Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

To say that the world is going through challenging times feels like an understatement. The world has changed rapidly since the pandemic. The way people work, shop, relax, and connect with family and friends – have undergone a sea change. Adjusting to this new reality has already been stressful for many seniors. Amidst the new reality, the rising number of Omicron cases in the country are adding to their anxiety and distress. In such times, putting your mind at ease seems easier said than done. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we have curated ways that can help seniors survive tough times with positive thoughts.  1. Understand what is going on: As the world is battling a health crisis of gigantic proportions, it is important that you stay informed and take concrete steps to keep yourself healthy and safe. Knowing that you are making the right choices for your and your family’s safety will help you put anxious thoughts at ease.  2. Structure your day: Establishing a routine helps you focus on the day.  It could be starting your day with a yoga session or a walk, then helping family members with different chores in the house, and making time for your favourite hobbies each day. During stressful times, it is important to maintain a feeling of optimism and normalcy and structuring your day can help you accomplish your goals without being stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted.   3. Do something good for others: Research suggests that older adults who volunteer tend to be happier than those who do not. During the pandemic, it may not be possible to go out and volunteer. However, you can make charitable donations, gift meal kits, or even send hand-written thank you notes to  service delivery employees. When you do something good for others, you acknowledge the goodness in your life.   4. Treat yourself: Making self-care a priority during challenging times is a must. In the first place, do not be harsh on yourself. Acknowledge and recognise your feelings – nothing more, nothing less. Do not dwell on them for too long. Use positive words and phrases especially for yourself. Read your favourite books, start a new hobby, exercise, make time for things you love.    Senior living in India – visit our retirement communities    Our senior living communities in India are designed to prioritise the overall well-being of our residents. Our retirement communities have emergency care with 24/7 ambulances on standby. Also, the communities have partnered with nearby hospitals for round-the-clock care. We schedule routine check-ups so that we can help you with your diet and wellness plans. We have gyms, indoor games rooms, tiled jogging paths, and green open spaces so that our residents can stay active whichever way they like. Our well-designed community spaces offer a vibrant ambience where residents can chat and share a laugh with their friends. To know more about our senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

For many seniors, life can be summarised in one word: chaotic. From running errands and managing the house to coordinating with plumbers, electricians, and gardeners, seniors witness chaotic moments as they go about their days. As a result, many seniors are looking for ways to stay calm amidst the chaos. One of the ways that can help seniors stay calm amidst the chaos around them is to take charge of their daily schedule and structure the day. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you a few tips to organise your schedule and enjoy a less chaotic life:    1. Wake up early:  If your mornings are busy, try to get up a bit earlier. This means going to bed a bit earlier too. Waking up later and rushing through the routine gives your morning a frenetic start. For a calm and composed routine, schedule something in the morning that will help you prepare for the day ahead. For instance, start your day with a 5-minute meditation or reading before jumping into daily activities.  2. Declutter your day: To have a fulfilling day, it is important that you decide how you wish to spend your time and energy. Instead of micromanaging your time, manage yourself and your personal energy. For instance, identify time guzzlers such as aimlessly watching online videos or scrolling through social media posts. Identify your personal time drains and set time for them so that you do not end up losing too much time.  3. Do not overcommit: You have limited time and energy and saying “yes” to everything means saying “yes” to a chaotic life. Ensure that you do not overcommit. From time to time, do a commitment audit. Identify the activities you must complete, the tasks you can postpone, and the ones you can skip. This way you can plan your day better.  If you find it difficult to say ‘no’, it would be a good idea to make a written script that can help you in various scenarios.  4. Ask for help: It is unrealistic to expect yourself to do everything. Make a list of the tasks  you wish to delegate. It could be running errands or cooking or other household chores. Ask trustworthy family, friends and loved ones to help you get the job done. Hiring help can also offer you some control over day-to-day life. Retirement homes in India help you spend your golden years doing what you love  If you are struggling with daily chores, moving into a senior living community may be a good idea for you. Our retirement homes in India offer you the opportunity to explore new activities, new passions, and new hobbies. Our team of dedicated staff members are always ready to assist our residents so that they have the freedom to experience a vibrant and active retired life. To know more on how much does a retirement home cost per month, call us at +91 88845 55554.

