Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

The festival of lights is right around the corner and the excitement for Diwali celebration is already building up. While cleaning the house, making rangolis, and eating sweets are part of the tradition, the most important thing is to enjoy the festival with your friends and family. If you are planning to spend this festival with your grandchildren, you will find this read useful. As one of the best senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of fun ways to celebrate Diwali with your grandkids:  Read stories about Diwali: Why not make this Diwali extra special by reading them a story about the festival? This is a great way to bond with your grandchildren and teach them about Indian culture. There are plenty of books available for children that tell the full story of the Ramayana in a simplified version. Reading aloud to your grandchildren will help them to understand the importance of the festival and why it is celebrated. Make rangolis together: For many families, rangoli is synonymous with Diwali. Making rangolis can be a fun activity that you and your grandchildren can enjoy together. You can sketch out a pattern on the floor and let your grandchildren decorate it with colours and flowers.  Paint diya together: Crafting is a great way to bond with your grandchildren and there is no better time to do it than during Diwali. Ready-made diyas are the perfect choice for you and your grandchildren to work on together. They are easy to decorate with stones, satin ribbon, washi tapes, and glitter.      Make sweets together: Making sweets together is a great way to celebrate Diwali with your grandchildren. So, this Diwali, instead of buying sweets from stores add a homemade touch to your celebration by making sweets with your grandchildren. Not only is it a fun activity, but it is also a great way to teach your grandchildren about Indian desserts.  Note: If you are looking to make a grand meal for Diwali, take cooking classes together along with your older grandchildren. Go shopping together: When it comes to Diwali, the shopping list can be exhaustive. Earthen lamps, electric lights, lanterns, flowers, rangoli colours, sweets, and clothes are just a few of the many things that you need to make this festival a little more grand. Involving your grandchildren in shopping is a great way to get them excited about the festival. If you are planning to buy them a gift, it can be a great idea to let them choose something they like and want.  Are you looking for the best senior citizen homes in Bangalore that promote positive ageing? If you are searching online with phrases such as “senior citizen homes near me” or “senior citizen homes in my location”, explore our senior citizen homes in Bangalore. Our premium senior living community in Bangalore is designed to celebrate your spirit of living independently. There will be dedicated staff for housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, and concierge so that you can enjoy your new-found freedom to do things you love.  For a positive independent living experience, we will ensure that you will have access to amenities and facilities that will help you stay physically and socially active. Open air swimming pool, senior-friendly fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment, spa and sauna, restaurant-style dining, and emergency assistance  are just a few of the many amenities you will find at our senior citizen home.  To know more about our best senior citizen homes in Bangalore,  book a virtual tour or call us +918884555554.  

People overeat for different reasons. Some people overeat when they feel emotionally stressed, while others overeat because they can not properly plan their meals. While overeating can be caused due to different reasons, there are many ways to prevent it. As one of the premium retirement homes in Bangalore, we share some useful tips to prevent overeating:    Commit to meal planning: By planning your meals for the week and including healthy snacks, you can make better food choices and avoid overeating.  Start by planning 3 meals and 2 healthy snacks each day. When you know what you are going to eat next, you are less likely to eat at irregular times.  Eat protein-rich food Protein is an essential nutrient for the body to function. Eating greek yoghurt with nuts, egg whites, veggies, oatmeal, and berries in the morning can help you feel fuller for longer, which can prevent overeating.  Note: A protein-rich diet will boost your body’s metabolism and increase the amount of calories burned by about 80 to 100 per day. Control portions:   By controlling portion sizes, you can prevent overindulging and reduce the risk of binge eating. Here are some of the ways to practice portion control: Have your meals on smaller plates Have smaller portion sizes when dining out Check food labels Wait for about 20 minutes before reaching for a second helping Eat mindfully  Do not eat straight from the serving bowl    Stay hydrated: Drinking water has many benefits – it helps to flush toxins from the body, carry nutrients to cells, and lubricate joints. It also helps to regulate body temperature and aids in digestion. But did you know that drinking water can also prevent overeating? According to a study, drinking water before meals can promote weight loss amongst seniors.    Practice good sleep hygiene: As per a study, lack of sleep can cause hypertension, depression, obesity, and anxiety. Also, lack of proper sleep leads to hormone fluctuations that affects your appetite the whole day. Sleep deprivation could also lead to cravings for unhealthy foods such as chips, cookies, cakes, and soda.  Here are some tips to follow good sleep hygiene: Do not take electronics to bed Avoid heavy meals for dinner Do not drink caffeinated drinks 4 hours before bedtime Avoid vigorous exercise before bedtime  To know more on sleep hygiene, check this useful read.   Looking for premium retirement homes in Bangalore that promote healthy living?  At our premium retirement homes in Bangalore, we focus on physical, mental, and emotional health of our residents. Our dining facilities are neat and well-maintained. The menu is designed by nutritionists and the food is prepared by trained chefs. Our communities also have yoga sessions, gymnasium with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength training equipment, and rubberised jogging tracks. Also, emergency care with 24X7 ambulance service and doctor-on-call are readily available. To know more about our retirement community living in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.    

