Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

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.

Many seniors these days are stepping into saunas to experience relaxation. Why should they not? For thousands of years, mankind has been using saunas. Even today, saunas are an important part of life and culture in many countries. As one of the premium retirement homes for NRIs, we have curated benefits of sauna in later years:   1. Improved circulation Anything that raises the body temperature will increase your heart rate, which in turn increases blood  circulation. The heat in a sauna causes the heart to pump harder to circulate your blood. This means you may get some cardio benefits even though all you are doing is sitting in the heat.   2. Lowered blood pressure Spending time in a sauna can lower your blood pressure. According to a study, a single session of sauna bathing can help decrease blood pressure. Another study suggested that those who go to three and four sessions per week experience better heart health as compared with those who had one sauna bathing session per week.  This could be because a hot sauna might affect the heart and blood vessels in ways that are similar to moderate exercise. Note: Sauna is not recommended for those with high blood pressure or those who have heart issues.   3. Glowy skin One of the immediate benefits of a sauna that you will see is glowy skin. As sauna causes the skin to sweat, it removes impurities from your skin.   4. Reduced joint stiffness and muscle soreness You may have noticed that many people use saunas after working out in the gym. Well, sauna is beneficial for workout recovery as it loosens up tense muscles. Similarly, saunas can help reduce joint pain and muscle soreness associated with arthritis.  It has been found to alleviate pain and improve joint mobility in patients with rheumatic disease. Another study suggested that sauna is beneficial for those who suffer from lower back pain   Note: If you are going to the sauna for the first time, it is a good idea to seek your doctor’s advice. This is particularly important if you already have an existing medical condition. Also, do not stay in the sauna for too long otherwise you risk hydration. Steam Room Versus Sauna Although the words steam room and sauna are interchangeably used. They are different. Stem rooms are more humid than saunas. Moreover, saunas use dry heat whereas steam rooms are heated by a generator filled with boiling water. At our premium retirement homes for NRIs, health and happiness are  change the headline Our premium retirement homes for NRIs in Bangalore will offer a state-of-the-art fitness centre which will have a fully equipped gym, spa, and sauna. You will also find lush landscaped gardens, a games room, and yoga deck centre. B ook a virtual tour of our senior living community in Bangalore or give us a call at  +918884555554.    

Cooking nutritious meals at home can promote healthy eating. As you age, learning new recipes can make mealtimes interesting. If you are interested in basic cooking or learning new dishes,  joining cooking classes can help sharpen your culinary skills and knowledge. These classes will offer new ideas when it comes to food making and presentation. As one of the leading retirement homes in Pondicherry, we share with you some useful insights on benefits of cooking classes: 1. Control over ingredients: One of the biggest benefits of joining cooking classes is that you get to learn more about healthy ingredients. The benefit of joining cooking classes is that you will get to learn how to include more nutrient dense foods and control ingredients without compromising much on taste. It has been found eating home-cooked meals more frequently was associated with better dietary quality.   2. Variety of dishes: With age, the sense of taste tends to decline. A varied diet can make mealtimes more appetising. Moreover, having a varied diet can ensure that you get a greater range of the nutrients that your body needs. This may lead to overall better health. When you take cooking classes, you learn to use ingredients that you have never bought or do not usually buy. With cooking classes, it becomes easy to learn different recipes based around new ingredients. This allows you to cook dishes that you have never made before.   3. Appetite appeal: When you attend cooking classes, you gain the skills to turn even a simple meal into a photographic masterpiece. Moreover, cooking is a sensory activity. When you handle and smell the ingredients, you will look forward to the meal time.   4. Confidence in the kitchen: Whether you are new to cooking or have been cooking for years, creating new dishes can boost your confidence in the kitchen. Even if you have no experience of cooking, learning a new skill can be quite rewarding and fulfilling.   5. Social engagement:  Just like any other hobby class, cooking classes present the perfect opportunity to meet new people and make friends. If you are looking for a stress-free and fun time, you can join cooking classes with your friends, family, and even grandchildren. It can be a perfect time for bonding. After cooking classes, you and your friends can take turns to host dinner parties.   6. Master recipes:  There are many gifts you can give your family. Family recipes are one of those. Before passing on family recipes, taking cooking classes can help to perfect recipes that you can recreate for your family. These recipes can make it on the weekly menu and you can teach your children and grandchildren how to make them.   Enjoy a great culinary experience at our retirement homes in Puduherry If you are searching with phrases such as “retirement homes in ” and “senior retirement communities near me” online, explore Serene Pelican by Columbia Pacific.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Pondicherry, we believe that healthy, nourishing food does not have to be boring. Mealtime is a lively social affair in our retirement homes as you can join other residents in our restaurant-style dining halls.  To know more about our services and amenities, call us at +918884555554.    

