Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Gardening is an enjoyable form of exercise. Gardening activities such as tilling soil, planting the seeds, and plucking the weeds out restore dexterity and strength and help seniors improve their motor skills. Besides physical benefits, gardening also offers many mental benefits. According to a study, exposure to nature through gardens and gardening activities can help seniors alleviate their stress levels and manage their emotions. As one of leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you a few easy gardening tips for seniors: Warm up before gardening: Doing stretching exercises before gardening reduces the chances of sore muscles. Side bends, floor touches, and arm exercises are great for preparing the body for gardening tasks – they improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Make your garden senior-friendly: Use brightly colored tools so that they are easy to find. Make sure that the walking paths have anti-slip tiles and are clear and well-lit. Seek help for activities that are physically demanding.   Choose low-maintenance plants: There are no two ways that gardening is a good form of exercise, but plants require constant care. You can choose low maintenance plants such as aloe vera, snake plant, spider plant, and succulents. Before planting them, evaluate local weather conditions such as brightness and humidity levels. Use ergonomic gardening tools: The repeated motions involved in gardening can put strain on the joints. You can use ergonomic gardening tools with adjustable handles to avoid strain on the knees and back. Looking for senior living homes in Bangalore?  Our retirement home in Bangalore will offer residents opportunities to hone their gardening skills. The senior living community will have beautifully designed gardens offering seniors a quiet and green place to spend time. Also, the gardens will have raised garden beds, suited for those who do not want to bend or prefer the comfort of their chair. To know more about The Virtuoso, Budigere, Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour. 

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects many seniors. The high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels in legs and feet. As one of the leading senior citizen housing communities, we share with you a few insights on Diabetes foot examinations for seniors   1. Check skin condition: Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the legs and feet to  narrow and harden, disrupting the blood flow to the feet. This causes many subtle changes in the skin, especially feet. Seniors with diabetes or high sugar levels must carefully inspect the feet for small ulcers. In the early stages of diabetes, the skin of the feet may look patchy, dry, or irritated.  2. Keep an eye out for nail symptoms: If the toenails appear yellow, white, or abnormally thick, these could be symptoms of toenail fungus. Though anyone can develop toenail fungus, seniors with diabetes are at higher risk of developing toenail fungus.  3. Do not ignore signs of calluses: A callus is a section of skin that thickens because of friction, pressure, or irritation. Often this problem is overlooked as a symptom caused by either a lot of walking or wearing wrong shoes. Seniors who suffer from diabetes are at higher risk of developing calluses.  4. Test for numbness: Numbness in the feet is a symptom of nerve damage, one of the most common long-term complications of type 2 diabetes. Seniors, especially those who are suffering from diabetes, should regularly check their feet for numbness or tingling. They can gently tap their feet and toes for a few seconds. In case of nerve damage, seniors may not feel anything on their feet on tapping.      Tips for seniors to take care of their feet Wash feet every day in warm (not hot) water.  Always wear shoes and socks or slippers, even indoors, to avoid injury.  Wear shoes that fit well.  Maintain feet hygiene by keeping them clean and trim toenails.  To remove corns or calluses, consult a podiatrist.   Walk, ride a bike, or swim for better blood circulation.    Looking for a senior citizen housing community that promotes holistic wellness?   As one of the leading senior citizen housing communities in India, we take pride in offering services and facilities that help seniors enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. To know about our retirement homes, average monthly cost of a retirement home, and services offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”  ― Swami Vivekananda   There are many factors that help one enjoy a happier and longer life. Some of the important factors include staying physically active, eating healthy, having a strong social network, and following spiritual practices. Here we discuss spiritual practices and their physical and emotional benefits. According to studies, spiritual practices can boost the psychological well-being of a person. Also, it  has been found that there is a positive association of spirituality and health-related behaviours. As one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore we share some useful insights on spiritual wellness:    1. Why do seniors seek spiritual wellness?  There are many reasons seniors become more spiritual as they grow older. Spiritual practices provide seniors opportunities to reflect on their lives. Moreover, with age, experience, and wisdom, seniors start realising that life is ephemeral and, thus, they look for purpose through spirituality.  2. Benefits of spiritual wellness:    Spiritual wellness promotes positive emotions and thoughts, such as hope, love, compassion for others and oneself, and forgiveness. It has been found that  spiritual experiences help older adults cope with stressful situations. Spiritual practices help seniors deal with negative emotions, such as depression, chronic anger, fear, and low self-esteem.    3. Boosting spiritual wellness:    Spiritual wellness is an individual experience. There are many activities that can help seniors get started on their spiritual journey and some of them are:  Deep breathing  Practicing gratitude Practicing creativity Connecting with family and friends Pursue hobbies  Spend time amidst nature Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield, Bangalore?    Explore our retirement communities in Bangalore where active seniors can enjoy a worry – free lifestyle and pursue interests and hobbies that make them happy. The retirement community will have a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, rooftop bistro, club and banquet hall – there will be enough space to entertain and enjoy yourself.  Fill in the form for a live one-on-one virtual tour.  

