Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Whether you are throwing a house party for friends and family or staying up late to watch the clock tick 12, you will need delicious food to welcome the New Year. As one of the premium retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you some healthy recipes so that you ring in the New Year on a healthier note:  Recipe 1: Watermelon lemonade  Ingredients:  1 large or 2 small watermelons 250 ml fresh lemon juice  100 gm sugar 1l bottle of soda water (optional)  1 lime, cut into slices Chopped mint Crushed ice How to make it?   Put the chopped pieces of watermelon into the blender and run them till there are no chunks left. Sieve the juice into a mixing bowl or jar. Then add lemon juice and sugar and give it a stir. Add soda, if you like your fruit punch to be crispy. Add ice cubes and mint leaves.  Recipe 2: Chickpea salad  Ingredients:  2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt as per taste Freshly ground black pepper 2 cups of cooked chickpeas  1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved  2 cucumbers, chopped  1/4 cup feta cheese  ¼ cup fresh mint In a large mixing bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Then add the cooked chickpeas, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Transfer to a serving platter and then add feta cheese and garnish with mint.  Recipe 3: Zero oil pulao Ingredients:  2 cups Basmati rice  400 ml milk  Salt to taste 1 tsp turmeric powder  4 tbsp raisins and cashew nuts  1 cup grated carrot and chopped French beans 1 cup of cauliflower florets  2 green chilies slit  2 cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick (medium size) 2 bay leaves 2 to 3 cloves  5 to 6 black peppercorns Chopped coriander leaves How to make it?   Wash the rice and soak it for 30 minutes in water. Heat milk in the pressure cooker and add the whole spices. Let them boil. Add chopped vegetables and green chilies. Add salt as per your taste. Put a pinch of turmeric powder. Add raisins and cashew nuts. Add soaked rice to the pressure cooker. For one cup of rice, add 2 cups of water. Close the pressure cooker’s lid and cook it for one whistle. Garnish with coriander leaves before serving.  Looking for premium retirement homes in Bangalore? Find your dream home at our senior living community in Bangalore  Our premium retirement homes in Bangalore will have spacious and luxurious apartments available in different sizes. Staying physically active will be easy here, with lush, scenic, and pet-friendly grounds that are perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. To know more, book a virtual tour or give us a call at +918884555554.

After the hustle and bustle of holiday gatherings, seniors may feel a social void or isolation. If you too are feeling low after the holidays, acknowledge those feelings by being kind and understanding of yourself. As one of the best retirement homes in Bangalore, we share some insights on how to keep your spirits up when the holidays end. Spend quality time with family and friends The holidays are a time when family, friends, and even ex- colleagues get together to celebrate. However, once the holidays are over, it can be difficult to find time to nurture these relationships. It is important to make time for your loved ones, even after the holidays. You can spend time talking, going for walks, or pursuing hobbies together.  Be gentle on yourself about your New Year resolutions To beat post-holiday blues, start working on your New Year resolutions. However, it is important to be realistic about what you can achieve. If you find yourself struggling to meet your resolutions, do not beat yourself up. Instead, take a step back and reassess your goals. Are they realistic? Do they need to be tweaked? It is also important to remember that resolutions do not have to be all-or-nothing. Make healthy choices After the holidays, it can be difficult to adjust to your daily routine. Unhealthy habits that you picked up during the festive period can leave you feeling sluggish and depressed. To beat post-holiday blues, it is important that you return to healthy habits such as eating healthy food and maintaining a regular exercise routine. Also, meditation practices can help you control your thoughts and avoid anxiety. It is important to follow a regular sleep schedule as well.  Plan to enjoy the year ahead One great way to stay positive after the holidays is to start planning for all the fun events and activities you want to participate in over the course of the year. Whether it is taking a trip with your friends or starting a new hobby, there is sure to be something that will put a smile on your face.  Try journaling Reflect on your holiday and chances are that you will find a story to write. You can prepare a list of new recipes you tried during the holidays, or the holiday gifts you received and sent to your friends and family. Another journaling idea to beat your post-holiday blues is to write down the memories created during the festive season and plan for the next holiday.  Looking for the best retirement homes in Bangalore that promote positive ageing? Explore our retirement homes in Bangalore – we offer senior-friendly amenities and  services that promote positive ageing. Seniors at our retirement homes enjoy their golden years in a vibrant community where they enjoy their days with like-minded community members. They not only enjoy beautiful surroundings and amazing hospitality but also get to choose from a wide variety of social activities. From cooking classes and yoga sessions to movie screening, our calendar of events and activities will keep them busy. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at +918884555554.