As you grow older, it becomes important to make healthier diet choices which include drinking beverages that are low on sugar and fat. As one of the leading senior citizen housing projects in Bangalore, we have curated a list of drinks you should avoid after turning 50: 1. Sugary sodas: Drinking soda on a regular basis contributes to ageing of human cells and can cause metabolic diseases. A study conducted by the American Public Health Association (APHA) has linked soda consumption to faster ageing. The study found that those who consumed more sugar-filled soft drinks had shorter telomeres. Another study has also linked soda consumption with accelerated brain ageing and poorer episodic memory. Also, people who regularly drink soda are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to a study, seniors who drink diet soda daily tend to expand their waistlines in the long run, which increases their risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Another study found that regular consumption of artificially sweetened soft drinks is associated with a higher risk of stroke and dementia. 2. Alcohol: It has been found that people who drink alcohol on a regular basis are at a greater risk of developing cancer, immune system disorders, liver damage, and brain damage. Heavy drinking can also worsen existing health conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and ulcers. Note: Many medicines, herbal remedies or over-the-counter drugs are dangerous when mixed with alcohol. In some cases, alcohol can make a medication toxic. As a result, it is important to always check with a healthcare provider before drinking alcohol if you are taking any kind of medication. 3. Caffeinated beverages: Excess caffeine can lead to restlessness and headaches. Also, caffeine consumption can have negative effects on sleep quality. According to a study, higher amounts of caffeine consumed is related to decreased time in bed. Caffeine late in the day can make it difficult to fall asleep at night and can lead to poorer sleep quality. Different types of beverages such as soft drinks (soda), chocolate, coffee, and tea contain caffeine and should be avoided in the evening. 4. Fruit juices: Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet. They are packed with nutrients and fibre, and they provide a source of natural sweetness. However, fruit juices are a different story. While they may contain some of the same nutrients as fresh fruits, they also contain large amounts of sugar and calories which can lead to weight gain. Looking for senior citizen housing projects in Bangalore that promote healthy living ? Our senior citizen home in Bangalore helps seniors stay physically active, eat healthy, and remain socially engaged. Our senior citizen home has yoga sessions, a senior-friendly gym, and rubberised walking paths. The food served in our community is prepared by trained chefs. The menu is designed by a team of nutritionists. The F&B team also seeks regular feedback from residents to improve the dining experience. Monthly payment retirement homes in Bangalore To know about the monthly payment for our retirement homes in Bangalore

If you are often experiencing flu or cold symptoms, seemingly only when you are at home, it could be from sick building syndrome. Sick building syndrome is when mould, water damage, poor indoor air quality or other issues in your home are constantly making you sick. Here are some useful insights on how your house can make you sick: 1. High humidity: A home that has elevated humidity can become a breeding ground for mould. Certain moulds can cause health problems such as respiratory issues, nervous system damage, and chronic sinusitis. High humidity can also lead to sleeping disorders, stomach issues, and allergic reactions. So, it is important that you keep the humidity level of your home between 40% to 60%. Here are some ways to keep humidity under control: ● Make sure that you run exhaust fans when showering and cooking. ● Open windows whenever you can to increase ventilation. ● Buy a dehumidifier if necessary. 2. Air conditioners : When air conditioners cool your home, they leave traces of water that lead to a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. This can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, headache, and coughing. Servicing your air conditioners on a regular basis is important to prevent the build-up of germs. The air filters should be cleaned at least once in two months. They must be replaced by a professional at least every couple of years. 3. Indoor water leaks: Unseen leaks can lead to mould growth in your home causing breathing problems. Some of the telltale signs of water damage are: ● Cracked, peeling paint on walls or ceilings ● Soft or warped walls or ceilings ● Warped or buckling floorboards or flooring ● White mineral deposits of wood or basement floors If you suspect there may be a leak somewhere in your home, it is important to get the pipes checked and fixed. 