Home is where seniors feel the safest and yet most accidents that need medical assistance happen at home. Tripping hazards, mislabelled medications, and slippery floors are some of the threats. However, there are many unseen indoor threats inside the house that can make seniors sick. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share a few useful insights on household hazards that can cause health complications and what can be done to avoid them:  1. Radon: People across the world are vulnerable to adverse health effects of radon at home. The radioactive radon gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It cannot be detected by human senses. Radon enters living spaces through cracks and gaps. Increased concentration levels of these gases are dangerous for the health of the  seniors. Ensuring adequate ventilation and sealing cracks and gaps with plaster, caulk, or other materials can help reduce radon levels. Also, use a radon testing tool to check the levels after the changes have been made.  2. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is another invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be a health hazard. When exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, people may experience weakness, headache, blurred vision, and confusion. It can also lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage, or death. You can install carbon monoxide detectors to check the levels in check.  3. Mould: The presence of mould can cause symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache, itchy skin, and difficulty in breathing. Long-term exposure to mould spores can have a serious impact on even healthy individuals, but elderly persons are among those who are most at risk.  4. Poor water quality: Drinking water that contains heavy metals, biological contaminants, and chemicals can lead to serious health problems among seniors. Installing water filters is the best way to ensure steady supply of safe drinking water.  5. Pests:Cockroaches, rats, mice, and other pests are not just unsightly but also unhygienic. Seniors who are unable to keep their homes clean on their own are often vulnerable to pest infestations.    Looking for a senior living community that promotes a safe and healthy environment for its residents?    If you are looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai, check out our retirement communities. Our dedicated team of staff members take care of daily and periodic cleaning. They also maintain common areas and offer preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work.  In addition to on-site support services,  we offer a wide range of community facilities and a varied social calendar to help our residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

As you age, your skin naturally ages too. The production of collagen and elastin, proteins that make the skin supple and strong, goes down. Ageing skin looks thinner and paler – however, by taking appropriate care, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy and soft as you age. Here are some skincare tips that can give your skin a fresh start:    1. Avoid hot baths: Use warm or lukewarm water for bathing, instead of hot water. Though a hot, steamy shower or bath especially during the winter feels good, hot water strips away the natural moisture of the skin, making it excessively dry.    2. Use gentle skin care products: Use soaps and bath gels that are moisturising. Harsh soaps and alcohol-based products increase the dryness of the skin. You can also oil your skin for extra moisturisation. Use products that contain Vitamins C and E as they encourage the growth of new collagen.    Note: Avoid using oils in the bathroom as they make the tub slippery, increasing the risk of falling. Always dry your skin and sit in a comfortable position to apply oil.    3. Use creamy and fragrance-free moisturiser after bath: After bathing, use moisturisers that are formulated for dry skin. Moisturising helps ease the dryness and restores your skin’s protective barrier. When the skin is well-hydrated, the chances of cracks and itchiness are low.    4. Protect your skin from the sun: Whether you are running errands or stepping out for gardening, always apply sunscreen. Choose the spf level according to the harshness of the sun in your location. 5. Keep yourself hydrated: Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed. It also helps the skin maintain its elasticity. Make sure you get enough fluid on every part of your exposed skin. Dehydration can make skin more vulnerable to cracking, dryness and itchiness.  6. Eat a balanced diet: Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Walnuts, avocados, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are some of the foods that are good for skin health. Add low-fat or fat-free dairy products to your daily diet.    Looking for retirement homes in Chennai? As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we encourage our residents to lead a holistic lifestyle that enhances their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. With an excellent range of community facilities offering every opportunity for a meaningful and worry-free retirement, our senior living communities are ideal for those who do not believe in the conventional notions of senior living, and demand a fuller life. To know more about us, call us at +91 88845 55554.