After years of hard work, your parents are finally retiring, and you want to make the occasion memorable. As retirement marks the beginning of new innings for your parents, a gift will make the occasion extra special. If you are looking for a great retirement present, we have compiled a list of gifts that will inspire you:  Retirement homes in Kanchipuram If you have reached the point where you can financially help your parents, buying a retirement home for them may seem like a dream come true. Good healthcare facilities and social infrastructure make Kanchipuram an ideal place to retire. Moving to one of the best retirement homes in Kanchipuram will free your parents from daily chores such as cooking, housekeeping, and maintaining the house. Moreover, they will find plenty of opportunities at retirement homes to meet new people and make friends.   World tour  The joy on your parent’s faces as you present them with a thoughtful gift, is perhaps the most rewarding feeling in the world. There is no better gift than an international holiday for your retired parents, given that they will have time and freedom to enjoy. Depending on your budget, you can give them a month-long world tour or a short international vacation.  New television with a streaming device If your parents are coming to terms with the demise of cable TV and have started watching shows on online streaming services, it is time to make the experience extra special. A home theatre with streaming services will make their movie nights extra special.  Robot vacuum If you are looking for a gift that will make your parents’ daily life a little easier and more convenient, a robot vacuum cleaner is a perfect option.  The robot vacuum will be like an extra helping hand at your parent’s home. It will clean the floors of the house easily and continuously while they relax on the couch.  Hobby classes for couples By giving your parents a subscription to hobby classes meant for couples, you will not only be introducing them to something new, but you will also be giving them an opportunity to further strengthen their bond.  Explore our senior living communities in Kanchipuram for your parents If you want retirement homes in Kanchipuram that have spacious apartments, wellness programs, and exceptional amenities, explore Serene Kshetra by Columbia Pacific. It is one of the best senior living communities in Kanchipuram. Cozy common areas, a clubhouse, and spacious dining halls will offer your parents ample opportunities to catch up with other residents and make new friends. Also, the community has wellness programs that include yoga classes, dance sessions, and aerobics classes. To know more about our community, call us at +91 8884555554.

No one can deny that life is full of challenges. Whether it is a difficult situation, relationship problems, or health issues, we all face difficulties at some point in our lives. While it is natural to feel overwhelmed and negative amidst difficult situations, approaching them with a positive attitude can make a world of difference. If you are a senior and are looking for insights into the benefits of maintaining a positive outlook while navigating challenging situations, here is a useful read.  Improved wellness Positive thinking helps you cope with stress in a calm and relaxed way. It will help you face the situation resourcefully, rather than feeling powerless and helpless. Many seniors when dealing with difficult situations start to slip into pessimism which affects their overall well-being. A 2016 study found that having a pessimistic attitude can increase one’s chances of dying from heart disease.  When you are constantly worried, your body releases more cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Elevated levels of cortisol over time can increase the risk of obesity, depression, and high blood pressure.  Proactive approach to solving problems When you have a positive mindset, you take action to improve things. Instead of complaining, you will suggest improvements and solutions and create a support system. You will do a quick analysis of the resources you have  – your knowledge and expertise of your friends and family – to deal with the problem at hand. Then you will identify the resource gaps and think of ways to fill those gaps. Often optimists can nip the problem in the bud with their calm and proactive approach.  Better resilience Resilience is important for getting through tough times. Rather than crumbling under pressure, resilience gives you the ability to carry on in life and deal with adversities. When you look at challenging situations through a positive lens, it will boost your resilience and help you rebound quickly and more fully from setbacks.  Healthy self-esteem It is easy to doubt yourself, especially when things are tough, but if you can push through those moments of self-doubt, you will find that you are strong enough to face adverse situations. Learning to trust yourself is an important part of being positive, as it lets you have faith in your decisions and take risks. Also, when you have a positive mindset, it is easy for you to surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and who believe in you.  Positive thinking does not mean ignoring the challenges lying ahead, it simply means looking at problems as surmountable and changeable.  Looking for a senior living community that promotes positive ageing for senior citizens? Explore our retirement homes in India – where seniors live an active and independent lifestyle and enjoy a life of convenience, comfort, and well-being. All the amenities and facilities are carefully designed to help you embrace positive ageing. You can enjoy complete peace of mind, with our 24X7 on-site maintenance and security team ensuring a safe and secure environment. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at  +918884555554.

