Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

“Remember, there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” —Scott Adams   As you age, being intentionally kind can help you enjoy better physical, mental, and emotional health. Want to know how? Check these useful insights on kindness and positive ageing by one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore:     Kindness may help you remain young: Have you ever noticed that when you do something nice for someone else, it makes you feel better too? Well, there is science behind this. When you do something kind you feel happy and when you feel happy, your body produces oxytocin. It has been found that oxytocin may slow ageing throughout the body at the cellular level. Kindness is good for physical health:Kindness also promotes physical health as it reduces stress levels by releasing feel-good hormones. According to a study, a positive emotional state lowers inflammatory responses. Kindness boosts mood: Kindness is the act of doing good for others. The act of kindness also involves an element of being altruistic. Studies suggest that kindness releases endorphins in the brain, producing a positive feeling known as the “helper’s high”. When you give to charities or help others, it activates regions of the brain associated with social connection and trust, which positively affects your mood.   You do not need a reason to be kind to people. Something as simple as lending a sympathetic ear to a friend or picking up a tab for a friend can be an act of kindness. Here is a list of acts of kindness that can make you feel happy and positive.    In addition to being kind to others, be kind to yourself. Often it is easy to acknowledge the achievements of others, but not your own. Take time to appreciate yourself and your achievements. Be kind to yourself by cultivating an inner voice that is positive and not critical most of the time.    Looking for premium retirement homes in Bangalore? Explore our premium retirement home in Bangalore. The senior living community will have a gym, spa, salon, and swimming pool. Also, there will be different types of on-campus activities that will help residents socialise with like-minded neighbours and make new friends. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

Social engagement positively affects a senior’s mental and physical health. According to a study, being socially engaged can reduce high blood pressure. Another study found that social engagement and taking part in leisure activities can help a person maintain cognitive function in later stages of life. If you are a senior looking for ways to stay socially engaged, here is a useful read.  As one of the premium retirement homes in Bangalore we have curated a few useful insights on staying socially active as you age:  Join a club: One of the best ways to get more out of life is to join a club. Clubs such as book clubs, running clubs, and dance clubs make it easy to socialise and connect with others. Being part of clubs means that you can make new friends and at the same time learn something new or nurture an old hobby. Get to know your neighbours: Befriending your neighbours is a great way to expand your social circle. You can find like-minded people in your neighbourhood by joining the local gym or participating in cultural activities. Also, you can invite your new neighbours for a cup of coffee and socialise in the comfort of your own home. Connect with old friends: Friendship is needed at every stage of life and more so when you are retired. Connecting with friends gives your lives meaning, comfort, and joy. It has been found that having friends in old age is associated with higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Meet your old friends and spend quality time with them. When it comes to spending time with your friends, you can throw a reunion party at your home, go for movies or shopping together, or go on vacations together. Use social media to stay connected with friends who do not stay in your city. Move to an active retirement community: Retirement communities are a great place to meet people of your age. Leading retirement homes have many opportunities for formal and informal social activities that promote engagement and solidarity amongst residents. In a retirement community, you can choose how little or how much you wish to socialise.  Looking for retirement homes with independent senior living apartments?  Explore our premium retirement home in Bangalore. The senior living community will have an active social calendar that will offer you a host of options to make new friends and stay socially active. To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554 or fill in a form to book a virtual tour. 