Smartphones can help you stay in touch with friends, watch videos, check the weather, follow the news, and even read e-books. However, excessive use of smartphones can be quite problematic. According to a study, depression and anxiety are associated with smartphone addiction. If you are reaching for the phone the moment you are alone or bored, it is time to reduce your phone usage. As one of the best senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we share some useful tips to create healthy boundaries with your phone: 1. Be conscious about mobile usage: Spending a lot of time on your phone becomes a problem when it starts affecting your  relationships, health, hobbies, and other important aspects in your life. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of addiction is the first step towards making the change. 2. Find out your daily usage and set a limit: There are a number of apps that can track your daily mobile phone usage and let you know the number of hours you spend on your phone. These apps can also help you find out how much time you are spending on different social media apps. If you are spending hours on the phone because of social media apps, you can uninstall those apps and limit your phone usage. 3. Keep your phone in a designated space: By setting up a space for keeping your phone, you can make sure that you are not carrying it around with you all the time. You can create a designated spot either in the living room or near the entryway. To ensure that you do not miss important calls, install a special ringtone for immediate family members and friends. 4. Carry a magazine or a book along with you: It is always a good idea to carry magazines or books with you especially when you are likely to find yourself with some  free time. When you are waiting for a friend at a coffee shop or waiting for a doctor, an interesting book can prevent you from reaching out for your phone. 5. Set up phone-free zones: If you find yourself checking social media feeds for hours, it is time to limit the mindless scrolling. Setting up phone-free zones is a great idea to make sure that some places in the house do not have phones and other digital devices.   Dinner table: The dinner table is often seen as a symbol of family togetherness. However, when everyone is preoccupied with their phones at the dinner table, it is difficult to have meaningful conversations. So, ensure that no phones are allowed during the mealtimes at the dining table. Bedroom: The blue light emitted from mobile phones can disrupt sleep. It has been found that blue suppresses secretion of melatonin which can lead to fragmented sleep patterns. To avoid checking your phone in the middle of the night, make your bedroom a phone-free zone. Are you looking for the best senior citizen homes in Bangalore? If you are searching on the internet with phrases such as “senior citizen homes near me” or “retirement homes near me”, explore our premium senior living community in Bangalore. Our senior community will have premium living spaces where residents can enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Book a virtual tour of our senior living community in Bangalore or give us a call at  +918884555554.  

The holiday season is a time for giving and there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of giving without overspending. You can start by doing something nice for someone else, such as making a holiday dessert for your neighbour or volunteering at a local charity. As one of the leading senior living projects that promote positive ageing, we share with you some tips on spreading holiday cheer in your neighbourhood:   1. Donate your old clothes: When cleaning your closet if you find clothes that you no longer wear, donate them to a local charity. There are many organisations that accept used clothing to help people in need.   2. Decorate the neighbourhood: Lanterns, diyas, flower decorations, and papercraft are some of the simple yet awe-inspiring ways to deck up your neighbourhood during the festive season. Your community may have some guidelines on how to decorate. Before you begin to decorate, ensure that you follow all the guidelines.    3. Handwrite a letter: There is something about the personal touch of a handwritten note that makes it feel so much more special than a generic mass-produced card. This holiday season, take the time to sit down and write a letter to someone you care about. This does not have to be anything fancy – just a few words expressing your appreciation for them. They will be sure to appreciate the thoughtfulness, and you will be glad you took the time to connect with them in a more personal way.   4. Gift movie tickets to your neighbours: One way to spread holiday cheer is to buy movie tickets for movie buffs in your neighbourhood, especially if there is a new and interesting movie to catch up on. It is a small gesture but can show that you made an effort to make them happy.   5. Host a holiday gathering: One of the best things about the holidays is getting together with friends and family to celebrate. If you are looking for a fun way to spread some holiday cheer, why not throw a party? There are plenty of ways to make your party festive, from decorating your home to serving seasonal foods. You can also ask your guests to bring their favourite holiday dish to share.   6. Greet everyone you meet: One simple way to spread holiday cheer is to say a jolly “Happy Holidays” to cashiers and waiters at local shops and restaurants.   7. Distribute friendly notes: A simple message can brighten the day of someone and it is a nice way to show that you care. You can leave the note anonymously or you can sign your name. Either way, your kindness will be appreciated. If you are not sure what to say, try expressing gratitude for something your neighbours have done. For example, you might write “Thank you for being such a good neighbour” or “I am lucky to have a neighbour like you.”   Searching for senior living projects that promote positive ageing? Explore our senior living projects as we promote positive ageing. Our on-site staff takes care of maintenance, laundry, housekeeping, and daily meals so that you have the time to focus on your well-being. Our senior living projects have a clubhouse, a senior-friendly gym, and well-maintained jogging paths. Moreover, you can be part of a wide range of activities such as yoga sessions, hobby classes, day trips, dance classes, and walking tours. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.    