For many seniors, retirement means filling their days with activities that will bring them contentment and happiness. However, common household chores can deny seniors the opportunity to come out of the daily drudgery and enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Daily chores can create detrimental effects of time pressure on life satisfaction. According to a study, spending money on a time-saving purchase like paying to delegate common household chores, such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking— rather than on a material purchase can bring greater happiness.  As one of the premium retirement homes for NRIs, we share some insights on common household chores that seniors find difficult:  Cooking  Although home-cooked food is healthy, with age, seniors find it difficult to cook meals by themselves. Cooking requires meal planning, going to grocery stores, and then spending hours to come up with two square meals. Seniors who live in retirement homes do not have to worry about preparing daily meals as they enjoy premium dining facilities. Instead of worrying about cooking, they spend their time exercising, pursuing a hobby, or playing with grandkids.  Laundry Laundry is another time-consuming and difficult chore for seniors. Although there are washing machines to wash clothes, a lot of time is spent on sorting dirty clothes, loading, and folding. Doing laundry can interrupt seniors’ schedules and prevent them from stepping out of the house until they are done.  Housekeeping  Cleaning the house every day can be not just time consuming but also physically taxing for  seniors.  Giving the home a proper and thorough cleaning means an entire day is gone. Moreover,  cleaning the kitchen and bathroom is not just laborious but also risky. The slick and wet floors in the bathrooms or stepping on a stepstool to clean cabinets are falling hazards.  Yard work and lawn care  Well-maintained yard and lawn definitely look good and elevate the appeal of a house. But mowing, weeding, aerating, and fertilising the lawn can be too much work for seniors. Seniors who have large trees on their property will have to find the time to rake or blow falling leaves during autumn. This can take up all their free time — that can be spent on relaxing or pursuing hobbies. Home maintenance Owning a house means that there is always something that needs repair or replacement. Changing light bulbs, cleaning kitchen chimneys, getting water purifiers and air conditioners serviced, and cleaning upholstery are all tasks that need to be taken care of. Whether seniors do it themselves or hire a handyman, they need to take time out and make adequate arrangements. All these can be time-guzzlers — they keep seniors busy but not happy.   Move into our premium retirement homes for NRIs and enjoy a worry-free lifestyle  At our premium retirement homes for NRIs, there will be a dedicated on-site team to take care of  daily meals, housekeeping, maintenance, and laundry so that our residents can spend quality and leisure time pursuing hobbies, making new friends, and enjoying with family and friends. Besides taking care of daily chores, our premium retirement home for NRIs is designed to offer a senior living experience that is unlike any other.  Our amenities will include a fitness centre, swimming pool, restaurants, spa and salon, and indoor and outdoor games facilities. Our retirement home is designed to let our residents retire in comfort while staying fit and active, helping our residents attain a much more enriching quality of life. To know the retirement home cost for NRIs, , book a virtual tour or give us a call at +918884555554.

