Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Chennai is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country. The city boasts an abundance of historic landmarks, well-maintained parks, and a variety of restaurants serving delicacies from different parts of the world. If you are looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:    Question 1: Why is Chennai the best place to retire?   Connectivity, healthcare, and cultural diversity make the city an ideal destination for retirement.    Connectivity: Chennai is well-connected to the rest of the country by train and national highways. Also, the city has an international airport. Interestingly, the city is also well-connected to a number of quaint villages and picturesque towns ideal for a day trip or short stay.   Healthcare: Tamil Nadu is among the best performing states in India when it comes to healthcare. Chennai is called the health capital of India for a reason – the city has state-of-the-art hospitals that offer world-class treatment.    Cultural diversity:  The cultural experience of living in Chennai is quite unique. Round the year, there are many cultural festivals that showcase traditional music and dance forms.    Question 2: Are there good retirement homes in Chennai?   The city has many premium senior retirement homes which offer modern amenities and a worry-free lifestyle. Our retirement homes have well-maintained common areas, community halls for parties, Wi-Fi enabled clubhouses, fully equipped gyms, and libraries with computer and internet access. Our residents can avail services such as daily and periodic housekeeping, customised housekeeping, and laundry.    Question 3: What are some activities seniors can participate in Chennai?    Seniors can participate in different activities. They can visit the government museum that displays some of the rarest artefacts depicting the state’s antiquated civilization, or spend time at the beach, or enjoy the local delicacies at the city’s famous restaurants. They can also plan trips to Mahabalipuram, Ooty, and Koidaikanal.    Question 4: What is the cost of retirement homes in Chennai?    The cost of retirement homes in Chennai depends on various factors such as the location, size of the community, facilities, and services available.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai?  Explore our retirement homes for senior citizens in Chennai  – we offer an array of modern amenities and services so that our residents can experience a vibrant and active retirement life surrounded by like-minded neighbours. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Sunlight affects our physical and mental health. Most of us are aware that regular sun exposure is important for vitamin D production, which is essential for bone health and immune function. However, researchers are discovering new and amazing health benefits of sunlight. In 2020, it was found that sunlight exposure has a positive influence on human performance, health, and sleep quality on seniors. If you want to flood your living space with natural light, here are a few top decor tips curated by one of the premium retirement homes in Chennai :    Embrace lighter colours: To bring in more natural light, choose light colours for walls. Painting the ceiling and walls white or in lighter shades will allow more natural light to spread around the room. Moreover, lighter colours will make the living space appear more spacious and airier. You can also paint the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than the walls to create the illusion of height and space. To reflect light around your living space, choose a paint with a satin finish or glossy finish. Use decorative mirrors: To amplify natural light in a room, strategically place mirrors on the wall adjacent to the window or across it. This trick can be handy for both spacious rooms as well as small rooms. Keep the windows clean and uncluttered: A simple way of maximising light is to keep your windows clean. A clean window will allow the maximum amount of light to filter through the glass.  Also, do not use the windowsill as storage space. Remove the knick-knacks kept on the sill as they not only clutter the space but also block natural light.  If you have placed plants on the windowsills, trim them routinely.  Choose light and airy curtains: Dark curtains made of thick material block sunlight. Consider using sheer curtains that let more light in through the windows. If privacy is a concern, you can use a combination of sheer curtains and blackout curtains.    Looking for premium retirement homes in Chennai that promote positive ageing?   Enjoy a worry-free and leisurely retirement lifestyle at our retirement homes in Chennai. Feel safe and secure in a senior living community that offers a superb range of facilities and activities ensuring you continue to enjoy a worry-free retirement lifestyle. Modern amenities such as a clubhouse, indoor games room, gym, rubberised jogging tracks, and active social calendar ensure that you get plenty of opportunities to stay active socially and physically. Also, our on-site supportive services such as housekeeping, laundry, and 24X7 preventive maintenance help make your life easier and more enjoyable. To know more about our services, call us at +91 8884555554.

Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors. With proper yoga training, seniors can improve their flexibility and balance. However, many seniors are not able to do yoga because of mobility challenges. Lying on a mat on the floor can be difficult for them. For seniors with mobility issues, chair yoga can help. As the name suggests, chair yoga is a form of yoga that can be done while sitting. It is comfortable, calming, and includes gentle stretches that are designed to improve a range of motion. As one of the leading senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore, we share a few useful insights on chair yoga for seniors:    Improves strength and flexibility: One of the major benefits of doing chair yoga is that it helps seniors improve their ability to bend, twist, stretch, and move more freely. According to a study, chair-based exercise helps seniors improve balance, gait speed, and grip strength.   Helps gain balance: Chair yoga helps build strength. More strength can lead to better balance, which can reduce their risk for falls. According to a study, chair-based exercise is a safe intervention for seniors who may be at risk for falls. Improves mood: Yoga breathing can lift mood and improve emotional health. For many yoga asanas, seniors must breathe consciously which is a great way to practise mindfulness. According to a study, conscious breathing and meditation have therapeutic effects that cultivate a sense of calmness and promote relaxation.  Acts as pain reliever: Many seniors often do not practise standing yoga as they suffer from back pain and joint pain. There are many chair yoga asanas (poses) that benefit seniors who suffer from pain. Be it back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, doing chair yoga over a sustained period can help seniors get relief from pain.    Explore senior community living in Bangalore that promotes positive ageing Our senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore will have a dedicated yoga and aerobics deck, fitness centre, and swimming pool offering residents opportunities to stay physically active. For seniors who love gardening, there will be a community planting patch on the rooftop. There will be a podium to ensure that seniors do not have to bend too much to enjoy gardening. The senior living community will follow the highest standards for senior health and safety. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

Activities that promote healthy ageing should start well before one turns 60 — or even 50. Seniors can stay healthy by making right lifestyle decisions. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you a few useful insights on how you can protect yourself against common age-related health conditions:     Lower risk of Dementia: According to a study, adults who followed a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet  in combination with aerobic exercise experienced a significant improvement in brain function. The diet consists of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. In addition to eating healthy and exercising regularly, it is important that you get adequate sleep. It has been found that sleep and cognitive functioning appear to be related in late life. Reduce risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes is a serious health condition that can lead to a wide range of complications including heart disease, kidney damage, and eye damage. It may sound obvious that to reduce the risk of type 2 Diabetes, you must cut down on your sugar intake. But it is not that easy – you have to pay attention to your fibre intake and lifestyle. It has been found that a fibre diet can be beneficial in the prevention of type 2 Diabetes. A fibre-rich diet consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Along with diet, regular exercise is also important. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with greater risk for type 2 Diabetes. Lower heart disease risk: One of the many factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases are high cholesterol levels. To lower your risk of heart disease, follow a cholesterol-lowering diet. It has been found that including foods such as soy protein, tomatoes, flaxseeds, and almonds can help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. According to another study, aerobic and anaerobic exercises promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.    Looking for retirement homes in Bangalore that promote positive ageing?     Our senior homes in Bangalore are designed to help our residents maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Virtuoso, our senior living community in Bangalore, will have a fitness centre, yoga deck, swimming pool, jogging tracks, and aerobics deck so that seniors can stay physically active. The daily food menu will be designed by a team of trained nutritionists. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour. 

As people age, they tend to sleep less. Also, they tend to wake up in the middle of the night. This not only causes seniors to feel lethargic during the day, it also increases their stress levels. According to a study, not getting adequate sleep can lead to elevated levels of cortisol in the daytime. As one of the leading senior living communities, we share with you a few useful tips to sleep better at night:  Create a sleep routine: A bedtime routine is a set of activities you can perform every night 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed. You can perform relaxing activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, journaling, or listening to soothing music before bedtime. By performing the same activities in the same order every night, the brain comes to see these activities as a precursor to sleep. This can help you sleep more easily. Also, it is important to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Minimise exposure to light: For better quality sleep, avoid or minimise the amount of light exposure during sleep. Continuous exposure to light can disrupt the circadian rhythm and make it difficult for you to sleep.  Make sure the room is cool: If you have been struggling to sleep during summer months, maybe the temperature is to blame. Sleep is highly regulated by temperature. Hot temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself. Use air conditioners and fans to keep the room cool. Draw curtains in the daytime to keep rooms cooler during summers.  Give electronics a break: Many seniors hit the bed with their phones watching their favourite shows or scrolling through social media feeds. Many assume that this will help them sleep but it does the exact opposite. According to a study, the blue light emitted by electronic devices trick the brain into thinking it is  daytime, suppressing melatonin production. This can adversely affect the body’s sleep pattern. For better quality sleep, seniors should avoid electronic devices at least 2 hours before bedtime.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Intake of alcohol and caffeine can cause seniors to wake up multiple times, reducing their chances of getting deep REM sleep. It has been found that consumption of alcohol and caffeine within 4 hours of bedtime is associated with increased sleep fragmentation.    Looking for premium community living for seniors in India?  As a leading senior living operator, our retirement homes prioritise overall well-being of our residents. At our retirement homes, our residents enjoy modern amenities and senior-friendly services. From hobby clubs and fitness centres to regular health check-ups, our services and amenities are tailored to enhance and support the way seniors want to enjoy their lives. To know more about our services, call us at +91 8884555554.