Calcium is one of the main building blocks for strong bones and Vitamin D helps the body absorb it. Though people of all ages need vitamin D, older adults need it more than others. The reason being Vitamin D deficiency can lead to several health problems such as fatigue, joint pain, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Not just that, Vitamin D deficiency makes seniors more susceptible to falls and fractures due to loss of bone density. Some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include: 1. Hair loss 2. Wounds not healing 3. Fatigue 4. Bone pain 5. Frequent hairline fractures As one of the leading retirement homes in Puducherry, we have curated a few useful insights on Vitamin D deficiency for seniors: Vitamin D is important for mental health It is a known fact that Vitamin D is important for physical health, particularly bone health. However, Vitamin D also helps seniors prevent depression and anxiety. According to a study, there is a connection between Vitamin D deficiency and depression. Though Vitamin D deficiency does not cause depression, people suffering from depression have higher chances of having vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D promotes bone health With age, the bone density reduces – and it makes seniors more vulnerable to fractures and falls. It has also been found that intake of vitamin D prevents falls and fractures especially amongst older adults. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak. As Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, seniors must make sure that they get sufficient Vitamin D through food as well as by spending 10 to 20 minutes every day in the sun. Promotes better dental health Gum disease and tooth decay become more common as people age – and this is where Vitamin D helps seniors. A study suggests that intake of vitamin D and calcium may improve periodontal health and reduce severity of periodontal disease. Looking for retirement homes in Puducherry that promote positive ageing? If you want to spend your golden years enjoying the beach and the great heritage that Puducherry has to offer, explore our retirement homes in Puducherry. When you move into our retirement homes, you will be surrounded by a community of like-minded people who will welcome you with open arms. Our services and amenities will help make your retirement life more comfortable. From our housekeeping and maintenance team to 24*7 security team, there is always someone to assist you with your request. To know the average cost of a retirement home per month and other details, call us at +918884555554.

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” — Mark Twain, author.     It is common to have negative feelings toward people who hurt you. However, carrying the feeling of resentment is like an overstuffed luggage that can take a toll on seniors’ health. According to a study, anger can be more harmful to a senior’s health than sadness. Anger may increase inflammation, which is associated with chronic illnesses. Though anger and resentment are natural emotional reactions, when these emotions prolong for days and weeks, it is time to deal with them in a healthy manner. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you a few useful tips to deal with resentment and embrace the positives of ageing:     1. Acknowledge the feeling: Any progress can only be made when the problem is identified. When you are dealing with negative emotions, give them a name. Here are a few signs to watch out for:   Recurring negative feelings Thinking about the event that made you angry  Feelings of regret   2. Find the underlying cause: What exactly made you feel this way and why? Sometimes the cause of your resentment could be very obvious such as a family member hurting your feelings, or you are struggling to have a healthy relationship with your loved ones. Other times it is a little harder to zero in on the things that are really bothering you. Whenever you are overwhelmed with negative emotions, answer the following questions:  Why am I feeling this way?  When did these feelings start? Is there a particular incident that hurt you?  Answering these questions will help you understand your emotions better.  3. Write down your thoughts and feelings: Writing is a great way to deal with negative emotions and organise your thoughts. It has been found that writing about emotions promotes coping via emotional processing. Not only does writing help you get to the root cause of your resentment, but it may also help you look at things from a different perspective. Instead of worrying about putting your thoughts in any order, jot down what you feel.    4. Pick up a hobby or activity that you like: While it is important to deal with the negative emotions you are experiencing, it is also important to let go of them. There are many ways that can trigger emotional release. Exercising, doing yoga, pursuing art and craft, learning a musical instrument, playing a  sport, and doing volunteer work are some of the ways to keep yourself engaged in a productive manner and embrace positive ageing.    Looking for senior living homes that promote positive ageing?    Our senior living homes are designed for seniors who wish to age positively. The amenities and services offered promote the overall well-being of seniors. There are a myriad opportunities for seniors to stay physically active, pursue hobbies, and make new friends. Call us at +91 8884555554, to know more about our retirement homes.