4. Dust: Dust is more than just a nuisance – it carries dust mites that can cause respiratory problems. Here are some tips to reduce dust in your home: ● Vacuum the house more often ● Do not wear shoes inside the house ● If you have pets, make sure to wipe off their paws before they enter home ● Wash bedding, drapes, and stuffed animals 5. Cleaning supplies: Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are found in a variety of household cleaning products. When VOCs are released into the air and inhaled, it can cause itchy eyes, headaches, and sore throat. In some cases, VOCs can also exacerbate allergies and trigger asthma attacks. It is not always easy to avoid using products that contain VOCs, but cutting down on aerosol sprays can help reduce the amount of VOCs that are released into the air. Using green cleaners whenever possible is also a good way to reduce your exposure to VOCs. Are you looking for the best retirement homes for sale in Bangalore? Explore our retirement home in Bangalore which is designed to keep you active socially and physically. You will find amenities such as a clubhouse, a senior-friendly gym, indoor games room, and jogging tracks. All these facilities will help you stay physically active. A well-crafted calendar of activities includes yoga, music sessions, movie screenings, dance classes, and group outings To know more about senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

Some seniors dream of living life to the fullest once they retire. Others want to work until they can. No matter which camp you fall into, planning is important to enjoy a stress-free and comfortable retirement life. If you, like most people, have not yet given a thought to your retirement years, reading books on retirement can help you approach retirement in a more planned manner. Those who are planning to move into gated retirement communities or senior living communities will especially find these books helpful.  As one of the leading gated retirement communities, we have curated a list of retirement planning books you must read before you buy flats for senior citizens. These books not only include insights on financial planning but also share information on holistic retirement planning such as how to eat right and stay fit.  Money Wise by Deepak Shenoy: If you are looking for an easy-to-read retirement financial planning book, this is the one for you. The book cuts through jargon and technical terms and offers simple and yet practical advice on how to start investing. Those who have already started investing, will find useful insights to improve their portfolio.  How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free by Ernie J. Zelinski  A happy and fulfilling retirement is more than just having sufficient financial resources. The key to a happy retirement, the book says, is staying active both physically and socially. What sets this book apart from other retirement planning books is that it takes a holistic approach towards retirement. Rather than just focussing on the monetary aspect, this book underlines the importance of physical well-being, mental well-being, and social support in later stages of life.   Growing Young by Marta Zaraska   If you are looking for a book that helps in eating right, exercising right and even thinking right as you age, this is the book for you. The most interesting thing about this book is that it does not obsess over any diet or quick-fix fads. Rather the book says two types of interventions can cut the risk of mortality. First, it talks about food and exercise and then it talks about social interventions. It quotes several studies to show how plant-based diets can help people stay healthy and young. Also, the book makes a compelling case for adopting an optimistic approach towards life to make it truly fulfilling. Backed with studies, the book underlines the importance of social connectivity, life purpose, and volunteering.   Retirement Planning by R K Mohapatra: This book is ideal for those who are in their pre-retirement or early stages of retirement. It throws light on how by taking some meaningful decisions seniors can generate good returns in a volatile market. It is full of insights on creating a good portfolio mix and fulfilling your retirement dreams.  An important aspect of retirement planning is to decide whether you would want to live in your home or move into gated retirement communities. If you are looking to buy flats for senior citizens, explore our retirement homes. Our vibrant gated retirement communities are designed to help you enjoy a fulfilling life as you age.  Our senior living communities offer a wide range of amenities that include clubhouse, fitness centre, salon with well-trained staff, well-maintained green areas, and dining facility serving delicious and nutritious meals. For those who love reading, we have a library with computer and internet access. To know more about our services and facilities, call us at +918884555554.  