If you are an NRI senior citizen, chances are that you are looking to buy retirement homes in India. NRIs all around the globe dream of retiring comfortably in India, relishing the culture and sense of belongingness.  However, finding the right senior living communities for NRIs can be an overwhelming process. There are many senior-friendly amenities that senior living communities for NRIs offer. Here we share with you 6 senior-friendly amenities that are offered by popular senior living communities for NRIs:   Independent living Popular senior living communities for NRIs like ours offer residents full support to enjoy a completely independent and active lifestyle that is convenient and exciting. These communities are developed for those of you who can function autonomously and are looking for a worry-free lifestyle. You can choose from four different apartment sizes.  The standard services that we will offer include:  Periodic housekeeping services Housekeeping  Preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work Multiple dining options As seniors are becoming more discerning about food options, senior living communities for NRIs are offering multiple dining options. Our senior living community for NRIs in Bangalore will have dining halls, restaurants, snack bars, and bistros.  The main kitchen of our premium retirement home will be designed by 5-star F&B planners.  Active living Wellness programs boost the quality of life for residents by helping them stay fit. The senior living communities for NRIs provide wellness programs offering a variety of activities to do so that exercising does not get monotonous. To keep you active and healthy, our senior living community for NRIs will have a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, an open-air swimming pool, facilities for indoor and outdoor games, a yoga and aerobics deck, and a garden with jogging trails. Social hour When you move back to India, you may or may not have the social life that you once had. Senior living communities for NRIs understand this and that is why they pay attention to group activities.  Our senior living communities for NRIs will have a dedicated monthly calendar of activities. This will let them participate in group events and enjoy an active social life.  Medical care You will find a certain level of medical care services at popular senior living communities for NRIs. This may set your and your family’s minds at ease as there is someone to swing into action in case of medical emergencies. For instance, at our senior living communities for NRIs in Bangalore, we have a tie-up with a leading hospital. Your routine check-ups and healthcare needs will remain a priority. Screening, assessment, and consultation from visiting doctors will be scheduled from time to time. There will be a 24×7 ambulance service on standby.  Concierge services To help you maximize your free time, senior living communities for NRIs offer concierge services. From planning holidays to making reservations at local restaurants, concierge services will enable you to experience the things you love instead of spending time researching and booking them. Our premium retirement home in Bangalore will have a dedicated concierge desk for your convenience.  If you are planning to buy retirement homes in India, here is a useful read on our senior living communities for NRIs, the average cost of retirement homes, and why NRIs are investing in India. To know more about our senior living community for NRIs in Bangalore, book a virtual tour or give us a call at +918884555554.

The most common thing among former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and former US first lady Michelle are that all of them are early risers. They use the morning time to exercise, read and plan their day ahead. This can be a valuable time for reflection and contemplation. Additionally, waking up early gives one more time to get things done. If you are looking for information on the health benefits of waking early, here is an interesting read. As one of the leading senior living communities for NRIs, we share some of the health benefits of being an early riser: Positive outlook If you are an early riser, you tend to be less stressed and have more positivity in your life. A study found that those who wake up early enjoy more happiness in life than those who stay up late at night and wake up late. Healthy breakfast Waking up early gives you time to prepare for a healthy breakfast that includes high-fibre and nutrient-rich whole grains, fruits, and dairy products. Also, getting up a little early in the morning to make breakfast can help you start your day in a calm manner.  Healthy lifestyle If you are looking for a way to fit exercise into your schedule, getting up early may be the answer. By getting up a little early, you can take advantage of the morning hours to go for a jog, do yoga, or head to the gym. Working out in the morning can help you avoid skipping workouts later in the day due to fatigue or social obligations. Plus, there are fewer distractions in the morning, making it easier to focus on your workout.  Better sleep quality Waking up early means you start your day early which gives you enough time to finish your day’s work and you can hit the bed at a reasonable hour. As per research, those who wake up early in the morning tend to go to bed earlier and enjoy better quality of sleep.  Some of the benefits of getting enough sleep include better concentration and improved mood. On the other hand, it has been found that not getting enough quality sleep regularly can increase the risk of health problems such as hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, depression, and anxiety. Are you looking to buy senior living communities for NRIs that promote healthy ageing? If you are an NRI looking to buy retirement homes in India, consider our senior living communities for NRIs. We will offer a wide range of amenities and services to make sure that you are comfortable and well-cared for. Our senior living community is designed to help you enjoy your golden years with value, purpose, and connection to the things that matter the most. To know more about our senior living communities for NRIs, call us at +918884555554 or book a virtual tour.