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.” Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher and writer In today’s challenging world, it is important to have positive thinking and optimism in all aspects of life. For seniors, positive thinking can help them transform their approach to ageing. Positive affirmations play an important role in positive ageing – they can help seniors feel good, create worthwhile relationships, and live a purposeful life. As one of the leading retirement communities in Puducherry, we promote positive ageing for senior citizens. If you are looking for more information on positive ageing for senior citizens in gated communities in Puducherry, check this useful read. What are positive affirmations? Positive affirmations are statements that help one feel positive. Some of the common affirmations include phrases such as “I am happy”, “I am strong and positive”, and “I am thankful for what I have”. If you are a senior looking to make positive affirmations work for you, here are some useful tips for you: 1.Write down negative things: In a notebook, write down negative thoughts that hold you back in many ways. For instance, if you are trying a senior-friendly sport activity for the first time and you are facing difficulties mastering it. Write down the negative thoughts that come to your mind such as “ I am not good at sports” and “I can never do it”. Next, think about the effects that the thoughts had on you. Once you have jotted down the effects, write down the positive affirmations such as “ I can be good at sports” or “ I can win”. Look back at this diary at the end of each week, and analyse your thought patterns and understand the efforts you need to put to change your attitude towards the sporting activity and make progress.   2. Avoid general affirmations: Affirmations can be about anything, so get creative and make yours as specific as possible. Consider linking affirmations to core values, such as honesty, kindness, or dedication. This will help you remain focused on the bigger picture of what matters most to you. Additionally, pairing an affirmation with a physical action such as taking a deep breath or standing upright, can help increase its power.   3. Make positive affirmation part of your morning routine: When you wake up in the morning, write down your affirmation or mantra for the day. Writing it will help you remember to say it throughout the day. You can write your affirmation or positive mantra while enjoying your coffee or tea.   4. Sleep better with an affirmation: Practise positive affirmations before going to bed. This can relax your mind and body and help you sleep more easily.   5. Review affirmations frequently: Writing down affirmations and reading them regularly, you can remind yourself of your goals and skills. Doing this helps you to improve your overall well-being. Additionally, reviewing affirmations can help to keep you motivated and focused on what is important to you.   6. Repeat positive affirmations whenever you feel low: As you get older, it is easy to fall into negative thinking patterns. This can even affect your physical well-being. Positive affirmations can play an important role in helping you break free from negative thoughts. Every time you have a negative thought, say a positive affirmation such as “I can do it”, “I am worthy of love and respect”, or “I choose hope over fear”. Repeating these affirmations will help you reframe your thinking and eventually help you conquer negative emotions and behaviours. Are you looking for a gated community in Puducherry that promotes positive ageing for senior citizens? We encourage positive ageing for senior citizens in our gated community in Puducherry. We conduct regular yoga sessions for residents – these sessions help them stay physically active and also benefit their emotional well-being. Our senior living community has a gym that is equipped  with senior-friendly exercise equipment. Our goal is to help our residents maintain their health and independence for as long as possible. We also encourage them to stay socially engaged by providing opportunities for social interaction and community involvement. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.      