If you are looking for ways to bond with your grandchildren, reading books together can help you enjoy uninterrupted time with them. Reading aloud with grandchildren not only encourages a love for reading in the children, but it also gives you an opportunity to relax and bond with them. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you 6 handpicked books that will captivate you and your grandchild:    1. Grandpa’s Wishlist by Madison Lodi: If your grandchild is a toddler, this colourful board book is a keepsake. Grandpa’s Wishlist is a picture book about what a grandpa wishes for his grandchild. The book is full of colourful illustrations that your kids will adore. 2. In Grandma’s Arm by  Jayne C. Shelton: If you are looking for a book that has beautiful illustrations and lyrical rhymes, In Grandma’s Arm ticks all the boxes. This endearing board book is about a grandma and her grandchild and the journey they take through deserts and forests. 3. Please Write Back! by  Jennifer Morris: If your grandchild is learning to read and write, this is the perfect book you should grab to encourage him or her. The beautifully illustrated book features easy-to-pronounce words. The book is about an alligator who writes a letter to his grandma and awaits a response.  4. The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murty: If you and your grandchildren love fiction, you will love this book about a city girl visiting her grandparents’ village in Karnataka. From riding bikes to learning papad making, the young protagonist experiences an adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful book, which is ideal for children above the age of 8.  5. You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman: This is one of the best books that you can read with your grandkids. It not only includes short stories but also a read-together series. The read-together series has colour-coded sentences so you can take turns with your grandchild and enjoy reading the book together.  6. Katie Morag and the Two Grandmothers by Mairi Hedderwick: This is a lovely book about a young girl who has very different grandmothers. One is from the city while the other  lives on the farm. In this beautifully illustrated book, the young girl helps bridge the gap between the grandmothers.  Looking for senior citizen homes in Bangalore?    Enjoy the peace of mind of living in a warm, vibrant, and friendly senior living community where you can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Our team of trained staff members take the hassle and worry out of daily living, giving you opportunities to find more joy in life’s journey. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at +9188845 55554.

2021 has been an incredibly hard year for many of us. After a year like that, setting new year resolutions can be hard. However, the beginning of the year is a moment of reflection, celebration, and making peace with the low points of the previous year. The best way to set new year resolutions and stick to them is to make sure that your resolutions resonate with your core values. Here we share with you 5 steps to lead a more meaningful 2022. Whether you choose one or all five, these steps will help you truly make an impact:  Be kind to yourself: “To love oneself,” wrote Oscar Wilde, “is the beginning of a life-long romance.” This year, be intentionally positive when you talk about yourself. Positive self-talk is a great way to subdue the critical voice that is often self-deprecatory. Embrace little imperfections because these make you who you truly are.  Give back to the community: For a meaningful 2022, there is no better way than giving back to the community. Give your time and talent to inspire others. You can volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. You can also help underprivileged children study or prepare youngsters for job interviews – your valuable time can make a world of difference to their lives. Spend more time with loved ones:Spending quality time together is the best way to show your loved ones that you care for them. Reach out to your loved ones, family, or friends, and plan activities together. Quality time does not have to be confined to having meals together.  Read to your grandchildren, plan monthly excursions, schedule game nights, or go for after-dinner walks. Make your passion a habit: Ever since you were little, you must have heard people saying ‘pursue your passion’. But now that you have retired, what does that phrase mean to you? Well, instead of waiting for something to find you, find ways to cultivate your passion. Start a hobby class or join a hobby group. Try different things as your passion may not lie in just one thing. Get closer to nature:Spending time in nature not only uplifts your mood but also brings many health benefits. It has been found that  access to natural surroundings, such as beaches or parks, promote sound sleep amongst seniors. Not just that, it also helps in reducing psychological stress and keeping depression at bay.     Looking for retirement homes in Chennai?   If you are looking for retirement homes in Chennai, check out Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar by Columbia Pacific. Our retirement homes provide a holistic environment and support system that enable our seniors to remain physically and socially active while doing things that they enjoy the most. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 88845 55554.