Nobody is immune to the feelings of anxiety and worry. In fact, these feelings are a normal and essential part of being human. As people age, they worry more about their health. Sometimes, they feel anxious as they worry about the future. Though it is natural to feel anxious once in a while, it can be quite difficult when seniors start suffering from persistent and excessive anxiety over normal and regular issues. Unchecked anxiety can negatively affect an individual’s life.    As Paramahansa Yogananda said: “Learn to be calm and you will always be happy.” When seniors bring a sense of calm into their lives, they enjoy health benefits. There are many exercises that can help seniors feel calm and relaxed. As one of the leading senior living homes in Coimbatore, we share some exercises for seniors that can improve their mood and help calm their mind and body:      1. Play the name game: When seniors are anxious, they need to find a way to take their mind off their worries. Name game is a simple exercise where one has to look around and name three things he or she sees, hears, and feels. This exercise may seem very simple but it helps seniors to be in the moment and experience the wonderful things around them.   2. Practise deep breathing: When people are anxious, their breaths are short and often constrained. One of the best ways to relax in a stressful situation is to consciously take deep breaths. One simple breathing exercise is breathing in through your nose and letting your body fill with as much air as it can comfortably hold. Then relax by slowly exhaling through your mouth.    3. Take a break with tea mindfulness: Seniors who love drinking tea can make their tea time a meditation break. They must concentrate on the process of making tea. Paying attention to the colour and smell of tea leaves and feeling the aroma of boiling tea leaves are great ways to practise mindfulness and be in the present moment. Those who love coffee can perform this practice in the same manner. In fact, this sort of mindfulness can be practised with any activity.    4. Create a gratitude list: Life is full of ups and downs but there is something that one can be grateful for every day. One of the simplest exercises to reduce anxiety is to focus on positive aspects of life. One great way to do that is to maintain a gratitude journal. Writing down positive things can bring happiness, a sense of calm, and help one look at things from a new perspective.    During these uncertain times, it is natural to feel anxious. To help our residents relax and cope with stress, our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore administer yoga, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises. There are open green spaces where our residents can relax and meditate. To know more about our senior citizen retirement homes in Coimbatore, call us at +91 8884555554.

The human gut contains trillions of microorganisms called the ‘gut microbiome’ that aid digestion and nutrient absorption. However, as people age, the diversity and amount of gut microbes reduce. With imbalance in the gut microbes, seniors become more prone to digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhoea. As elderly people have fewer friendly bacteria, probiotic foods can help seniors maintain a healthy gut.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we share a quick list of probiotic foods that can help seniors maintain a good gut balance.    Yoghurt: Yoghurt is one of the best sources of probiotics. As yoghurt is made from milk that has been fermented by probiotics, it is loaded with gut-friendly bacteria that help in digestion. It has been found that yoghurt consumption can help increase microbial diversity that is important for overall gut health. Also, yoghurt can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant. Kimchi:  Seniors who love kimchi salad have one more reason to add this delicious food to their regular diet – it contains good bacteria that may benefit digestive health. The main ingredient of kimchi is cabbage that is fermented with probiotic lactic acid bacteria. Kombucha tea: The fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast offers a myriad of health-promoting properties such as it can promote digestion, reduce insomnia, and can positively impact one’s mood. Pickled cucumbers: Cucumbers are preserved in a solution of salt and water and left to ferment for some time. Fermented pickles act like probiotics, supporting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.   Looking for senior homes in Coimbatore that can cater to your nutritional needs?    At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we work with nutritionists to design a menu that meets the nutritional needs of our residents. We ensure that the meals are prepared under hygienic conditions. Our F&B team organises regular meetings with our residents to take their feedback so that the meals are prepared to suit their needs and preferences. To know more about the services and facilities we offer at our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Today, seniors are embracing new forms of entertainment. From watching movies on streaming sites and playing games on tablets to attending virtual concerts in different cities – media consumption habits are changing rapidly for seniors. One channel that has gained immense popularity amongst seniors are podcasts – they are streamable and downloadable audio entertainment. They are easy for on-the-go listening like a radio. However, unlike a radio, these audio programs are delivered through the internet and can be accessed on computers, smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. Given the growing popularity of podcasts, it is not surprising to know that India is the third largest consumer of podcasts.   As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of engaging and interesting podcasts. Check this list:    Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd: If you are looking for something lighthearted and yet thoughtful, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd is the perfect podcast for you. The host interviews celebrities on his show. The interviews usually revolve around the “messiness of being human” and the struggles that help define a celebrity’s life. Stuff You Should Know: If you are looking for humour, knowledge, and short content, you will find ‘Stuff you should know’ interesting and engaging. The hosts talk about everything under the sun – from the history of traffic signals to how the Nobel Prize works. They also have ‘Short Stuff’ – where each episode is of 10 minutes to 15 minutes.  The Daily Quote: If you love to start your day on a positive note, this podcast will put you in a good mood. There are 2 to 3 minutes of positive quotes and thoughts. They are great to give your mornings a positive beginning or to find a sense of calm when things are not going well.  Tech Tutor for Seniors: Do you wish to stay in touch with your family and friends through video calls and social media but struggle with technology? Well, Tech Tutor for Seniors will help you navigate the ever- changing technology landscape. From using smartphones and fitness bands to understanding video chatting – the podcast will help you understand technology and how to use it the right way. Tech Tutor for Seniors is hosted by a senior who wishes to defy the stereotypes surrounding baby boomers and technology.   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes that promote positive ageing?    At our premium retirement homes in India, we truly believe that age is just a number. Our senior citizen homes are designed in a way that encourages our seniors to stay active physically and socially. All our senior citizen homes in India have age-appropriate gyms and dedicated jogging and walking paths. There are daily yoga and aerobic sessions and walking groups. The monthly calendar is full of activities and events that give plenty of opportunities to our seniors to get to know each other and socialise. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