With the rising popularity of senior living homes in India, many NRIs are choosing to come back to their motherland after living abroad for years. With senior-friendly retirement homes coming up in metros and tier 2 cities, NRIs have little apprehension of finding good retirement homes that match their desires and comfort levels. Our senior living communities in India match the needs and desires of those who love and appreciate fine things in life. If you are an NRI planning to purchase a property in India, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:    Question 1: What are the rules for purchase of property by an NRI in India?  You can buy residential or commercial property. There is no cap on the number of residential or commercial properties that you can buy in India.    Question 2: Is RBI permission required for sale of property by NRI? NRIs and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) do not need any prior approval from the RBI to buy or transfer a property.    Question 3: What documents are required for an NRI to buy property in India? Some of the documents you will need to buy a property in India include:  Passport or OCI card Valid visa  PAN Card Power of attorney Note: In some cases, additional documents may be required. If you are applying for property loan, you will also need documents such as:  Work permit Employment contract Latest salary certificate Payslips  Latest income tax return Bank statement of NRE and NRO accounts    Question 4: What is the difference between an NRI and NRE account? An NRE account is used for depositing your foreign earnings. An NRO account is used for managing the income earned in India. Interest income from NRE accounts is exempt from tax. The interest earned on an NRO account is taxable.    Question 5: What is the mode of payment for NRI home loans? Payments are done through NRO, NRE, NRNR, and FCNR accounts.    Looking to buy a retirement home in India?  Planning to spend your golden years back in your motherland? Explore The Virtuoso at Budigere Cross, Bengaluru, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards. From  senior-friendly apartments and security to dining services, all the aspects of this community have been thoughtfully designed to offer an uncompromising lifestyle to our residents. To know more about The Virtuoso at Budigere Cross, book a virtual tour or call us at +91 8884555554.

Many NRIs are now retiring comfortably in India as there has been a rise in luxurious retirement homes – where they can be a part of a vibrant, friendly community and enjoy life at their own pace. If you are  looking for retirement homes for NRIs, check these useful insights:   1. Choosing the right location: Where do you envision yourself retiring? Is it the mountains or the city? Many NRIs prefer retiring in their hometown where they have strong roots. However, this is just one aspect of choosing the right location. Some of the other important factors to consider at the time of zeroing in on the location include:  Proximity to family  Pleasant weather  Access to amenities  Secure neighbourhood     2. Modern amenities: Look for retirement homes that offer amenities that suit your lifestyle. Leading senior living communities for NRIs such as ours offer a host of amenities to help residents lead a fulfilling lifestyle post retirement. For instance, at The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bengaluru, our residents will have access to amenities such as a senior-friendly swimming pool, clubhouse, gym, laundry service, banquet service, fitness centre, movie theatre, dining services, concierge, spa, in-house salon, and business centre. 3. Average cost of living: Many retirement homes such as ours offer services such as housekeeping, meals, maintenance, laundry service, and concierge for a monthly fee. It is important to check the average monthly fee before making the purchase decision. 4. Safety: When you are looking for retirement homes, make sure that your apartment or villa is designed with senior safety in mind. The doors should be large enough to allow easy use of a wheelchair or walker. The apartments should have emergency protocols in place and there should be a panic button in each apartment so that immediate help can be sought when needed. The bathrooms, bedrooms, and other common areas should be senior-friendly with anti-skid tiles. There should be grab bars installed at appropriate places. The premium living spaces at The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bengaluru, are designed keeping in mind the needs and comforts of seniors. 5. Security: Make sure that the retirement community you choose has security measures such as CCTV and manned entry and exit points. The security team at The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, is highly trained and there are cutting-edge security systems and CCTV cameras in place to ensure uncompromised safety and privacy. 6. Access to healthcare facilities: Select a retirement home that not only has medical emergency protocols in place but also ensures easy access to quality and timely healthcare.  At The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bengaluru, the routine check-ups and healthcare needs are a priority. 7. Book a virtual tour: As an NRI, it may not be possible for you to visit each and every shortlisted retirement home. You can book a virtual tour with us to see what your retirement life can look like. Call us at +91 8884555554 for more information.

