Art is an excellent means of expression regardless of one’s age. However, it becomes even more advantageous for individuals as they age, as it boosts their emotional well-being and offers numerous health benefits. Seniors can benefit greatly from engaging in creative activities such as painting and drawing. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we share with you some of the useful insights on painting and drawing:  Simple projects: Take up simple projects and start small. In case you are new to painting, it is likely that your painting instructor will teach you to start with simple pencil drawings such as shapes and figures. These do not require a lot of experience and involve drawing simple objects such as trees, fruits, and sceneries. Different mediums: You can discover your own creative potential by experimenting with different drawing and painting mediums such as acrylic and watercolours. This process can be enjoyable and rewarding, allowing you to express yourself creatively while developing new skills and techniques. Right tools: The right tools can make painting a much more enjoyable experience. Pencils are the most common tool for drawing. They come in different hardness levels, from 9H (hard) to 9B (soft). Charcoal is also a popular tool that can be used to create both light and dark lines. Erasers are also a must-have tool for artists – they are used for correcting mistakes and creating highlights. Choosing the right paper is also important for drawing – you can choose from different papers such as sketch paper, drawing paper, and watercolour paper. Classes or workshops: Attend different art classes and workshops hosted by eminent and popular artists in the city. They will help you gain knowledge on different techniques and brush strokes. Enjoy the process: Painting and drawing is a way of self-expression. When you create something based on your perception of perfection, it is unique and equally beautiful. Avoid thinking about achieving perfection. Art is about creation. Enjoy the journey of creation rather than stress about the final product.   Benefits of painting and drawing for seniors: Joining a painting class can provide you with an excellent opportunity to socialise and interact with like-minded individuals. Painting classes offer you a chance to communicate with other students and develop new relationships. Even shy and introverted seniors can benefit from painting workshops, as they can gain exposure and create meaningful connections with fellow art lovers. Painting can help you exercise and improve your fine motor skills. As you handle and use a brush correctly, while keeping your hands steady, you can improve your body coordination. Regular painting can also help prevent stiffness and inflammation, reducing pain from conditions such as arthritis and hypertension. Painting is a creative art form that lets you express yourself. When you pick up your brushes and start to colour, you are likely to experience feelings of pleasure, happiness, and satisfaction. Also, painting can have a meditative and calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. It can also improve focus and enhance relaxation. At our senior citizen apartments in India, we offer a lively and warm environment that helps residents freely express themselves. We host different classes and activities based on their interests. Our goal is to help them lead an active, happy, and fun-filled retirement.   Want to know more on senior apartments and independent living? Explore our senior citizen apartments in India. Our residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and spend their time as they want to, all while having the comfort of knowing that someone is available to assist them if needed. To know more about our retirement homes in India, call us at +91 8884555554.

A good night’s sleep is important for the physical and mental well-being of seniors. Though experts recommend eight hours of sleep at night, many seniors fail to get it. When not addressed timely, sleep problems can put seniors at risk of serious medical conditions, including diabetes and heart diseases. Sleep disorder in seniors has also been associated with depression. Sleep deprivation affects mood and those suffering from depression often find it hard to sleep. It is a vicious cycle. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we have curated useful insights on how sleep affects depression: 1. Poor quality sleep increases the risk of depression: A person’s mood heavily depends on how well he or she sleeps each night. While not getting sleep before some important events is natural, inadequate sleep that spans over weeks or months spells trouble for one’s mental well-being. It has been found that even mildly insufficient sleep is linked to an increased risk for depression and anxiety 2. Sleep apnea and depression: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes one to stop breathing during sleep. It causes insomnia, fatigue, and headaches that can affect daily life. According to a study, untreated sleep apnea can cause people to suffer from depression. Depression and sleep apnea have similar symptoms such as: Fatigue  Too much sleepiness in the daytime  Irritability Difficulty focusing Headaches Poor sleep quality 3. Insomnia and sleep: According to a study, people with chronic insomnia are at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression. Though the relationship between sleep and depression is quite complex, seniors can benefit from following a healthy lifestyle that includes good sleep habits. Here are some healthy lifestyle changes that can promote better mental well-being and good sleep: Stick to a sleep routine: Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time can help the body follow a schedule. Sticking to a schedule can help the body prepare itself for sleep. Here is an insightful read on improving sleep hygiene.  Practise relaxation techniques: It can be difficult to sleep when the mind is not calm. Breathing exercises for relaxation, a warm bath, meditating, reading, and journaling positive thoughts are a great way to unwind before the end of the day. These activities help prepare the body for a restful night’s sleep. Note: If seniors suspect that sleep disorder is causing anxiety or depression, they must consult a medical expert. If diagnosed with sleep disorder, treatment must be sought without delay.    As one of the premium retirement homes in India, our priority is the overall well-being of our residents. In addition to conducting regular health checkups, we offer our residents a myriad of opportunities to stay physically and socially active. Our social calendar includes a wide variety of activities such as yoga, aerobics, and dance classes that keep our residents physically active and mentally engaged in a productive and healthy way. To know about our retirement homes in India and services we offer, call us at +91 8884555554.