For many seniors, watching movies with their grandchildren is a great way to bond with the little ones and spend some quality family time. Movie-watching is also a great way for seniors to teach their grandkids about human emotions and new cultures. If you enjoy watching movies with your grandchildren and are looking for a new list of movies, check this read:    Stanley ka Dabba: The movie captures the essence of school days, especially the lunch break. The film revolves around the innocent days of childhood and the love that adults and children have for food. This is a heart-warming movie that you will enjoy watching with your grandkids.  Taare Zameen Par: The film is about a child suffering from a learning disability and the struggles that he faces at school for not being able to cope with his studies. The film delivers an important message that every child learns differently. Though the film focuses primarily on the child, the message that it sends out is universal – everyone has a hidden talent.  E.T.: An 80s classic, this film is about a young boy who finds an alien hiding in his house. The story revolves around the boy and his attempts to help the stranded alien find his way back home. Whether your grandkids are teenagers or young, they will enjoy this film that has been a long-time family favourite. Blue Umbrella: Though it is often referred to as a children’s movie, the film is for adults too. Based on a story written by Ruskin Bond, this film is about a little girl who has a beautiful blue umbrella and how the entire village envies her for possessing it. The movie delivers a profound message that even the worst human beings need to be accepted and forgiven.   Looking for retirement home facilities that promote positive ageing?  Our retirement home facilities help you enjoy a worry-free retirement life. Our wellness activities are focussed towards your physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Our residents enjoy a wide range of fun activities including yoga, billiards, aerobics, and table tennis.  Our residents share beautiful community facilities – from the clubhouse and the garden to the activity centre – there is enough space to entertain and enjoy. To know more about our facilities and the cost of retirement homes in India, call us at  +91 8884555554.

The only constant in life, is change – the older people get, the truer that statement becomes. Learning to live with the physical changes that ageing brings is also a part of becoming wiser. As people age, their hair colour and texture also change. To keep hair looking healthy after the 50s, one needs to follow a good hair care regimen. As a leading provider of services to senior citizen communities in India, we share a few hair care tips for seniors:  Using the right shampoo: With age, hair loses pigment cells which in turn causes hair to turn grey or a dingy yellow. Cleansers that contain chemicals can further cause hair colour to fade and cause dryness, breakage, and split ends. To prevent ageing hair from damage, seniors should use cleansers and hair products that are mild and use natural ingredients instead of chemicals. Healthy diet: It has been found that Vitamin E, C, Iron, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hair health as they promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Seniors should add almonds, spinach, salmon, eggs, and oatmeal to their daily meals to support hair growth.   Avoid washing hair too frequently: Washing hair frequently removes natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Seniors need not shampoo every day – skipping a day or two between washing hair is good for hair. Leave-in conditioners, also known as co-wash, can also eliminate the need for daily shampooing for seniors.  Use lukewarm water to wash hair: Washing hair keeps the scalp clean and protects it against skin infections. However, using hot water can leave the scalp and hair dry – it strips the scalp of its natural oils.  Get a haircut regularly: For seniors, one of the best ways to keep hair manageable is to regularly go for grooming sessions. Also, they should choose a comfortable hairstyle that is easy to care for. Seniors can work with a hair expert to choose hairstyles that are face-flattering and at the same time, easy to maintain.     Looking for senior citizen homes where you can maintain your independence while enjoying all the benefits of community living? Explore our senior citizen homes that are designed to enrich the next chapter in your retirement life. With state-of-the-art amenities and a caring team, we are there for you every step of the way to help you enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Some of the services offered include 24/7 security services, concierge services, laundry, daily meals, 24/7 preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work, emergency care with 24/7 ambulance service, and doctor-on-call. To find out more about the services offered and the average cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