Moving to a retirement home is an exciting new phase of life. However, packing your whole life and moving to a new place can be challenging. The moving day especially can be tiring, both physically and emotionally. As one of the best retirement homes in Bangalore, we share some useful tips to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the moving day:  Ask the retirement home about the formalities  Every retirement community is different, and they have their own moving-in processes and procedures in place. Make sure that you take a detailed run-down of documents needed from your end. Ask specific questions – for instance, ask if there will be any staff member to help you with unpacking boxes or do you have to fill in any forms before the moving trucks are unloaded. The retirement community manager should be able to help you with all the necessary information.  Get plenty of sleep the night before: The process of moving house can be stressful. There will probably be a lot on your mind the day before you move. Therefore, it is important to get a good night’s sleep to give your day a good start. Being well-rested can improve your mood and help you handle any challenges that may come throughout the day. Dress comfortably:  When you are too caught up worrying about your furniture and other household items, clothes are the last thing on your mind. However, choosing the right type of clothing on the moving day is important as you may have to walk around a lot. You can wear comfortable T-shirts and joggers or cotton Indian wear. Also, wear shoes that are covered. With so many boxes lying around, there are chances that you might get hurt in your slippers or flip-flops.  Take a moment to say goodbye Once the boxes are loaded up and the moving truck is ready, take a few moments to say goodbye to your home. Leaving your old home can be emotionally difficult because of the memories associated with the place. Bidding farewell to your old home in a proper way can help you gain closure.  Looking for the best retirement homes in Bangalore?  If you are still looking for the best retirement homes in Bangalore, explore Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific. It is a vibrant senior living community where you can meet people of your age and enjoy different activities such as cultural events, birthday celebrations, workshops, yoga sessions, and art and craft sessions. The community has a well-maintained garden, senior friendly swimming pool, Wi-Fi enabled clubhouse, and a library. Call us at +918884555554 to book a tour.   

Many seniors may find it difficult to figure out when they are ready for retirement. Some may think that being financially prepared and eliminating any debt they have incurred prepares them for retirement. However, getting ready to retire is not just about finance, it is also about being emotionally ready.  If you are a senior wondering if you are ready to retire, here is a useful read. As one of the reputed senior living communities in Kanchipuram, we share with you some emotional signs that indicate you are ready to retire:  You cannot wait to retire: If you find yourself looking forward to retirement, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the reasons. It could be the stress of managing responsibilities or the fixed schedule.  Of course, retirement does not mean the end of work altogether. In fact, you can find ways to stay active and engaged through volunteering and part-time work. But, if you are looking forward to retiring from your full-time job, it is probably because you are ready for a different phase of life.  You no longer enjoy the work you do: You may feel dissatisfied at work after reaching a certain stage in your career. If you are not seeking out new job responsibilities or turning down promotions, it can be a sign you are done with the professional stage of your life. Also, if work feels more like a psychological burden than something you enjoy doing, it can be a sign that you are ready for retirement.  You are daydreaming about retirement: Are you dreaming about buying a retirement home? Or are you already making plans to travel the world or stay with your children who are settled abroad? All these are signs that you are ready to say goodbye to your professional life.  You feel like work is “in the way”: If you find yourself feeling increasingly frustrated that work is getting in the way of your personal goals, it may be time to consider retiring. This is often a sign that your priorities and values are beginning to shift and that you are ready to embark on a more relaxed phase of your life.  Looking for retirement homes in Kanchipuram?  Once you have decided to retire, think about the retirement lifestyle that you want to pursue. If you want to enjoy a worry-free retired life, you want to move into a senior living community as most retirement homes have staff to take care of security, home maintenance, and other daily chores.  If you are looking for a peaceful retirement life, explore our senior living community in Kanchipuram. As one of the leading senior living communities in Kanchipuram, we have all the modern amenities such as a clubhouse, community hall for parties, a fully equipped gym, and a library with computer and internet access. Also, you will have access to a wide range of services such as housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance of common areas.  To know more about our retirement homes in Kanchipuram, call us at +91 8884555554.