According to a study, optimistic people not only experience reduced stress but also lead a healthy lifestyle. Having a positive outlook in life can influence different aspects. For instance, positive thinking improves overall well-being by helping you feel better about yourself. However, when things are not going your way, creating positive energy may seem difficult. While some people are naturally optimistic, some may have to make conscious efforts to harness the power of positivity. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you useful tips to channel positive energy:    1. Make yourself a priority: Negative thoughts about yourself can adversely affect virtually every aspect of your life, including your confidence, relationships, and your health. The first step that you should do is to take good care of your inner thoughts. If you feel good about yourself, you will automatically feel good about things and the people around you. Look after yourself and make it a habit to do things that make you feel good.    2. Do not dwell on negative emotions: Focusing on negative emotions is not only unpleasant, but it also results in low esteem and a heightened sense of frustration. You may have a solution to the problem you are facing but negative thoughts can make it difficult for you to recognise the solution. It is important to distinguish between a fact and a negative emotion. Being positive means paying attention to your thoughts and evaluating them on the basis of reason and then responding to the situation.    3. Find sources of positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement promotes positive behaviour. To make constant positive reinforcement a part of daily life, incorporate positive reminders in your daily life. From something as simple as a motivational quote to reading  inspiring books, there are many sources of positive reinforcement. Find your own unique sources of positivity that work for you.     4. Use positive words: Self-deprecating or self-limiting language is damaging as it increases stress and prevents you from thinking positively. As the mind fixates on negative words, it becomes all the more difficult to find the solutions that you are looking for. It is thus important that you choose your words carefully. For instance, instead of saying, “I cannot handle this situation”, try saying, “How can I handle this situation better?”.    5. Savour the good moments: Life is full of ups and downs. However, many times people let the good moments pass without celebrating them. Appreciate the small pleasures that life has to offer. Whether you are walking in a garden or watching the sunrise, be in the moment and savour it.    Starting your day on a positive note is a great way to create positive energy every day. At our retirement homes in Chennai, the day starts with yoga and breathing exercises – which sets the tone of the day. At our retirement homes, you will enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas, and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance are all taken care of.  Our retirement communities give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy your retirement years in a positive way without worrying about daily chores and maintenance. To know more about us, call us at  +91 8884555554.

After having worked for decades, retirement offers seniors the time to enjoy the things they love the most. However, there are many factors that contribute to making the later years of life truly golden.  As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share a few useful insights on attaining happiness during retirement years:    Ensure financial stability: Financial stability means different things to different people. But as you retire and there is no regular income, it is important to have enough financial assets to cover your expenses, emergencies, and leisure activities. Many people often wrongly assume that post-retirement expenses will go down. However, they fail to realise that retirement gives them the opportunity to participate in activities they have always wanted to do. Whether it is travelling to exotic locations or pursuing hobbies, post-retirement activities are more enjoyable when seniors are financially stable.  Have a routine: For many seniors, not going to work can be challenging. Without a daily routine, they may start missing their old life – the purpose and meaning that came with their job, the everyday work routine, and the sense of camaraderie with their fellow workers. To make their retirement days structured and purposeful, seniors need to plan their schedule properly. They can add meaningful activities to their daily schedule or can spend some of their free time on new fun and leisure activities.  Move into a retirement home: Seniors may not like doing things that they once loved. For instance, many seniors who once took pride in keeping their home beautiful may find it difficult to keep up with the maintenance and repair works. Cooking may suddenly feel like a chore. The house in which they spent decades may suddenly seem isolating. In such a scenario, moving into a retirement home makes sense. Today’s retirement homes in India offer services and facilities centered around a senior’s physical and emotional well-being.    Looking for a retirement home that prioritises overall well-being?   Check our retirement homes in India that are designed to help seniors enjoy a rewarding and meaningful retirement lifestyle. Some of the services that we offer include 24/7 security services, concierge services, 24/7 preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work, and housekeeping services. An active social calendar ensures that residents have something to look forward to every day. To know the average cost of a retirement home, call us at  +91 8884555554.

