seniors grab a bar of chocolate thinking that it will improve their mood. However, according to this study, the idea of a ‘sugar rush’ is a myth. The study finds that instead of improving mood and energy levels, sugar consumption can make people feel fatigued and grouchy.    Here are a few tips that will help seniors reduce their sugar intake:   Stop drinking sugary beverages: Water is the best drink to stay hydrated. However, if seniors want to add flavour to water, they can add fresh herbs and fruits to it. Do not eat processed food:  Candies, cakes, cookies, and doughnuts are all processed foods with high sugar content. Seniors should avoid eating them. To satisfy their sweet cravings, they can eat sweet fruits such as apples, pears, pineapple, and bananas. Cut portion size: It is okay for seniors to sometimes indulge their sweet tooth. However, they must watch out for the portion size. Also, when baking cookies and cakes at home, they can alter the recipe to reduce the amount of added sugar.  Read food labels:  When buying groceries, seniors must check the food labels and choose products that have low sugar content.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai that promote positive ageing?  At our retirement homes in Chennai, we make sure that our residents enjoy a full and varied retirement lifestyle. From age-appropriate gym and activity centres to spacious dining halls for comfortable and well-balanced, nutritious meals, we ensure that our varied facilities help our residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

As you age, your skin naturally ages too. The production of collagen and elastin, proteins that make the skin supple and strong, goes down. Ageing skin looks thinner and paler – however, by taking appropriate care, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy and soft as you age. Here are some skincare tips that can give your skin a fresh start:    1. Avoid hot baths: Use warm or lukewarm water for bathing, instead of hot water. Though a hot, steamy shower or bath especially during the winter feels good, hot water strips away the natural moisture of the skin, making it excessively dry.    2. Use gentle skin care products: Use soaps and bath gels that are moisturising. Harsh soaps and alcohol-based products increase the dryness of the skin. You can also oil your skin for extra moisturisation. Use products that contain Vitamins C and E as they encourage the growth of new collagen.    Note: Avoid using oils in the bathroom as they make the tub slippery, increasing the risk of falling. Always dry your skin and sit in a comfortable position to apply oil.    3. Use creamy and fragrance-free moisturiser after bath: After bathing, use moisturisers that are formulated for dry skin. Moisturising helps ease the dryness and restores your skin’s protective barrier. When the skin is well-hydrated, the chances of cracks and itchiness are low.    4. Protect your skin from the sun: Whether you are running errands or stepping out for gardening, always apply sunscreen. Choose the spf level according to the harshness of the sun in your location. 5. Keep yourself hydrated: Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed. It also helps the skin maintain its elasticity. Make sure you get enough fluid on every part of your exposed skin. Dehydration can make skin more vulnerable to cracking, dryness and itchiness.  6. Eat a balanced diet: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Walnuts, avocados, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are some of the foods that are good for skin health. Add low-fat or fat-free dairy products to your daily diet.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai? As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we encourage our residents to lead a holistic lifestyle that enhances their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With an excellent range of community facilities offering every opportunity for a meaningful and worry-free retirement, our senior living communities are ideal for those who do not believe in the conventional notions of senior living, and demand a fuller life. To know more about us, call us at +91 88845 55554.

2021 has been an incredibly hard year for many of us. After a year like that, setting new year resolutions can be hard. However, the beginning of the year is a moment of reflection, celebration, and making peace with the low points of the previous year. The best way to set new year resolutions and stick to them is to make sure that your resolutions resonate with your core values. Here we share with you 5 steps to lead a more meaningful 2022. Whether you choose one or all five, these steps will help you truly make an impact:  Be kind to yourself: “To love oneself,” wrote Oscar Wilde, “is the beginning of a life-long romance.” This year, be intentionally positive when you talk about yourself. Positive self-talk is a great way to subdue the critical voice that is often self-deprecatory. Embrace little imperfections because these make you who you truly are.  Give back to the community: For a meaningful 2022, there is no better way than giving back to the community. Give your time and talent to inspire others. You can volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. You can also help underprivileged children study or prepare youngsters for job interviews – your valuable time can make a world of difference to their lives. Spend more time with loved ones:Spending quality time together is the best way to show your loved ones that you care for them. Reach out to your loved ones, family, or friends, and plan activities together. Quality time does not have to be confined to having meals together.  Read to your grandchildren, plan monthly excursions, schedule game nights, or go for after-dinner walks. Make your passion a habit: Ever since you were little, you must have heard people saying ‘pursue your passion’. But now that you have retired, what does that phrase mean to you? Well, instead of waiting for something to find you, find ways to cultivate your passion. Start a hobby class or join a hobby group. Try different things as your passion may not lie in just one thing. Get closer to nature:Spending time in nature not only uplifts your mood but also brings many health benefits. It has been found that  access to natural surroundings, such as beaches or parks, promote sound sleep amongst seniors. Not just that, it also helps in reducing psychological stress and keeping depression at bay.     Looking for retirement homes in Chennai?   If you are looking for retirement homes in Chennai, check out Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar by Columbia Pacific. Our retirement homes provide a holistic environment and support system that enable our seniors to remain physically and socially active while doing things that they enjoy the most. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 88845 55554.