Moving into a senior living community is a big decision. To make the transition smooth, you need to take care of numerous factors. By sticking to a checklist, you can carry out the move in a hassle-free manner. As one of the leading senior living projects, we share with you a checklist to help you plan your move.  Book a reliable moving company One of the best ways to reduce stress and ensure that all your belongings arrive safely at your new home is to hire a professional packer and mover. Experienced packers and movers are trained in the art of packing household items securely and transporting them safely. They can also provide valuable assistance in unpacking and setting up your new home.  When choosing a packer and mover, consider these factors:  Choose a company that is licensed   Ask for references from previous customers  Get cost estimates Make sure that you understand the policies of the company regarding damaged or lost items. Pack important items first Start with the essentials such as toiletries, photos and keepsakes, health and wellness items, and clothing. If your new room comes with a kitchen, pack pans, pots, and dishes, but do not overdo it. Make sure that the furniture and household belongings you treasure find a place in your new home. Ask your community manager for a floor plan of your new home. It will help you visualize what furniture will fit your living space.  Also, you should clearly label the items that need to be packed. Most senior living projects offer housekeeping services. But for quick clean-ups, keep a few items on hand. Surface wipes  Multipurpose spray Broom and dustpan  Paper towels  Cancel the current utility services and inform your loved ones about the new address Cancel the current utility services (gas, electricity, and phone) and transfer the services to your new address. Also, redirect your mail. Change your address on all the key documents. Contact your financial providers, such as your bank, insurance companies, lawyers, and credit card companies. Notify your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances of your new address.  In addition to packing your belongings and coordinating the move, confirm with the senior living community that all the required paperwork has been signed and received.  Are you looking for flats for senior citizens? Making the decision to move to flats for senior citizens is never an easy one. It can be difficult to leave behind a home that you have lived in for years. To make the decision easy, choose a warm and vibrant retirement community with a worry-free lifestyle, community connections, independence, and peace of mind. As one of the leading senior living projects in India, we promote positive aging and help residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

After working hard for years, many NRIs dream of spending their retirement years back in India. The sense of belongingness and seeing familiar faces are some of the attractions for NRIs. The Indian money value in the currency exchange is also an added advantage for NRIs buying property in India. However, if you are looking to buy premium retirement homes for NRIs, there are many things to keep in mind. Let us take a look at those key points:  Power of Attorney If you are an NRI buying property in India and are unable to travel to India, you can still buy a retirement home using a power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document. It is written authorization given to a trusted person to act on your behalf at the time of buying a property. The power of attorney needs to be attested at the Indian Embassy.  This is done to avoid any future conflicts.  Property registration Being an NRI, you can buy residential or commercial properties excluding agricultural land. As of now, there is no cap on the number of properties you can buy. Before buying a property in India, always check property documents such as title deeds, previous deeds, and tax receipts. Registration should be done at the sub-register office. Home loan Being an NRI, you must buy the Indian property by paying in Indian currency. As per the Reserve Bank of India, you can take home loans from Indian banks. There are several documents and criteria that you must fulfill. For instance, you need to furnish copies of:  Passport Valid visa  Work permit Contract of employment Work experience certificate Salary certificate Statements of non-resident external (NRE) or non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts  Generally, banks will provide loans of up to 80% of the property value. However, RBI approval is necessary.  Tenure of home loan While an Indian citizen can avail of loans with a maximum tenure of 30 years with some banks, the tenure for NRI home loans is restricted. It is available within the range of 5-15 years.  Income tax Once you have bought premium retirement homes for NRIs in India, you will have to pay income tax to the Indian government.  Income tax is applicable on all properties bought with the purpose of investment or self-use. However, NRIs are granted certain tax benefits. It is a good idea to find out about the house tax deduction benefits that you are eligible for.  If you are planning to visit India to tour and buy premium retirement homes for NRIs, here is a useful read on questions to ask — this will help you make an informed choice.  Looking to buy premium retirement homes for NRIs?  Our premium retirement homes for NRIs will have premium living spaces available in four different sizes. Designed to international standards, our retirement homes will have various senior-friendly amenities such as a fitness center, spa center, yoga deck, walking path, swimming pool, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. The community will also have a bistro, restaurants, clubhouse, and business center. To know more, book a virtual tour or give us a call at +918884555554.

