Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

There is a long history of research showing that laughter can help people cope with stressful situations. Laughter helps in releasing feel-good hormones such as endorphins and serotonin that decrease stress levels and improve resiliency. As operators of leading senior retirement home communities in Chennai, we have curated a few insights on the healing power of humour and how you can make laughter a part of your daily routine.  Laughter makes your heart happy: Want to take better care of your heart? Laugh your heart out. According to a study, laughter can improve artery function. At the University of Texas, Austin, volunteers were asked to watch a 30- minute comedy video or a documentary of their choice. Their before and after tests of blood flow showed that the artery function improved in the volunteers who watched a comedy video.  Laughter is good for the brain: When you laugh, the levels of stress hormones in your body decrease. This helps in improving short-term memory. According to research, healthy seniors who watched a funny video performed better in short-term memory tests than those who did not.  Laughter can help you live longer: Having a good laugh is not only good for your soul, but also could help you lead a longer life. According to a study, having a sense of humour is health protecting. The study showed women with a strong sense of humour have lower all-cause mortality despite suffering from heart diseases and infections.    How to make laughter a part of daily life? Catch up with friends: Laughter is contagious, catch up with friends who lift your spirits. You can even attend stand-up comedy shows with your friends.  Watch or listen to something funny:  There are numerous rib-tickling TV shows and radio shows that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes.   Join a laughter yoga class: Laughing yoga classes involves a series of movement and breathing exercises that promote deliberate laughter. You can join a laughter yoga class with your friends and learn the joy of laughing.    Looking for senior retirement homes in Chennai?  After having worked hard for decades, you deserve to age with joy and comfort. Our senior retirement homes in Chennai let you enjoy a worry-free retirement life. With an exceptional approach to holistic well-being, our senior living communities are designed to enhance every facet of your life. Our retirement communities have beautifully landscaped open spaces, state-of-the-art fitness centres, and jogging paths that are designed to foster wellness and cultivate an active lifestyle. A month-by-month calendar of events ensures that you have something to look forward to every day. To know more about our senior retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, and bloating can become increasingly common with age. It is natural for the production of the digestive enzymes to reduce with age. However, additional problems such as inadequate diet or an unhealthy diet can wreak havoc on the digestive system. By avoiding foods that are not gut-friendly, seniors can improve their digestive health and stay away from stomach problems. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share with you some of the worst foods for your gut:   Fried foods: French fries, deep-fried chicken, chips, samosas, and other fried foods are difficult to digest as they are low in fibre. Often they either move too quickly through the body, leading to diarrhoea, or stay in the digestive tract too long, causing bloating. If you are suffering from indigestion, avoid fried foods because they tend to slow down digestion. Red meat: Meat, especially red meat, is difficult to digest. They stay in the digestive system for too long and can cause constipation if you are dehydrated. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are easily digested and move through the digestive system fast.  Processed foods: Breakfast cereals, cheese, tinned vegetables, chips, cakes, and biscuits are all processed foods. They contain additives and high amounts of salt and sugar that adversely affect the gut microbiome. Low in fibre and nutrition, processed foods can change the gut microbiota and lead to gut inflammation. Alcoholic beverages: Drinking alcohol is not just bad for the liver but also bad for gut health.  Drinking alcoholic beverages in an uncontrolled manner can disrupt the makeup of the gut microbiome, leading to gut problems. According to research, drinking alcohol increases the symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Also, alcoholic beverages are diuretic and can cause constipation.  At our retirement communities in India, the health of our residents is our top priority. This is why we have a team of nutritionists who work on the menu to ensure that the nutritional needs of our residents are met. Not just that, trained and dedicated F&B team ensures that the food is prepared in hygienic conditions. Regular meetings are held with the residents and F&B team to accommodate residents’ feedback. To know more about the services that we offer at our senior citizen homes in India, call us at +91 8884555554.