According to a study, optimistic people not only experience reduced stress but also lead a healthy lifestyle. Having a positive outlook in life can influence different aspects. For instance, positive thinking improves overall well-being by helping you feel better about yourself. However, when things are not going your way, creating positive energy may seem difficult. While some people are naturally optimistic, some may have to make conscious efforts to harness the power of positivity. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you useful tips to channel positive energy:    1. Make yourself a priority: Negative thoughts about yourself can adversely affect virtually every aspect of your life, including your confidence, relationships, and your health. The first step that you should do is to take good care of your inner thoughts. If you feel good about yourself, you will automatically feel good about things and the people around you. Look after yourself and make it a habit to do things that make you feel good.    2. Do not dwell on negative emotions: Focusing on negative emotions is not only unpleasant, but it also results in low esteem and a heightened sense of frustration. You may have a solution to the problem you are facing but negative thoughts can make it difficult for you to recognise the solution. It is important to distinguish between a fact and a negative emotion. Being positive means paying attention to your thoughts and evaluating them on the basis of reason and then responding to the situation.    3. Find sources of positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement promotes positive behaviour. To make constant positive reinforcement a part of daily life, incorporate positive reminders in your daily life. From something as simple as a motivational quote to reading  inspiring books, there are many sources of positive reinforcement. Find your own unique sources of positivity that work for you.     4. Use positive words: Self-deprecating or self-limiting language is damaging as it increases stress and prevents you from thinking positively. As the mind fixates on negative words, it becomes all the more difficult to find the solutions that you are looking for. It is thus important that you choose your words carefully. For instance, instead of saying, “I cannot handle this situation”, try saying, “How can I handle this situation better?”.    5. Savour the good moments: Life is full of ups and downs. However, many times people let the good moments pass without celebrating them. Appreciate the small pleasures that life has to offer. Whether you are walking in a garden or watching the sunrise, be in the moment and savour it.    Starting your day on a positive note is a great way to create positive energy every day. At our retirement homes in Chennai, the day starts with yoga and breathing exercises – which sets the tone of the day. At our retirement homes, you will enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas, 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 in a positive way without worrying about daily chores and maintenance. To know more about us, call us at  +91 8884555554.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, including elderly individuals. Life changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, illnesses, or feelings of reduced independence can trigger eating disorders among seniors. Eating disorders may often go unnoticed in seniors as many older people may experience changes in their diets and appetites as they age. If untreated, eating disorders in later life can lead to a high rate of morbidity or even death.  It is therefore important to look out for signs of eating disorders and address them timely.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful insights on eating disorders among seniors: 1. Signs of eating disorders: The following are some warning signs that could indicate that an elderly individual is struggling with an eating disorder: a. Losing weight drastically  b. Skipping meals c. Making excuses not to eat  d. Often making negative comments on weight  e. Frequently going to the bathroom after meals 2. Types of eating disorders: Eating disorders are forms of mental health conditions that accompany other conditions such as depression or anxiety. They often require the intervention of medical and psychological experts. Some of the common eating disorders are: a. Anorexia nervosa: Elderly suffering from anorexia nervosa tend to severely restrict their food intake, even to the point of starving themselves. Usually, people with anorexia nervosa fear gaining weight and have an extreme reaction to this perceived body image.  b. Bulimia nervosa: Commonly called bulimia, it is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Elderly with bulimia eat large amounts of food and then they try to get rid of the extra calories in unhealthy ways — typically by using laxatives or forcing themselves to vomit.  c. Binge-eating disorder: Elderly with binge-eating disorder may eat a lot of food in a short amount of time, even when they are not hungry. Unlike bulimia, people with binge-eating disorder do not try to get rid of the food. However, they feel shame or loss of control after meals. 3.Helpful tips: Elderly suffering from eating disorders must take the help of a medical professional. Also, it is important for them to embrace a healthy lifestyle and better diet choices. Here are a few helpful strategies:  a. Keep a food and mood diary: Identifying personal triggers can be an important step in controlling impulsive eating. b. Practise mindfulness: By being more aware of what triggers certain food habits, elderly individuals can exercise better self-control.  c. Choose healthy foods: A wholesome diet rich in protein and healthy fats will help satisfy hunger and provide much-needed nutrients. d. Start exercising: Exercise not only improves body image but also reduces anxiety by releasing feel-good hormones.  e.Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep is associated with higher calorie intake. It is therefore important that seniors get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep per night.Seniors often struggle making healthy meals for themselves. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we ensure that our residents enjoy healthy, delicious, fresh, and nutritious meals daily. Trained nutritionists design the menu keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors. There are regular review meetings with the F&B team so that our residents can share their suggestions and feedback. All our retirement homes have spacious dining halls so that the meal-times are relaxed and comfortable. If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Many seniors are adopting a holistic lifestyle that involves more than physical health. It is aimed at nourishing the mind, body, and soul. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we have curated some senior health and wellness trends that we think you may benefit from:    1. Leverage the power of technology: The popularity of smart wearable technologies is increasing in seniors. They are using these technologies to keep a tab on their physical activity, calorie intake, and monitor their sleep patterns. It has been found that these wearable devices encourage users to be more active by sending motivational notifications and helping them compare statistics with their peers. Some wearable devices are specially designed for seniors that help them monitor important health markers such as heart rate, heart rhythm, and oxygen levels. There are many apps that use intelligent fall detection and automatic alerts for emergency assistance. These apps use sensors to monitor the movements of the user. By detecting the abrupt changes in body movements, these apps identify falls and alert emergency services.  2. Focus on gut health: Seniors are focusing on diet plans that are gut-friendly and meet their nutritional needs. Numerous studies show a connection between gut health and overall wellness. There are over 1,000 types of bacteria in a human gut microbiome and each type plays a different and important role in the body. Gut microbiomes are extremely important for digestive health, sugar control, and heart health.    3. Alternate wellness measures: Ayurveda and other ancient texts provide guidance on leading a holistic lifestyle. The ayurvedic way of life includes making healthy changes in all aspects of one’s life – from dietary and behavioural to psychological. Seniors are adopting ayurvedic principles in their day-to-day activities to restore the balance between body, mind, and emotions.    4. Lifelong learning: Just as the body needs physical exercise, the brain too needs mental workouts. Picking up a new skill or learning something new is not just good for brain health but also good for emotional health. Pursuing new knowledge slows down cognitive decline and at the same time boosts self-confidence.    5. Managing stress: Though stress is an integral part of life, seniors should make a conscious effort to reduce stress that improves their overall health. It has been found that elevated levels of stress can adversely affect one’s health as it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. By simplifying their lifestyle, many seniors are focusing on things they enjoy doing rather than doing things that just fill their day.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we focus on holistic wellness. From hobby classes and fitness workshops to health screenings – our services and facilities are designed to ensure that our residents meet their wellness goals. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know more about our retirement homes in Chennai.

Regular exercising has many benefits for seniors – it not only reduces the risk of chronic health conditions but also keeps seniors in a good mood. It is recommended that seniors should do moderate-intensity aerobic activities for at least 30 minutes on five days of the week. However, during the colder months, it can be a challenge. As one of the leading senior living homes in Chennai, we share simple ways to help seniors exercise during the winters:    1. Practise indoor exercise: To minimise the risk of falls during the winter, seniors should practise balance and strength exercises such as yoga, step-ups, chest stretches, and half squats. All these exercises can be done in the comfort of your home.    2. Attend a virtual exercise class: Seniors who are homebound during winters can attend online exercise classes. There are many online apps that offer group and one-on-one exercise sessions. From low-impact exercises to Zumba, seniors have many options to choose from. They can also ask their family and friends to join the classes. They can all exercise together from their homes and at the same time connect with each other.    3. Game nights: Organising game nights can be fun and at the same time it would help seniors keep their mind and body active. Such social activities will not only help seniors get some exercise but will also help them bond with their family and friends. Do make sure you do not stretch yourself and make sure you go to bed early.    4. Light dance: Dancing is a perfect exercise for winters – it helps seniors build muscle strength and increase flexibility without stepping outside. Seniors can organise light dancing sessions with friends and family or join an online dance class. Also, dancing has many mental benefits. A study indicated that dance sessions can reduce stress and improve social relations, general life satisfaction, and physical and psychological health.  Seniors searching for retirement homes in Chennai can explore Serene Pushkar and Serene Adinath by Columbia Pacific. We offer facilities that allow our residents to live a lifestyle that lets them define retirement on their terms. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.