The pandemic has been an unnerving and anxiety-ridden time for everyone, especially for seniors. In addition to being more vulnerable to the infection, they are also an easy target for scammers. Hence, it is important for seniors and their families to be more aware about the various coronavirus scams so they can guard against being duped. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we have curated useful insights on coronavirus scams targeting seniors:    Healthcare scams:  Seniors receive a call from someone pretending to be a health representative offering vaccines, test kits, or air filter systems. Seniors should not provide any information, such as their address or bank account details to any such caller.  Errand helper scam: A stranger approaches seniors to help with errands such as buying and delivering groceries or paying their phone bill. Seniors should avoid communicating with strangers pretending to offer help. Also, they should not share any sensitive information such as their address, phone number, and bank details with strangers.  Charity scam: Scamsters often approach seniors in person or over a telephone call and claim to be working with a charity that provides medical supplies or other items to those affected by coronavirus. They ask seniors to transfer money to help those in need. It is important that seniors check the credibility of the charity before transferring money.  Phishing scam:  This is one of the most common online scams. Seniors receive an email asking for money or bank information. These emails are designed to look as if they are sent from government agencies or reputed medical bodies. Seniors should be very careful when replying to any unsolicited emails.  Sanitisation Scam: In this scam, strangers offer seniors sanitisation services for their homes. Once allowed inside, they steal items from the home and may even physically harm the family members. Seniors must always book sanitisation services from reputed service providers and not allow strangers inside their homes.  As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we urge seniors to be wary of such scams. If you want to know more about our senior living communities and the services we provide, call us at +91 8884555554.

As one grows older, it becomes even more important to eat nutritious meals  and maintain a healthy weight. Reducing sugar intake can help achieve this goal. However, reducing sugar intake can be  quite difficult for seniors with a sweet tooth.    Here are a few insights on sugar consumption that will motivate seniors to reduce their sugar intake:    Sugar is bad for cardiovascular health: Many seniors often love sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks. But they are the biggest sources of added sugar. It has been found that excessive intake of sugar is associated with fat deposits around the heart and in the abdomen, increasing the risks of heart disease and diabetes.  Sugar increases appetite: Often seniors partake of sweetened beverages, baked foods, and sugary cereals thinking that they would make them feel full. However, eating sugar-laden food does the opposite. According to a study, consuming sugar decreases the level of the appetite-suppressing hormone, peptide. Eating sugar-laden foods does not make one feel full; rather it increases the levels of the hunger-promoting hormones. Sugar is bad for gut health: For good gut health, seniors need a diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Sugar has none of these. Natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables are considered nutritional but added sugars have zero nutritional value. Too much sugar, thus, wreaks havoc on the digestive system. According to a study, a diet with a higher amount of sugar-laden food is associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  Sugar does not lift mood: Often seniors grab a bar of chocolate thinking that it will improve their mood. However, according to this study, the idea of a ‘sugar rush’ is a myth. The study finds that instead of improving mood and energy levels, sugar consumption can make people feel fatigued and grouchy.    Here are a few tips that will help seniors reduce their sugar intake:   Stop drinking sugary beverages: Water is the best drink to stay hydrated. However, if seniors want to add flavour to water, they can add fresh herbs and fruits to it. Do not eat processed food:  Candies, cakes, cookies, and doughnuts are all processed foods with high sugar content. Seniors should avoid eating them. To satisfy their sweet cravings, they can eat sweet fruits such as apples, pears, pineapple, and bananas. Cut portion size: It is okay for seniors to sometimes indulge their sweet tooth. However, they must watch out for the portion size. Also, when baking cookies and cakes at home, they can alter the recipe to reduce the amount of added sugar.  Read food labels:  When buying groceries, seniors must check the food labels and choose products that have low sugar content.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai that promote positive ageing?  At our retirement homes in Chennai, we make sure that our residents enjoy a full and varied retirement lifestyle. From age-appropriate gym and activity centres to spacious dining halls for comfortable and well-balanced, nutritious meals, we ensure that our varied facilities help our residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.