Creating a tidy and clutter-free living space gives seniors the confidence to move around easily. By making a few tweaks to the layout and making some sensible architectural choices, seniors can easily modify the decor to incorporate safety and accessibility features.    If you are planning to make your home senior-friendly, either for yourself or for your loved ones, here are some practical tips that you may find helpful:    Mind the traffic flow: Rearrange the furniture in the living room as well as the rest of the house in such a way that there is enough space to walk around. To reduce the risk of seniors knocking over or bumping into objects, decorative items should not be placed on the pathways.  Buy suitable furniture: Many seniors find it difficult to get up from low height furniture. Hence, avoid low floor seating. Buy furniture according to the body structure. For instance, furniture with deeper seats is an ideal option for seniors who are tall.   Make sure the house is well-lit: All the rooms should have proper visibility. The entryways and pathways should be well-lit. All the dark corners should have lights. You can also install easily accessible bedside lamps that can come in handy at night.   Choose the floor carefully: While selecting the floor for the house, make sure it is not slippery, is easy to walk on, and is easy to maintain. Select an option that provides the most cushioning if you or your loved one falls. For instance, cork flooring offers a cushioning effect and reduces the severity of an injury in case of a fall. Install grab bars in bathrooms: Install a grab bar near the toilet seat, in the shower, and near the washbasin. Grab bar offers additional support to seniors while sitting down or getting up.  A word of caution: only use grab bars. Do not use towel rails as they are not meant to take the weight of a person. Avoid loose rugs and carpets: While rugs and carpets add texture and colour to the room, they can be a tripping hazard. If you want to place rugs in your home, secure them to the floor or go for the ones with anti-slip rug underlays.   . Senior living in India: searching for a retirement home?  Our senior living communities in India have been designed to accommodate the changing needs of seniors. The apartments have anti-skid tiles in the bathrooms and grab rails are strategically placed. There is a panic button in each dwelling to provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Practising self-care isn’t always easy as most people are often too occupied to make time for  themselves.  When you take time for self-care, you can end up feeling guilty. But spending some ‘me-time’ can have positive effects such as improved emotional health and physical well-being. Being one of the best senior living communities in India, we encourage our residents to spend time doing things they really care about and love.  Here are a few useful tips to help you take better care of yourself. We also discuss how we facilitate self-care in our senior living communities: Find your flow: The key to living a long and happy life is to find your creative flow. When a person is challenged to do new things such as painting, yoga or learning a new language, it has many positive benefits. When you are engaged in a creative activity, you sharpen your problem-solving skills, improve fine motor skills and reduce stress. By organising regular art and craft workshops, hobby classes and other such activities, we help our residents find their creative flow. Put yourself first: Often you may find it hard to put yourself first and find a space where you can be indulgent. If you have been wanting to watch a particular movie or eat at your favourite restaurant, do not let your schedules hold you back. Making time for yourself and for things you love will leave you feeling energised and happy. Housekeeping services ensure that residents do not have to fret over daily chores. Having a worry free lifestyle gives our residents more time to do what they enjoy. From cinematic experience to yoga classes, we help our residents enjoy the little pleasures of life. Take a deep breath: Deep breathing is a great way to meditate and spend time with yourself. Deep breathing techniques relax the brain and boost energy. A few minutes of mindful breathing can help you calm yourself, clear your mind and bring in positive energy. It is for this reason that in our senior living communities the day starts with yoga classes that teach residents many beneficial breathing exercises. Try something new: Have you always wanted to try a new hobby such as playing a musical instrument or painting or dancing? Learning new skills is a great way to spend time with yourself in a creative way. It keeps anxiety at bay and makes the mind sharp and alert. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we encourage our residents to participate in activities such as dance and music lessons, art and craft workshops and language classes.