If you are looking for senior living communities for NRIs, it is important to tour the facility to get the feel of the environment. When you visit retirement homes, you can walk through the common areas, see individual apartments, and check the facilities and amenities offered. But visiting different retirement homes can be overwhelming and confusing. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of useful insights:  Schedule a tour in advance: Rather than walking into a senior living community and asking someone to show you around, book a tour in advance. This will ensure that a dedicated staff member is available when you are touring the community. The staff member will show you the home, garden, gym, dining area, and other facilities and will answer your questions.  Know what questions to ask: When you are touring a property, you are immersed in the experience, and you may forget to ask some important questions. One simple way to avoid this problem is to prepare your questions in advance. Here is a useful read on questions to ask when touring senior living communities for NRIs – you will find this list helpful while comparing different communities. Keep a notebook or an electronic device in hand to take notes.  Visit during an activity: If possible, schedule your visit on a day when  residents of the senior living community are participating in an activity. It will give you an idea of the activities included in the social calendar of the community.  Get feedback from residents: In addition to speaking with the staff and personally touring senior living communities, you should talk to residents who are staying there. If they have lived there for quite some time, they would be happy to share their experiences. Also, check online reviews of the communities.  Do not forget to visit the dining facilities:  When you go on a tour, visit the dining hall. Check the hygiene of the hall and the kitchen area. Also, look at the menu options. Ask the F&B team whether residents have a say in designing the menu. If possible, have a meal. This is way better than settling for images on the brochure.  Looking for the best retirement homes for NRIs?  Our senior living community for NRIs will have premium living spaces available in four different sizes. It will have a senior-friendly fitness centre, spa, yoga deck, walking path, senior friendly swimming pool, and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. The community will also have a bistro, restaurants, clubhouse, and business centre. Our on-site team of staff will take care of maintenance, housekeeping, and laundry, so that you can spend your time pursuing hobbies and new interests. To know more, book a virtual tour or  give us a call at +918884555554.

If you are a senior, maintaining a healthy weight is important. If you do not maintain a healthy weight, you are at an increased risk of suffering from diabetes and hypertension. As one of the best senior living projects in Coimbatore, we share with you some useful tips on maintaining a healthy weight after retirement: Have a high protein and low-calorie diet: A high-protein diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. Protein takes longer to digest than other nutrients – hence, it can help you feel full for longer after eating. You can increase your protein intake over the course of a week. Remember that calories still count, so make sure that you choose only healthy sources of protein, such as seafood, lean meat, low-fat dairy, soy, seeds, nuts, and eggs. Also, include healthy carbohydrates in your diet to feel energetic. Good sources of healthy carbs include sweet potatoes, bananas, whole grains, and oranges. Eat small and frequent meals:  Eating small and balanced meals every three hours helps to keep your body in fat-burning mode, as it prevents the body from going into starvation mode. In starvation mode, the body burns calories as slowly as possible to conserve its energy. Small and frequent meals help reset your metabolism and keep your body in the fat-burning mode. Eat plenty of fibre: High-fibre foods such as apples (with skin), pears, berries, whole grains, legumes, and nuts promote weight loss by helping you feel full. They also offer other health benefits such as reducing inflammation, promoting bowel movement, and keeping blood sugar levels in check.  Walk at least 30 minutes a day: Walking is a great way to stay in shape and improve your overall health. The number of calories you burn walking depends on how much you weigh and your walking speed. Work out regularly: Indoor cycling, swimming, aerobics, yoga, and dance are great forms of exercise that can help you manage weight and stay fit and healthy as you age. Drink sufficient water: The body needs water to burn fat. Water helps the body to metabolise stored fat or carbohydrates. It is a good idea to drink water before meals. As per a study, drinking at least half a litre of water 30 minutes before a meal can help in reducing body fat.  Note: The amount of water you need to drink may vary depending on factors such as your gender, activity level, and local climate. Looking for the best gated community villas in Coimbatore that promote active and healthy lifestyle?  Explore Serene Indus Valley and Serene Shenbagam by Columbia Pacific. These gated community villas offer facilities that help seniors lead an active life. We have fully equipped gyms, clubhouses with indoor games facilities, rubberised jogging paths, and yoga sessions that help our residents stay physically active. The menu at our senior living communities is designed by a team of nutrition experts. Also, the meals are prepared by trained chefs in a hygienic environment. To know more about our senior living projects, give us a call at +91 8884555554.  