A good post-retirement investment option should not only grow your savings but also give you a regular income during your golden years. While selecting the investment plans after retirement, consider the following factors: a. Retirement goals b. Regular expenses  c. Consider all your income sources (pension, FDs, and interests) As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few useful tips to invest money after retirement: Options:  1. Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme: As the  name suggests, this scheme is for senior citizens (above 60). A government plan, the scheme was launched with the main aim to provide senior citizens a regular income once they turn 60. The scheme has a 5 year tenure which can be extended by three years once the scheme matures. It is not eligible for tax benefits under Section 80c of the Income Tax Act, but it allows early withdrawals. 2. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): A number of saving schemes are offered by branches of the Post Office under the purview of the finance ministry. The lock-in period is 5 years for the scheme. Once the scheme matures, the money can be reinvested. As it is a fixed income scheme, the money invested is not subject to market risks. Seniors can open more than one account and can nominate a beneficiary (a family member).  3. Bank fixed deposits (FDs): Many senior citizens prefer investing in bank fixed deposits because of the flexibility they offer. Senior citizens can open various fixed deposits with different tenures. Once the FD with the shortest term matures, it can be reinvested for the longest period. In the financial world, this is called a laddering technique that offers ease of investment without forgoing liquidity. Note: This above information does not intend to be or constitute financial advice. Before taking any financial decision, it is important to educate yourself about your retirement and wealth-management options. Always consult a financial advisor for expert advice.    Looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai?  A very important part of your retirement plan is to buy a retirement home. Modern senior citizen homes make living for the elderly far more secure and comfortable. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai are designed in a manner that helps senior citizens lead an active and healthy life. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

Eating disorders can affect anyone, including elderly individuals. Life changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, illnesses, or feelings of reduced independence can trigger eating disorders among seniors. Eating disorders may often go unnoticed in seniors as many older people may experience changes in their diets and appetites as they age. If untreated, eating disorders in later life can lead to a high rate of morbidity or even death.  It is therefore important to look out for signs of eating disorders and address them timely.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful insights on eating disorders among seniors: 1. Signs of eating disorders: The following are some warning signs that could indicate that an elderly individual is struggling with an eating disorder: a. Losing weight drastically  b. Skipping meals c. Making excuses not to eat  d. Often making negative comments on weight  e. Frequently going to the bathroom after meals 2. Types of eating disorders: Eating disorders are forms of mental health conditions that accompany other conditions such as depression or anxiety. They often require the intervention of medical and psychological experts. Some of the common eating disorders are: a. Anorexia nervosa: Elderly suffering from anorexia nervosa tend to severely restrict their food intake, even to the point of starving themselves. Usually, people with anorexia nervosa fear gaining weight and have an extreme reaction to this perceived body image.  b. Bulimia nervosa: Commonly called bulimia, it is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Elderly with bulimia eat large amounts of food and then they try to get rid of the extra calories in unhealthy ways — typically by using laxatives or forcing themselves to vomit.  c. Binge-eating disorder: Elderly with binge-eating disorder may eat a lot of food in a short amount of time, even when they are not hungry. Unlike bulimia, people with binge-eating disorder do not try to get rid of the food. However, they feel shame or loss of control after meals. 3.Helpful tips: Elderly suffering from eating disorders must take the help of a medical professional. Also, it is important for them to embrace a healthy lifestyle and better diet choices. Here are a few helpful strategies:  a. Keep a food and mood diary: Identifying personal triggers can be an important step in controlling impulsive eating. b. Practise mindfulness: By being more aware of what triggers certain food habits, elderly individuals can exercise better self-control.  c. Choose healthy foods: A wholesome diet rich in protein and healthy fats will help satisfy hunger and provide much-needed nutrients. d. Start exercising: Exercise not only improves body image but also reduces anxiety by releasing feel-good hormones.  e.Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep is associated with higher calorie intake. It is therefore important that seniors get at least 7-8 hours of good sleep per night.Seniors often struggle making healthy meals for themselves. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we ensure that our residents enjoy healthy, delicious, fresh, and nutritious meals daily. Trained nutritionists design the menu keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors. There are regular review meetings with the F&B team so that our residents can share their suggestions and feedback. All our retirement homes have spacious dining halls so that the meal-times are relaxed and comfortable. If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.