After retirement, pursuing painting can improve a senior’s overall health. Studies show that painting reduces anxiety and stress. One of the most influential psychologists of all times, Carl Jung, said that creating a mandala can be calming and healing. Many seniors after retirement wish to pick up the paint brush but do not know where to begin. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share a few useful tips to help seniors start painting:  Choose the right type of paint: Both watercolours and acrylics are great for painting. However, acrylic painting for beginners is an excellent choice – as acrylic dries fast and thus, if there are flaws in the work, they can be painted over.   Pick up basic supplies: Sketchbook, graphite drawing pencils, kneaded eraser, art pencil sharpener, watercolour or acrylic paint, and paint brushes are some basic supplies that can help seniors start with painting. One can start with beginner supplies and then upgrade later on. Buying a colour wheel is also a good idea as it will give seniors an idea on how to mix primary colours to make secondary and tertiary colours.  Join a class: Joining a painting class is a great way to learn the basics of painting and meet like-minded people. Learning with others, whether with people of the same age or young, can help seniors drop their apprehensions and start painting.  Make painting a habit: Just like writing, pottery, or playing a musical instrument, painting too needs practice. For that, seniors have to make painting a part of their daily routine. Seniors can choose the most relaxing time of the day — it could be early mornings or late evenings —and start painting everyday things that inspire them.  Pursue your hobbies after retirement at our senior citizen homes in India  Nurturing one’s creative soul is essential for positive ageing. At our retirement communities, residents are encouraged to pursue creative activities. We host hobby classes for our residents where they share their love for painting, art, music, and dance with other like-minded residents. Call us +91 8884555554 to know more about our retirement communities and the amenities offered.

The physiological changes associated with ageing are inevitable. However, leading a physically active lifestyle can help seniors stay looking and feeling young. Regular exercise not only helps seniors gain improved balance and gait but also keeps them feeling energised. It is important to include different physical activities in your regimen to improve:  Strength Balance Endurance Flexibility   As one of the leading senior living homes in Coimbatore, we share a few exercises that promote positive ageing and improve different aspects of physical fitness: Strength exercises: With age, there is loss of bone and muscle mass which leads to decreased strength.  This increases the risk of fractures. Strength training exercises make the muscles work harder than usual – which increases muscle strength. Also, it has been found that strength training ensures better limb control, thus reducing the risk of falls. Some of the best muscle-strengthening activities are lifting weights, trekking, cycling, push-ups, sit-ups, and high-intensity yoga. Seniors who are not familiar with these forms of exercises must seek guidance from a trainer to avoid sore muscles and injuries.  Flexibility exercises: Ageing can cause changes in soft tissue which can reduce flexibility and contribute to osteoarthritis. Incorporating exercises that promote flexibility is good for seniors as it helps the body to gain proper gait and balance. Yoga, aerobics, swimming, and cycling are some of the best exercises that help seniors improve flexibility. Balance exercises:The cartilage in the joints decreases with age, leading to poor balance. This can be a cause of falls among seniors. Working on balance can reduce the risk of falls. Yoga, pilates, and Tai chi are low-impact exercises that help seniors gain better balance.    Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Coimbatore that promote positive ageing?  Our senior living homes in Coimbatore are ideal for independent seniors who wish to age gracefully. Our senior citizen retirement homes in Coimbatore have all the amenities and opportunities to help seniors not just stay physically active but also find new passions and make new friends. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know more about our services and facilities.

“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.” – William Ewart Gladstone     Tea is miraculous in many ways – it is a refreshing beverage that contains no sodium, fat, or sugar. Plain teas are virtually calorie-free. Also, tea can maintain proper fluid balance and may contribute to alleviating stress levels. According to research, drinking tea lowers post-stress hormone cortisol levels and leads to greater subjective relaxation. If you are looking for the best teas for stress relief, here is a list for you. As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of teas that can reduce mental and physical stress.    Chamomile tea: Many seniors often associate chamomile tea with a good night’s sleep. It has been found that chamomile herb has the potential to calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and induce sleep. The sleep-inducing properties of chamomile makes it the perfect tea for evenings. Another study found that chamomile can help in relieving digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  Lavender tea: Lavender tea is preferred as a bedtime tea as it promotes relaxation. According to a study,   lavender herbal tea can reduce depression and anxiety scores in seniors.  Peppermint tea: Known for its spicy pepper flavour and a hint of mint, peppermint tea is the perfect afternoon tea. According to a study, peppermint can help alleviate symptoms of common cold and constipation.  Not just that, peppermint tea is also known for its relaxing effects.  Ashwagandha tea: Ashwagandha, an ancient medicinal herb, has many health benefits. An adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha counteracts the harmful effects of stress in the body by lowering levels of the cortisol (stress hormones). According to a study, consuming ashwagandha can reduce stress and anxiety among healthy adults and at the same enhance sleep quality.      Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Coimbatore?    Explore our retirement homes in Coimbatore where residents enjoy a worry-free retirement life. From daily housekeeping and maintenance of common areas to laundry services, our trained in-house team can support you to pursue new hobbies and nurture the old ones.    Beautifully landscaped open spaces, state-of-the-art fitness centres, jogging tracks, and yoga sessions ensure that our residents stay physically active. An active event calendar ensures that residents have plenty of opportunities to get to know each other and socialise. To know more about our retirement homes in Coimbatore, call us at +91 8884555554.