Our habits—how we feel, think, and act— has an impact on our physical and emotional well- being. Many seniors often notice that changing certain unhealthy habits has helped them feel better. If you have developed unhealthy habits, it does not mean that you have failed somehow. It simply means that you have lost connection with your true self and intentions. You have mistaken short-term happiness from unhealthy habits for real happiness and well-being. To break bad habits, it is important that you step back and understand certain habits are hurting your overall well-being. As one of the best gated community villas in Coimbatore, we have curated 5 unhealthy habits to quit for better mental health:   Habit 1: Always saying ‘yes’ to family and friends:   You often want to please everyone s and fear that you will disappoint others if you turn down their request. However, there are times when it is important to put your own needs first and say ‘no’. If you are already feeling overwhelmed or over-committed, adding one more thing to your list can only increase your stress. Additionally, saying ‘yes’ all the time can create the expectation that you are always available and willing to do things, even when you are not.   Habit 2: Leading a sedentary lifestyle:   A sedentary lifestyle is bad for your overall health, but it can also take a toll on your mental health. It has been shown that exercise can help to overcome depression and it can also help to prevent anxiety and other mental health problems. Regular exercise can boost your confidence, distract your mind from worries, and help you cope with stressful situations in a healthy way.   Habit 3: Fostering negative thoughts:   Negative thinking is something that everyone experiences from time to time. However, when these thoughts become frequent and start to interfere with your ability to live your life, they can become a problem.   Habit 4: Isolating yourself:   It can be easy to withdraw from people and reality when you are feeling down. However, doing so usually has an adverse reaction as it makes you feel lonely and even more sad.   Habit 5: Not taking care of your needs:   It is easy to get into the habit of putting your own needs last, but that is not sustainable in the long run. At some point, you are going to experience burnout.   Habit 6: Excessive usage of smartphones:   While social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it should not replace in-person social interactions. According to a study, excessive usage of social media can be associated with the risk of anxiety and depression. If you find yourself spending too much time on social media, you should: Uninstall social media apps Establish no-tech zones at home     Looking for gated community villas in Coimbatore?   Explore Serene Shenbagam by Columbia Pacific. Our gated community villas in Coimbatore help you lead a worry -free retirement life. To know more about our senior citizen villas in Coimbatore, call us at +91 8884555554.  

Often it is assumed that to enjoy retirement, all you need is free time. However, the key to happy retirement is not just how much free time you have but how you manage the free time. Managing your time well after retirement gives you a sense of accomplishment and reduces the chances of you feeling disoriented in the absence of a job. If you are moving to retirement villas in Bangalore, here are a few things you should now about managing time after retirement: 1.Being busy may not be as fulfilling as you may think Retirement comes with a lot of free time, so it can be easy to fill it with busy work. The definition of busy work may vary from one person to another– for some, it could mean running errands while others keep themselves occupied doing household chores. While busy work takes time, it offers no sense of fulfilment. To lead a fulfilling retirement life, it is important to be productive and not merely busy.   2. Creating a schedule can help support a productive lifestyle  This does not mean that you must plan every minute of the day. Remember, you do not need to stay busy all the time to maintain a productive lifestyle. After all, the whole idea of the reward of retirement is to do things that you want to. Creating a schedule can help you block time for specific tasks of the day. For instance, if you want to get in shape, create a morning routine that involves you going for either a walk or a yoga class.   3. Structuring your day can offer a sense of accomplishment It is easy to structure your days after retirement when you look forward to doing something you enjoy. Take time to reflect on your favourite activities and passions. If there is something you have always wanted to try but never found the time or opportunity, it is time to write it down on the list. Whether you want to learn a new language or learn how to play a musical instrument, create a list. Moreover, getting things checked off your to-do list is a great feeling.   4. Making days purposeful can help break monotony and feelings of isolation You must be daydreaming of a retirement life that is relaxing and without a to-do list. However, free time and absence of social connections can give birth to feelings of monotony, isolation, and disconnectedness. By making your days purposeful by including a mix of activities you can keep yourself active, social, and engaged. Social activities with other retirees, joining a club, volunteering, and attending local events can ensure that there is something to look forward to every day. These fulfilling activities can also give you a break from the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion from the daily errands.   Looking for retirement homes for sale in Bangalore?  Live your best life after retirement at Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific. Our independent living retirement community helps you maintain a private, independent lifestyle while still offering opportunities to stay active and engaged. With a variety of wellness programmes and a calendar of events, our amenities and services help you live a meaningful life. In addition, we ensure that you receive unparalleled care in a supportive environment. Interested in knowing more about retirement homes for sale in Bangalore? Call us at +918884555554.          