Following a daily yoga regimen routine has many benefits – it will ease aches and pains, improve your range of motion, and help you feel relaxed and renewed. If you are planning to start practising yoga at home, you must have a dedicated yoga room. As one of the leading senior living communities in Coimbatore,  we share a few useful tips on creating a yoga room at your home:  1. Keep the space uncluttered:   When the space around you is cluttered, it can be difficult for you to focus on the asanas. To create a relaxing yoga room, follow the 90/10 rule. Start by taking everything out of a room. In the end, only 10 per cent goes back.  2. Set the tone with soothing colours:    You want your yoga room to feel like a quiet sanctuary where you can meditate and practise asanas in peace. Colours play an important role in creating a feeling of calm. For walls, select muted colours such as white, off-white, light blue, and leafy green. Bright and vibrant colours can be distracting. However, this does not mean your yoga room has to look boring – you can add colourful accent pieces to make the room look lively.    3. Set the mood with natural light:    The room should have large windows as they allow natural light to flood your yoga room. Ensure that all the windows are uncluttered to allow maximum light in.    4. Be intentional with decorative items:     When it comes to interior decor, keep things simple – each and every decor piece should be selected for a reason and the number of accessories should be minimal. A mandala poster or inspirational quote or a plant or two are great to keep seniors motivated. However, seniors should be purposeful about the things they want to keep in the room.    5. Infuse aroma:    Use scented candles, incense, or diffusers to give a welcoming feel to the yoga room. Lavender, lemongrass, rose, and sandalwood are some of the scents that can be used to add a calming and relaxing vibe to the space.    Looking for retirement facilities in Coimbatore that promote an active lifestyle?  Our senior living communities in Coimbatore are designed to encourage our residents to lead a physically active lifestyle. We have daily yoga sessions, well-equipped gyms, rubberised jogging paths, and open spaces to help our residents stay social, active, and connected. Our communities promote positive ageing and help seniors focus on enjoying the things that matter the most. To know more about our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore call us at +91 8884555554.

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” ― Mahatma Gandhi   In life, everyone gets hurt at some point. However, by embracing forgiveness, one doesn’t just overcome negative emotions but also bring in gratitude and joy in their lives. As one of the leading communities with independent senior living apartments, we explore what is forgiveness and how it can help seniors improve their lives:    1. What is forgiveness?    Forgiveness is a choice to let go of anger and bitterness. However, it does not mean that the pain associated with the incident will go away. Forgiveness means you do not hold on to the past. Instead, you focus on the positive aspects of life.   2. Benefits of forgiveness One of the main benefits of forgiveness is peace of mind: When you let go of grudges, you gain: Healthier relationships Improved mental health Less stress  Improved self-esteem   3. Holding grudges is not good for health: When you hold on to a grudge, you are paying too much attention to an incident with which negative emotions are associated. This rush of feelings of anger and resentment puts stress on the body, affecting it negatively. According to a study, adults who held onto anger for more than 10 years experienced greater cognitive decline than those who embraced forgiveness. Another study suggests that anger can adversely affect an older person’s physical health by increasing inflammation, which is associated with chronic illnesses.    4. Practise forgiveness: Embracing forgiveness is easier said than done. When trying to forgive someone, try seeing the situation from the other person’s point of view. Practising empathy can go a long way in accepting people the way they are.  Writing a journal, using guided meditation, or speaking with a trusted friend can help you find compassion and practise forgiveness.    Looking for independent senior citizen apartments that promote positive ageing  Explore our independent senior citizen apartments for active seniors.  Being part of our community will give you a sense of belonging and a myriad opportunities to meet like-minded people. When you move into one of our retirement homes, you will enjoy independence with total peace of mind. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