Two months into the New Year, many of you may have resolved to take steps to improve your health. This year, you may want to focus on bone and joint health problems as it is one of the most prevalent health challenges that seniors face. As one of the leading service providers to senior retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you a few tips on achieving stronger and healthy bones:    Warm up before exercise: A good warmup exercise prepares your body for more intense activity by increasing your blood flow and raising muscle temperature. Whether you do aerobics or workout in the gym, always make sure to spend some time doing stretching exercises that will warm up the body. Moreover, warm up exercises also reduce muscle soreness and the risk of injury.  Get vitamin D levels checked: Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for healthy bones. Without vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium. A simple blood test can reveal your vitamin D level. You can consult a doctor if you need any vitamin D supplements.  Be proactive about your health: By taking an active part in your own healthcare, you can make informed decisions. Go for regular medical health checkups. When you visit a doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions.  Stay off ladders: Bone fracture is one of the most common causes of immobility during old age. You should avoid climbing ladders and onto step stools. In case you do have to climb a ladder, inspect it first. Make sure that there are no loose rungs. Ladders should be placed on an even surface. One must never stand on the top rung of a ladder. Always grip the handrails of the ladder with both hands while climbing. Make sure that your house is senior-friendly: Most fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors take place due to falls, trips, and slips. Safety modifications at home, especially in the bathroom where most falls occur, can significantly reduce the risk of falls and related injuries. Place anti-slip rugs or mats in the bathrooms. Get handrails installed near the shower and toilet seat. Also, make sure that the stairways and entryways are well-lit.    Looking for senior-friendly homes and apartments? Explore our senior retirement homes in Chennai   Our senior retirement homes in Chennai offer a wonderful retirement life experience. Well-designed apartments, emergency call systems, delicious meals, well equipped gym, jogging tracks with anti-slip tiles, and a full calendar of events are a few of the facilities  you will enjoy at our senior retirement homes in Chennai. To know more, call us at +91 8884555554.

Emotional eating is quite common in the elderly as they turn to the comforts of food when experiencing stress, disappointment, or loneliness. When seniors want to calm their nerves, it is easy for them to grab a packet of chips instead of an apple. It is important for them to understand that it is a temporary fix. Foods such as chips, cakes, biscuits, and ice cream are designed to have a special combination of sugar, fat, and salt in them to make one feel good temporarily. Also, they are addictive in nature – which means when seniors are faced with stressful situations, they turn to these foods and can get stuck in a loop. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share a few insights on how emotional eating can be stopped: 1. Understand the signs of emotional eating: Everyone eats for reasons other than hunger once in a while. However, the first step seniors can take to stop emotional eating is to recognise the problem. Here are some common signs of emotional eating:  Change in eating habits during stressful periods  Eating despite feeling full  Constantly looking for snacks even when not hungry Eating when feeling bored  Eating to feel good 2. Identify emotional eating triggers:  There are several reasons why seniors develop an unhealthy relationship with food. To figure out what triggers emotional eating, seniors can keep a food journal. Writing down when and what they eat can help seniors identify their eating patterns.  3. Change response to triggers:  Once identifying the emotional eating triggers, seniors can change the way they respond to them. Instead of reaching out for comfort food, seniors can:  Take a short walk. Take time to think about their feelings. Are they really hungry? Or is it anxiety or a stressful situation that is bothering them?  Use the opportunity to pen down their thoughts. This may help them gain a new perspective about the problem they are facing.  Join a hobby class to avoid overthinking.  Call a friend and catch up with him or her.  Have a healthy snack instead of salt-laden chips or carbonated drinks. 4. Talk to a counsellor:  Taking help from experts can help seniors understand their emotions and eating habits. A counsellor along with a nutritionist can help come up with a diet plan that is healthy and sustainable in the long run.  Know more about senior living in India – explore our retirement communities  Our retirement homes in India are designed to promote positive ageing. Our residents are encouraged to follow new passions and make new friends through different community activities. We offer an extensive range of services to ensure that our residents enjoy a fulfilled and a worry-free retirement life. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

When it comes to protection from the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays, most seniors are quick to grab a hat and a sunscreen lotion. However, they often forget about sunglasses. Most people choose a pair of sunglasses based on how great they look on them. However, in addition to being a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect the eyes from the UV rays.    As one of the leading senior retirement homes in Chennai, we share a few useful insights on sunglasses and senior eye health:    Why is sun protection important? When the eyes are unprotected and exposed to UV radiation, seniors are at a risk of developing photokeratitis, known as the “sunburn of the eye.” In some cases, photokeratitis can be painful and cause a gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing. Long-term exposure to UV radiation without proper protection can increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataract, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Sunglasses can block UV radiation: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA has a longer wavelength and is linked with skin ageing. UVB has a shorter wavelength and is linked with skin burning. When it comes to sunglasses, there are many kinds of options, and it can be quite overwhelming for seniors to know which one to choose. Asking an optometrist for advice is the best way seniors can choose the right sunglasses. The frame of the sunglasses matter: Most people go for a pair of sunglasses that look good on them. But for maximum sun protection, the frame of the sunglasses should be such that they fit close to the eyes and prevent exposure to UV rays from all sides. Opt for anti-glare sunglasses: Anti-glare sunglasses not only offer protection from the sun but also make driving and spending time on beaches safer. Wear sunglasses along with UV contact lenses: Certain contact lenses come with UV-absorbing properties. However, sunglasses are still recommended for maximum protection.   Looking for retirement homes in Chennai, India?   Living in one of our senior retirement homes in Chennai lets our residents enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. At our retirement homes in Chennai, we have a well-experienced team of in-house staff to take care of housekeeping, laundry, and preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work. The F&B team ensures that the food served is hygienically prepared and as per the nutritional needs of our residents. To know more about our retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