Finding a retirement home that matches your parents’ needs, budget and lifestyle can be daunting, as there are multiple factors to consider. However, when you narrow down the factors that matter the most to your parents and your family, the once daunting task becomes a simple one. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have rounded up some of the factors that you must take into consideration: Location: Deciding the location is an important factor. The place where you should retire must have high liveability indicators, good infrastructure, mild weather, healthcare facilities and recreational avenues. Though no one dream location matches every one’s wishes, you must ensure that the basics are met and things that are important to your parents are part of the facilities. Must-have amenities: Before choosing a retirement home for your parents, make a list of must-have amenities. Retirement years without having to worry about daily chores can enhance your parents’ quality of life. Our senior living communities in India offer maintenance and repair services, housekeeping, 24×7 security and dining options. Safety and security: How safe is the retirement home where your parents want to live? Living in a secure gated community will give your parents a sense of security without losing their independence. At our senior living communities, you will find the best security measures in place. The common areas are manned by security personnel and CCTV cameras are strategically placed. Not just that, each room is equipped with a panic button so that immediate assistance can be sought without any delay. Focus on wellness: Though it is inevitable that your parents will grow old, a retirement home that focuses on wellness can help your parents stay physically active. At our senior living communities, we focus on overall well-being of our residents. Facilities like fully equipped gyms, aerobics classes, yoga classes and swimming pools enable residents to stay active in more than one way. Vibrant atmosphere: Check the social and communal atmosphere of the retirement homes. Making new friends is one of the perks of staying in a retirement home, provided the facility offers well-planned social activities. We have cultural committees in our retirement homes that curate programs and coordinate activities to encourage our residents’ mental wellbeing. Healthcare facilities: As your parents age, health can change rapidly. When evaluating senior living communities, look for the facilities that offer emergency healthcare services. Having a partnership with nearby hospitals such as our retirement homes do can help residents get round-the-clock care. While you can do much of the legwork for your parents, it’s important to have regular discussions with them because ultimately, it is your parents who have to take the final call. To schedule a visit to our communities, call us on +91 8884555554. Read More – How to Find the Best Place to Buy a Retirement Home? How You Help Your Aging Parents in Their Search for the Best Retirement Homes in India Retirement Homes in India: A Win-win Situation for Both Parents and Children

You can’t prevent the passage of time, but when you’re proactive about your health, your senior years can be wonderful and comfortable. It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your body. The sooner you start taking care of your health, to the more likely are you to adopt positive ageing. Here we discuss a few healthy choices that you can make to enjoy a healthier, longer, and happier life. Tips for mindful self-care and better health from one of the leading senior living communities in India Tip 1: Do mind-body training exercises: There are several ways to use your thoughts to positively influence your body’s response to stress-inducing situations. You can try different breathing techniques and mind relaxation exercises to manage and reduce stress. At our communities, the day starts with stretching exercises and there are dedicated yoga classes in the mornings and evenings. Tip 2: Engage in mentally stimulating activities: Senior adults benefit from starting a new hobby or playing crossword puzzles or other challenging board games. Such activities not only boost their cognitive abilities but also have a positive effect on their emotional health.  At our communities, there are several workshops and lectures conducted from time to time to engage our residents. In our monthly journal, we feature writings, artwork and photography submitted by our residents. There are several intra-community competitions where our residents get to showcase their creative side. Tip 3: Pause your mind: During meditation, you clear your mind of all the distractions. It lets you detach from all kinds of stressors, thus restoring your body to a state of calm. Meditating every day even for a few minutes can help you gain a sense of calm and balance in your life. Tip 4: Pen down your thoughts: Writing is a great way to express your emotions and thoughts. It helps you clear away negative thoughts that builds up over time. Whether it’s bullet-journaling or a letter to self, writing helps you get clarity on your thoughts and offers you a fresh perspective on issues that need to be addressed. Interesting Read – Happiness Tips for Seniors Living in Community Living Facility

To logically predict the outlook for the senior living sector in 2021, one must examine the various factors that have been impacting society over the last couple of decades and how the once in a lifetime event of 2020 will lift the senior living sector to a completely changed paradigm. Baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) are increasingly finding themselves living on their own. This is a function of two distinct sociological changes that have been taking place in the country over the past couple of decades. In the first place, this generation has given their children the advantage of improved access to quality education. This combined with greater employment opportunities across India and other parts of the world have allowed the children to pursue better and more rewarding careers while taking them away from the home city of their parents. At the same time, better medical facilities, a healthier lifestyle, improved savings, and an aspirational approach to living means more and more “seniors” prefer to live independently, pursue their interests and passions with great vigour after their formal retirement and have the means, the time and the energy to do so. However, with time, these seniors increasingly need to depend on external service providers to support and fulfil their daily needs. This applies as much to security, housekeeping and maintenance requirements as it does to travel for socialising and their medical needs. What the seniors need is an enabler. A service provider who fulfils their day-to-day needs; and a living space that provides them with the necessary infrastructure to enjoy a socially engaging lifestyle. The same space and service provider should also be able to address their current and emergent medical needs. Given that physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual needs change over time, the community and services provider should also be able to adapt and enhance support over time. Well designed and serviced senior living communities are the solution to this requirement. Even before 2020, it was estimated that there was a demand for 200,000 homes in senior living communities in urban India. At that time, less than 20,000 homes – half ready-to-move-in and the other half in various stages of development were available in the country. COVID – 19 and the lockdowns in 2020 exposed how ill-prepared we are as a society to look after the needs of our seniors – especially as they become dependent on others for their daily living. Seniors residing alone in their homes – individual villas or in apartments in mixed-family condominiums found themselves completely at the mercy of others. Their children, unable to travel themselves or provide any assistance from afar were equally distraught at their helplessness. When compared against the experience of seniors living on communities designed to fulfil their needs, the contrast was palpable. Good senior living communities were able to ringfence their residents from the external environment. Continued social interaction with like-minded neighbours and friends while maintaining physical distancing ensured there was no loneliness. Round-the-clock availability of medical support provided peace of mind to residents and their children. It is this experience that is now driving the 4x increase in demand and interest as seen by the velocity in sales in new projects, waiting lists for rental or re-purchase at ready to move in communities, organic traffic to website and support of both friends and family of seniors seeking such a solution. Since senior living communities are a complex combination of real estate, hospitality services and healthcare, with their unique and core specializations, one expects to see more collaborative efforts between developers and service providers as they synergise their competencies to develop solutions for residents. Senior living communities, until recently have been confined to areas outside the heart of the cities or in smaller towns / suburbs. These will change with developers seeing them as an important part of the integrated townships that they develop. I am convinced that given the size of the demand, the real need for this solution, and the growing acceptance of the concept, 2021 will see senior living communities shedding their wholly undeserved perception of being a solution for people who have “no option” to being the “preferred solution” for seniors wanting to enjoy life to the fullest. This article is contributed by Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of RoofandFloor.