For many seniors, watching movies with friends or family is a great way to bond as well as unwind. A light-hearted movie can leave seniors with feelings of happiness, joy, gratitude, and comfort. As one of the leading retirement homes in Kanchipuram, we have curated a list of 6 films that seniors can watch to lift their spirits:    The Intern (English): This comedy-drama is about a 70-year-old widower who applies for a position of an intern at an online fashion start-up. During the internship, he not only forms an unlikely friendship with the company’s workaholic CEO, but he also becomes a father figure to several of the younger workers. Kapoor & Sons (Hindi): Though the film revolves around the two estranged brothers who return home to visit their ill grandfather, it is the ailing grandfather who steals the show with his joie de vivre attitude. The grandfather’s dying wish is to have his children and grandchildren take a family picture together. What looks like an easy task becomes difficult as familial conflicts mar the plans. Saand ki Aankh ((Hindi): The film is based on the lives of Chandro and Prakashi Tomar who started learning to shoot when they were in their 60s and became national champions. The inspiring film shows that age should not stop anyone from doing what they want to do. Do Dooni Char (Hindi): The film is about a middle-class schoolteacher who wants to keep his wife and kids happy. The family dreams of buying a car but does not have enough money. One day they borrow their neighbour’s car to attend a wedding. However, at the time of returning the car, the teacher’s daughter reverses the car into the wall, and this leads to a fight between the neighbours. The schoolteacher, in a rage, vows to buy a car in 15 days. From thereon, starts the family’s quest to buy a car. This heart-warming comedy is about life, family, and the pursuit of dreams. Dakini (Malayalam): It is a brilliant comedy film that has four senior women actors. The film revolves around their friendship and the struggles of their daily lives. The main protagonists are all seniors but that is where the similarities end. Each has their own distinct traits that makes this film fun to watch. KD (Tamil):  The film revolves around 80-year-old Karuppu Durai (KD) who runs away from home when he finds his family plans to kill him as he is ailing. However, somehow one day he manages to escape and forms an uncanny friendship with an 8-year-old boy. The film emphasises the friendship between the two and sends out a strong message of positive ageing and finding one’s inner child.    Looking for retirement homes in Kanchipuram that promote positive ageing?    Spread over 18 acres of land, our retirement home in Kanchipuram is away from the hustle and bustle of the hectic city life. Access to an array of services makes daily life comfortable and enjoyable. From customised housekeeping and laundry services to dining facilities and concierge services, our in-house team ensures that you enjoy a lifestyle designed to enrich the next chapter in your retirement life. To know the cost of living in a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

Health problems such as dehydration and digestive issues during summers can cause loss of appetite amongst seniors. By including hydrating and delicious summer recipes in their diet, seniors can ensure that their nutritional needs are met. Here are a few amazing summer recipes:   1. Fruit salad:    Fruit salad is easy to make and can be customised to meet individual tastes. A bowl of delicious fruit salad is rich in fibre for a healthy gut, micronutrients that keep your body working at its best, and antioxidants to fight diseases.    Ingredients:    For the dressing    3 tbsp cup honey 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice Zest of 1 lemon   For the salad    2 to 3 strawberries, chopped  1 banana, sliced  2 kiwis, sliced 2 apples, peeled and chopped Half a mango, peeled and chopped   How to make it ?    In a bowl, mix honey, orange juice, and lemon zest. Add fruits to a mixing bowl and add the dressing. Toss the fruits gently to combine. Before serving, sprinkle chia seeds on top.    2. Tomato soup:  It’s a healthy alternative to evening tea. Pair the soup with a crusty roll and enjoy the rich flavours.    Ingredients:   2 to 3  tablespoons unsalted butter  1 medium size onion, chopped  ½ tsp ginger  3 to 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed  1 ½ cups of water or vegetable stock 1/2 teaspoon salt   How to make it?    Melt butter in a pot and add chopped onion.  Add ginger and sauté. Slowly, pour 2 cups of water, crushed tomatoes with their juices, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.  Blend the soup, and then season to taste. For extra flavour, add basil and oregano.    3. Roasted potatoes:    The goodness of roasted potatoes and aroma of herbs make it a perfect meal.   Ingredients:   3 to 4 medium size potatoes  2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder  3 tbsp olive oil  Salt Thyme  Oregano  Rosemary  Blackpepper    How to make it?    Skin the potatoes and cut them into pieces. Soak, rinse and pat dry the potatoes. In a mixing bowl, put potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and all the herbs. Gently toss them. Spread the coated potatoes over a greased baking sheet. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes. Place the baking sheet inside the oven and cook for about 30 minutes at 200 degree Celsius.    Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore that promote a holistic lifestyle?  Explore The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, our premium retirement home in Bangalore. A welcoming senior living community that will have trained chefs offering our residents nourishing home-style food. Besides that, our senior citizen home will have a wellness centre, swimming pool, rubberised jogging track, and yoga deck that will help our residents stay healthy. To know more about The Virtuoso, book a virtual tour or call us at +91 8884555554.