It is natural for seniors to feel tired now and then. However, if they have been feeling tired for weeks, they may be suffering from fatigue. Fatigue is a kind of deep exhaustion that adversely affects a person’s ability to perform daily life functions. Understanding fatigue, its symptoms and causes can help seniors take steps to address the issue. As one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore, we share with you information on fatigue and when seniors should see a doctor:  1. Fatigue is more than just feeling tired: Fatigue is profound exhaustion that interferes with daily activities. There are different types of fatigue such as:  Transient fatigue: This kind of fatigue lasts over a few days. Transient fatigue is temporary as it is often brought upon by stressful situations such as moving to a new place, preparing for an event or relationship issues.  Cumulative fatigue: Chronic conditions and ongoing circumstances cause this type of fatigue. Circadian fatigue: This type often results from disruption in the circadian rhythm which is also known as the body’s biological clock. When seniors do not get adequate amount of sleep, they tend to feel tired and experience a dip in alertness. 2. Signs of fatigue: Fatigue can cause a wide range of symptoms. When seniors have an existing illness, diagnosis of fatigue can be difficult. Here are some of the symptoms of fatigue:  Lack of motivation Sore muscles Headache Gastrointestinal problems  Sleepiness  Irritability Poor concentration 3. Ailments that can cause fatigue: There are many health conditions that may cause fatigue in seniors. Here are a few of the common conditions that cause fatigue in seniors: Anaemia Anxiety Concussion Cancer Depression Diabetes Heart diseases  Obesity Pneumonia Stress 4. When to see a doctor: Seniors should consult a medical professional if they notice signs of extreme exhaustion or disorientation for over two weeks. A medical professional can help understand what is causing fatigue and what can be done to address the problem.  5. Treatment for fatigue: If the fatigue is related to a health condition, treatment for the condition may improve energy levels. The doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes if that is contributing to fatigue.   Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield, Bangalore?  Explore The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bangalore, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards. The community is ideal for seniors seeking serenity amidst city life. We offer an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, rooftop barbeque area, multi-purpose hall, and a business centre. To know more about our senior living community in Bangalore, book a virtual tour. You can also call us at +91 8884555554.

It is not always easy to find the perfect gifts for seniors as they have accumulated so many things over the years. Rather than gifting the seniors in your life yet another showpiece that will sit on the shelf, give them gifts that will make their lives easier, healthier, and happier. Whether you are looking for a birthday, holiday, or retirement gift, here are a few gift ideas that are likely to promote health and happiness in seniors:  Preloaded music player: With CDs and cassettes becoming passe, seniors often struggle to keep up with the modern technology and devices. There are many preloaded music players available in the market that are easy to operate. Setting up the player is a one-time process and once that is done, seniors can enjoy the pre-loaded songs. You can also check this informative read on how music benefits seniors emotionally as well as physically.  Wearable medical alert and fall detection system: If your loved one lives alone, a wearable medical alert and fall detection system can be a thoughtful gift. Wearable devices equipped with motion sensors can detect falls. Also, some devices come with a call button that seniors can press to immediately seek medical help, Digital photo frames: For many seniors, there is nothing like going through family photos and reliving the happier times. A digital photo frame helps seniors feel connected with their special moments from the past.  Meal delivery service: Eating nutritious food is important for seniors to maintain good health. However, many seniors struggle to cook. To help them enjoy delicious and healthy home-cooked meals, you can subscribe to meal delivery services on their behalf. You can find many online catering services that offer healthy meals that meet the nutritional needs of the seniors.  Activity boxes: There are many activity boxes that are designed for adults and include colouring books, puzzles, and word search books. Here is a list of creative activities that help seniors cope with stress and find their purpose in life again.  Senior community living in Bangalore – where positive ageing is the focus.   If you are looking for vibrant retirement communities for your parents or loved ones, explore our senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore. To know more about life at The Virtuoso, Budigere Cross, Bangalore, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour. 