As people age, their nutritional needs change. It is important for seniors to ensure that they eat a wide variety of foods so that they get all the important vitamins naturally through diet. Though people of all ages need vitamins, they are especially important for seniors – as vitamin deficiencies can affect bone density, immunity, and metabolism.  As one of the leading senior homes in Coimbatore, we share with you 4 important vitamins for healthy ageing and sources to get them:  1. Vitamin A: It is important for building strong and healthy bones. According to a study, sufficient vitamin A intake can significantly lower the risk of fractures amongst seniors. Vitamin A deficiency can also adversely affect night vision. Good sources of Vitamin A are:  Mangoes Papaya Squashes Carrots Sweet potatoes  Spinach    2. Vitamin B 12: Vitamin B12 deficiency is common amongst seniors. Inadequate intake of Vitamin B12 can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, depression, pale or yellow skin, cognitive impairment, and mouth ulcers. Adequate intake of vitamin B12 can boost energy and improve memory. It has been found that high dietary intake of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 may help prevent heart disease by lowering the body’s levels of homocysteine. Some of the food sources rich in Vitamin B12 are:  Spinach Beetroot Chickpeas Yoghurt    3. Vitamin C: It has been found that vitamin C boosts immunity by creating a protective barrier function against pathogens. Vitamin C deficiency leads to weakened immunity and higher susceptibility to infections. Some of the food sources rich in Vitamin C are:    Citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, and lemons Berries Tomatoes Broccoli Sprouts Capsicum 4. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is a group of vitamins that the body needs for preventing blood clotting and healing wounds. It also reduces the risk of coronary heart disease due to its ability to control blood flow and protect blood vessels. According to a study, people who eat a diet rich in vitamin K have a lower risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease. Some of the food sources of vitamin K are:  Kale Broccoli Spinach Cabbage Lettuce   At our senior retirement homes in Coimbatore, meals and snacks served are as per the nutritional needs of seniors. Food is prepared by experienced chefs using fresh ingredients. To know more about the services we offer, call us at +91 8884555554.

A lot has been written about good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. High levels of bad cholesterol can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. A good way to keep your bad cholesterol levels in check is through a well-balanced diet. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we share with you a few tips on healthy meal planning that can help lower cholesterol.  Eat a fibre-rich diet: You can lower the bad cholesterol levels by adding fibre, specifically soluble fibre, to your daily meals. Oats, barley, quinoa, apple, banana, strawberries, dried raisins, dried apricots, prunes, legumes, and whole grains are all good sources of soluble fibre. They slow down the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream.  Limit portions: An effective way of portion control is to eat slowly and mindfully. Use smaller plates. Avoid eating directly from the serving dish. Before having a meal, it is a good idea to drink a glass of water. Maintaining a food journal can also help you keep a track of your food intake.  Use healthier substitutes while cooking: Herbs and spices are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Instead of adding extra salt to make your food delicious, add herbs and spices such as oregano, pepper, basil, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and parsley. You can use unrefined butter or unrefined nut oils for cooking. Whenever possible, try to bake the food instead of frying.  Avoid artificial trans fats: Avoid fried and salted fried snacks such as french fries and fried chicken as they are high in saturated fat and salt. When shopping for groceries, read the nutrition labels. Buy low fat versions of dairy products and other food items. Also, note the number of servings per container.     Looking for senior living communities in Bangalore that ensure a healthy and happy retirement life?  Explore our retirement communities in Bangalore that will help seniors enjoy a fulfilling life as they age. From rooftop bistro and swimming pool to fitness centre and spa – there will be several opportunities for seniors to stay physically and socially active. To know more about our senior living communities in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.