Moving into retirement villas in Bangalore can mark the start of an exciting journey. While a worry-free retirement life awaits you, the moving day can be challenging. One way to ease stress is to hire a good moving company. Hiring a good moving company will ensure that all your belongings are packed efficiently and transported safely. If you are moving into retirement villas in Bangalore, here are some tips to select the right moving company: 1. Start your research early: The process of moving can be extremely stressful, especially if you wait until the last minute to find a moving company. Not only will you be scrambling to find a reputable company that fits your budget, but you also run the risk of being overcharged. 2. Make sure that the company is licensed: There are many things to look for when choosing a moving company, but one of the most important is whether or not they are licensed. In case something goes wrong during the move, you will have no recourse if the company is not licensed. 3. Select companies that offer insurance: An important aspect, which is often neglected, is checking the company’s insurance policy. In the event of damage or accidents, insurance coverage can help cover the cost of lost or damaged belongings. Most reputable companies will offer insurance coverage as a standard. If a company insists that they are reliable and trustworthy without offering insurance coverage, trusting them would be risky. 4. Deal with only reputed companies: One of the best ways to find out about a moving company is to get feedback from those who have used its services and can give you a first-hand account. Ask your friends or relatives to recommend a few moving companies and see in detail their experience. 5. Read online reviews: By reading online reviews of a moving company, you will get a better sense of their customers’ experience. This will also give you insights into how professional a company is. 6. Get estimates: Once you have shortlisted moving companies, it is time to get estimates. If a company does not give you an estimate, it is better not to hire them. If possible, get at least three to four quotes before committing. 7. Find out what to include in the package: When you are selecting a moving company, ask about what is included in the price. Find out if they will provide boxes and other packing materials or if you will need to buy your own packing materials. Ask about furniture disassembly and reassembly – will there be any extra charges for that? Ask the right questions to avoid unexpected expenses on the moving day. 8. Visit the offices of movers personally: Make sure that the moving company you are dealing with is legitimate. One way to do this is to visit their offices in person. This will give you a chance to see their infrastructure. Also, ask them about their licence, previous customers, and if they have an office in your new location. If they also have their office in your new location, you can easily deal with concerns after the move. Are you looking for retirement homes for sale in Bangalore? Moving to a retirement home is a major life transition. Although a better life awaits you there, leaving behind a home that you have lived in for years, can be tough. This is why when you move into our retirement homes in Bangalore, our staff helps you settle in. At our retirement homes in Bangalore, the social monthly calendar includes different types of activities such as music sessions, yoga classes, dance classes, movie screenings, and group outings. Participating in these activities will help you meet new people and make friends. To know more about our retirement homes for sale in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

If you are a senior and have not given water workouts a try, you are missing out on a fun and relaxed way to stay fit. Water exercises are an ideal way to get your heart rate up without putting too much stress on your joints. As one of the senior living communities for NRIs, we share with you 5 simple and fun water exercises: 1. Water walking: Walking is a good way to get some exercise, and it is even better when you can do it in a pool. Walking in the water offers a bit of resistance, which makes it a great workout for your hip muscles. It can also help you burn calories. Just make sure that you walk at a pace that is challenging but comfortable.  2. Aqua jogging: If you are looking for a workout that gets your heart rate up, aqua jogging is a great option. Aqua jogging has become popular as it is quite similar to overground running. To get started, simply jog from one side of the pool to the other. If you find that difficult, try walking back and forth or jogging in one place. This can get your heart rate up and improve endurance, as it is a light form of cardio exercise. 3. Standing water push-ups: Push-ups are one of the hardest exercises to master. However, standing water push-ups are not that difficult to do. All you have to do is stand in the pool by the edge, place your arms shoulder-width apart on the pool’s side and raise your body up and halfway out of the water. Make sure you are close enough to the wall of the swimming pool that you do not lose your balance. This is a great workout to increase the upper body strength. 4. Flutter kicks: Flutter kicking is a great low-impact cardio exercise.  To perform flutter kicks, hold onto the edge of the pool and allow your feet to drift up behind you. Kick your feet up and down in small, controlled motions. You need practice to get accustomed to this exercise. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a trainer around in case you want them to support your head or shoulders. 5. Arm curls: Usually, arm curls are done using dumbbells and kettlebells. However, when you are performing arm curls in water, you do not need any of them as water will offer resistance. All you have to do is simply swing your arms forward. This upper body exercise can help improve your posture, coordination, and strength. 6. Calf raises: Calf raises are a great way to improve the strength of your lower back muscles.  Hold the edge of the pool, stand on your toes, lift your body, and hold the posture for a few seconds. Return to a regular posture and repeat. This exercise is great for improving ankle stability, strength, and overall balance. Looking for senior living communities for NRIs that help residents stay healthy? Wellness and health are important aspects of ageing. Our senior living communities for NRIs are designed to help our residents stay socially and physically active. We will have on-site facilities and amenities such as an open-air swimming pool, fitness centres,  rubberised jogging tracks, and a yoga and aerobics deck. To know more about our best retirement homes for NRIs, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.