Working after retirement can be a great way to stay physically and mentally active, as well as have an additional source of income. However, to enjoy the time spent at work, it is important to choose a job that you are truly passionate about. As one of the leading senior living communities in Kanchipuram, we share with you some useful insights on jobs for seniors:  The purpose of the retirement job: Before beginning your job search, it is important that you take the time to understand your own expectations. Ask yourself these questions:  Why are you looking for a job? Is it primarily for financial reasons, or are you also seeking to fight boredom? What type of activities do you hope to engage in at work?  How many hours per week do you want to work?  Would you be interested in working part-time or full-time?  Would self-employment be a viable option for you?  Answering these questions honestly will lay the groundwork for finding a job that will suit your needs and preferences. Do you wish to continue your current job? If you really enjoy your present job and its benefits, there is no reason to leave the job voluntarily. One of the main reasons to leave a job voluntarily is because you might have something better to do.  You can also choose phased retirement. Phased retirement is when you reduce or change the hours you work at your current job while retaining your position and benefits. This can be a great way to ease into retirement, as it has many benefits, such as: It helps you earn an income It can provide more leisure time and let you pursue other interests It lets you continue receiving employer-sponsored medical benefits Why work after retirement? Working after retirement is not just for financial reasons, but sometimes for fun and vitality. Retirement jobs need not be stressful or gruelling. Find work that is enjoyable. Here are a few reasons to have a retirement job: Social interaction Mental stimulation Financial security Learning opportunities Jobs to do after retirement: Here are some of the jobs you can do after retirement: Start your own business: Starting your own business can be a great way to stay active and engaged after retirement. Not only can you set your own schedule and practice, but you can also draw on your years of experience to create a successful venture.  Consultant: If you hold an advanced degree or have specialised experience,, a career in consulting can be right for you. Teaching assistants and tutors: Being a teaching assistant or tutor is a great way to work with students while also getting paid. Universities often hire teaching assistants to help professors. Also, you can work as a tutor from home and set your own schedule. You can register with online learning platforms to teach online. Blogging: You can write on topics that you are passionate about. All you need is a computer and internet access. You can monetise your blogs by recommending your favourite products or services.  Volunteering: It is a great way to help others while also gaining new skills and experiences. You can volunteer at the local school or library and make positive changes in your community.    Looking for leading senior living communities in Kanchipuram to stay active and engaged? Moving into senior citizen housing communities can help you make new friends and give structure to your days. If you move into our senior living community in Kanchipuram, you will find modern amenities such as a Wi-Fi-enabled clubhouse, gym, banquet hall, and library with computer and internet access. The senior citizen housing community offers services such as housekeeping, maintenance of common areas, and electrical and plumbing maintenance work so that you can spend your time pursuing your hobbies and interests.  To know more about our senior citizen housing in Kanchipuram, call us at  +918884555554.