Buying a retirement home is a great way to enjoy your golden years in a vibrant community. However, it is also a major financial commitment that requires careful consideration and meticulous planning. Here we discuss a few important factors to consider before taking the leap: Location: Proximity to family and friends, access to healthcare, cost of living and climate are some of the factors that you should consider before choosing the location. Our senior living communities in India are strategically located so that our residents enjoy a tranquil environment and at the same time have easy access to social infrastructure. Worry-free lifestyle: The golden years of your life call for a worry-free lifestyle. As you age, household chores like cleaning the house, preparing meals and maintaining the garden become a burden. At our senior living communities in India, we offer facilities like laundry, housekeeping, and 24×7 maintenance staff to help our residents enjoy their retirement life to the fullest. To know more about the amenities and services offered at Columbia Pacific Communities, call us on +91 8884555554. Senior-friendly features: When looking at senior living communities, pay attention to features like wide corridors, well-lit walking paths and emergency alert systems. The best retirement homes in India are designed to give seniors the best living experience. For instance, the dwelling unit and common areas in our communities have anti-skid flooring and the rooms are designed to allow easy wheelchair access. Future medical needs: At the time of buying a retirement home, you may be healthy and active. But as you grow older, your medical needs are likely to change. The best place to buy a retirement home would be the one with easy access to medical care. All our retirement homes in India have tie-ups with nearby hospitals which means round-the-clock care for our residents. Also, there are emergency medical facilities available on the campus. We currently have senior community living facilities in Pondicherry, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, and Bangalore. Interested in learning more about what life is like at our communities? Contact us today. Interesting Read – How to Start Your Search for the Best Rated Senior Living Community? Amenities You Can Expect at The Best Rated Senior Living Communities Checklist: Selecting The Best Rated Senior Living Communities The Best Cities To Live After Retirement In India

As seniors age, they may find it more difficult to focus on their social lives. With kids moving away or health issues limiting mobility, finding ways to lead a socially active life may become a challenge. With less social interactions, it’s common for seniors to suffer from loneliness and depression, and both have serious emotional and physical consequences. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we take a look at some of the effective ways to help seniors fight loneliness and isolation Help them stay connected with family and friends: At our senior living facilities in Columbia Pacific Communities, we encourage residents to keep in touch with their family and friends. Our residents can invite their friends and families for dinner parties, movie screenings and other activities. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our wellness team helps our residents use social networking websites or video call apps to keep in touch with their loved ones. Residents can also reconnect with their old friends using social networking websites. Help them make new friends: After retirement, seniors have fewer commitments and obligations, giving them a perfect opportunity to explore new interests and at the same time make new friends. To help our residents stay social, we organise several activities that encourage meaningful conversations with like-minded people. At our senior living facilities, we conduct yoga classes, bhajan sessions, dance classes and other group activities that have several social benefits including fostering camaraderie and building friendships. Also, we encourage our residents to pursue new interests – they can join a book club, learn to play a new musical instrument, or try their hand at painting. Help them celebrate birthdays: To help our residents celebrate ageing in a positive way, our team helps them plan birthday parties. Our banquet service can help our residents host a grand birthday party for their family and friends. We, at Columbia Pacific Communities, believe in living life to the fullest. We go the extra mile in providing our residents with as many opportunities as possible to socialise with others. To know more about the vibrant social environment in our senior living communities, visit here Read more – Loneliness And Aging Important Facts And Insights To Check

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.