A good night’s sleep is important for the physical and mental well-being of seniors. Though experts recommend eight hours of sleep at night, many seniors fail to get it. When not addressed timely, sleep problems can put seniors at risk of serious medical conditions, including diabetes and heart diseases. Sleep disorder in seniors has also been associated with depression. Sleep deprivation affects mood and those suffering from depression often find it hard to sleep. It is a vicious cycle. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we have curated useful insights on how sleep affects depression: 1. Poor quality sleep increases the risk of depression: A person’s mood heavily depends on how well he or she sleeps each night. While not getting sleep before some important events is natural, inadequate sleep that spans over weeks or months spells trouble for one’s mental well-being. It has been found that even mildly insufficient sleep is linked to an increased risk for depression and anxiety 2. Sleep apnea and depression: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes one to stop breathing during sleep. It causes insomnia, fatigue, and headaches that can affect daily life. According to a study, untreated sleep apnea can cause people to suffer from depression. Depression and sleep apnea have similar symptoms such as: Fatigue  Too much sleepiness in the daytime  Irritability Difficulty focusing Headaches Poor sleep quality 3. Insomnia and sleep: According to a study, people with chronic insomnia are at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression. Though the relationship between sleep and depression is quite complex, seniors can benefit from following a healthy lifestyle that includes good sleep habits. Here are some healthy lifestyle changes that can promote better mental well-being and good sleep: Stick to a sleep routine: Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time can help the body follow a schedule. Sticking to a schedule can help the body prepare itself for sleep. Here is an insightful read on improving sleep hygiene.  Practise relaxation techniques: It can be difficult to sleep when the mind is not calm. Breathing exercises for relaxation, a warm bath, meditating, reading, and journaling positive thoughts are a great way to unwind before the end of the day. These activities help prepare the body for a restful night’s sleep. Note: If seniors suspect that sleep disorder is causing anxiety or depression, they must consult a medical expert. If diagnosed with sleep disorder, treatment must be sought without delay.    As one of the premium retirement homes in India, our priority is the overall well-being of our residents. In addition to conducting regular health checkups, we offer our residents a myriad of opportunities to stay physically and socially active. Our social calendar includes a wide variety of activities such as yoga, aerobics, and dance classes that keep our residents physically active and mentally engaged in a productive and healthy way. To know about our retirement homes in India and services we offer, call us at +91 8884555554.

“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.”  — Henry David Thoreau, American author and philosopher    By introducing creative activities into daily routine, seniors can improve their overall well-being and keep alive their sense of purpose. There are many activities that can help seniors channel their creative power into everyday life moments. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share a few creative outlets that can help seniors get started:  Art and crafts: There is nothing like the joy of creating tangible objects with the use of hands and imagination. Painting, colouring, origami, pottery, and jewellery making are some of the activities that seniors can take part in. These activities can be done in groups or solo. At our retirement homes in Bangalore, residents take part in different creative activities and the best artwork often makes it to our monthly journals.  Gardening: Seeing the beautiful colours in blooms, smelling flowers and herbs, and listening to the chirping birds are some of the perks of pursuing gardening as a hobby. Seniors can find creative expression through digging and preparing the soil, planting saplings, and tending plants.  Writing: Writing encourages seniors to think of new perspectives. Also, seniors can try their hand at creative writing through imaginative stories and descriptive language.  Music: A traditional hobby, music is a great creative outlet that allows seniors to express themselves. Whether it is singing, playing a song on guitar or drumming, music in all its forms is intrinsically fulfilling. Seniors who love music can join a music class or group where they can learn and practise with like-minded people.     Want to spend your retirement life pursuing creative activities? Check out our retirement homes in Bangalore At our senior living homes in Bangalore, we promote activities that help our residents focus on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. From housekeeping and daily chores to maintenance work, everything is taken care of by our experienced in-house staff. This helps our residents enjoy a worry-free retirement life with freedom to focus on things that they enjoy the most. To know more about our senior living homes in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

The brain is in charge of your body. Therefore, it is important to eat food that not only promotes your physical well-being but also improves your brain health. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share a few useful insights on foods that are good for the brain:    Walnuts: They are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols that can counteract oxidative stress and inflammation, two drivers of cognitive decline.  Spinach: Packed with antioxidants like vitamin A, lutein, and carotene, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens are good for brain health. Antioxidants help delay ageing-related brain decline and maintain cognitive functions.  Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper –  all these nutrients are essential for brain health. The antioxidants present in the pumpkin seeds protect the body and brain from free radical damage.  Dark chocolate: Flavonoids, found in cocoa and chocolate, are considered to be good for the brain. A study showed that eating high-flavanol cocoa improved blood flow to the brain. Note: This holds true only for dark chocolates with a 70 percent or more cocoa content and not milk chocolate that contains only 10 to 15 percent cocoa.  Blueberries: According to a study, blueberries can protect the brain from oxidative stress, prevent age-related neurodegenerative diseases, and improve motor and cognitive functions. Another study suggests that the neuroprotective properties of blueberries can improve memory in older adults at risk of dementia.  In addition to following a brain-healthy diet, it is important to lead a physically active lifestyle. Regular exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps in preventing age-related cognitive decline. At our retirement homes in Bangalore, you will find cafes serving delicious and nutritious meals and beverages to our residents. Our residents can jog in the well-maintained community garden or swim at our rooftop swimming pool or engage in a match of table tennis in the indoor games room. To know more about our senior homes in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.