There comes a time in life when the world around you may seem to be falling apart. In such a scenario, learning to stay positive and hopeful can help you move forward and look at the challenging situations from a new perspective. The benefits of staying positive and hopeful Having a positive attitude in life is not just good for your mental health but also physical health.  According to a study, those with a family history of heart disease and many other high-risk factors were less likely to have a heart attack if they were positive thinkers. If you want to be positive in life, learned hopefulness is the key. As one of the leading senior living homes in Chennai,  we share with you some useful insights on learned hopefulness: What is learned hopefulness? Learned hopefulness is a concept that refers to the ability to learn from past experiences and use that knowledge to remain hopeful for the future. It allows you to keep going even when you face setbacks.   1.Shift your expectations:  Shifting your expectations does not mean lowering your standards. It means assessing the ground realities and working with what you have right now. In other words, establish expectations which are appropriate for the situation and not what you would have liked to have in an idealistic scenario. Focusing on what can be done in the future rather than on what happened in the past creates a sense of hopefulness.   2. Identify negative thoughts: Often your automatic response to a bad situation is negative thinking. You may think negatively even without noticing it. The moment you feel frustrated or annoyed, start identifying the thoughts that are coming to your mind. Swap negative thoughts with positive ones. Although that sounds easier said than done, you can try reframing your thoughts. When you find yourself thinking negatively, pause for a few minutes. Taking a pause will help you give a thoughtful response to the situation rather than a reflexive reaction.   3. Establish new habits: You can learn to be hopeful by taking away the attention from negative thoughts. A great way to do this is to establish new and healthy habits. When you direct your attention to something else there will be no negative thoughts to overcome. Creating healthy habits such as practising yoga, taking your pet for a walk, and attending music or dance classes can take your mind off the things that are bothering you.   4. Listen to another person’s story: When you are feeling down, listening to family members or friends can be helpful. You can ask them to tell you a story about a meaningful time in their life. Pay attention to the story and look for things that helped them overcome the situation.  You can even try reading inspirational books. Here is a list of some inspirational books  that may help you feel more optimistic.   5. Use positive affirmations:  When you wake up, start your day on a positive note. A simple way to do that is to write daily positive affirmations and feel gratitude. Your daily affirmations could read like: “I love myself as I am”, “I treat myself with compassion”, or “I am open to inspired thoughts”. You can even keep positive affirmations at a place where you can see them. Are you looking for senior living homes in Chennai? If you are looking for phrases such as ‘new senior living homes near me’ or retirement homes in Chennai’ online, explore Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar by Columbia Pacific. When you move into our senior living community, you will live independently in a lovely apartment, yet surrounded by neighbours who share your interests and zest for life. Our communities offer full support to make your retirement as convenient as possible. Housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, and daily meals are some of the standard services. Also, our senior living homes offer a lifestyle rich with opportunities to enjoy life to its fullest. You can choose among a variety of engaging activities. To know more, call us at  +918884555554.