Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

As people age, they are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and diabetes. For many diseases, there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, an annual health check-up is important for early detection, which can increase the chances of treatment and recovery. The best way to make the most of your annual health check-up is to prepare for it. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share with you some useful insights on preparing for an annual health check-up:   Schedule your appointment by phone or online. While scheduling an appointment, ask whether the tests require you to be on fast.  If you have questions or concerns, write them down so that you do not forget to ask them when you meet the doctor.  Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and your family’s medical history.  Bring a friend or relative along so that he or she can help you with the formalities.  Bring a list of your current medications and dosages and the dates of your recent vaccinations.  If you were admitted to a hospital, bring the discharge summary with you.  Share your eating habits, sleep patterns, and other important lifestyle-related matters.  Tell the doctor if you have experienced any recent changes in your health that may or may not have required medications. Be honest and open about your health concerns even if you think they are trivial or embarrassing. Painful bowel movements, constipation, or incontinence can be signs of serious medical conditions.  Ask the doctor to repeat himself or herself if you do not understand. It is best to ask your questions right away to avoid confusion later.  If you are visiting a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, follow all the safety protocols such as wearing a mask, using sanitiser and maintaining social distance.  At our senior citizen homes in India, we conduct regular health screenings and medical records are always kept up to date as we prioritise the health of our residents. In addition to health screenings and periodic wellness workshops, awareness lectures are also held. We have also partnered with nearby hospitals to ensure round-the-clock care. If you are looking for independent senior citizen apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colours, there are only so many flavours—it is how you combine them that sets you apart.” – Wolfgang Puck, Michelin Star chef    Cooking is an emotionally rewarding experience for many seniors. If you, like many seniors, love spending time in the kitchen, joining cooking classes is a great idea to spend your time learning new delicacies. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we share with you some of the benefits of joining cooking classes: 1. New skill and knowledge: Some seniors join cooking classes to enhance their skills and learn to cook new delicacies. These days, many cooking classes are centred around interesting themes. You can join a class that focuses on restaurant style cooking, nutritious cooking, gluten-free cooking, or any other theme that piques your interest.    2. Happy memories: Food is an emotional experience as it can trigger positive memories of sharing and preparing meals with family and friends. Research has shown that smell-induced memories are more emotional than memories evoked by other sensory stimuli, such as visual or verbal. Cooking classes help seniors prepare traditional cuisines that they have grown up eating and, in the process, evoke emotional recollections, feelings, and thoughts.   3. Social bonding: Across cultures, cooking is a social activity. Family members cooking together and spending time together in the kitchen were once a common sight. However, in today’s busy times, families cooking together has become a rare sight. A cooking class gives seniors an opportunity to meet people from different cultures and cook together while learning about different cuisines.    4. Healthy cooking: By joining a cooking class, seniors can learn ways to give a healthy twist to an otherwise indulgent dish. This emphasis on healthy cooking is a great way to encourage seniors to eat nutrient-rich food. Cooking classes provide plenty of information and inspiration about new ways to create healthy meals.    Food is an important part of social connection  At our retirement communities in India, we provide healthy and delicious meals to our residents and encourage them to dine together. Dining halls at our communities are a great place for residents to catch up with each other while enjoying nutritious meals. To know more about our retirement homes and the facilities offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

Sweet cravings are often hard to resist. The very sight of  freshly baked pies, cookies, and cupcakes can be enticing. However, desserts can seem off-limits for seniors trying to lead a healthy lifestyle as they are high in refined carbs and provide poor nutritional value. As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a few ideas to make desserts healthier:  1. Enhance sweetness with fruits: Consuming processed sugar on a daily basis is not good for your health. Excessive intake of sugar is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Instead of adding artificial and refined sugar to your desserts, use fresh fruits such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges, and kiwis to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Here are some easy and simple ways to make quick and healthy desserts:  Add fruits to your ice cream. You can also replace ice cream with plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt.  Make a smoothie with different fruits for breakfast. Place your favourite fruits on a skewer and grill until they are golden. Enjoy them with fresh cream.  Make a fruit bowl and top it with whipped cream.    2. Instead of refined flour, choose healthier flour: Refined flour is not good for seniors as it has no fibre and it slows down digestion. While preparing baked goodies such as cakes, brownies and cupcakes, substitute regular refined flour with:  Whole wheat flour  Almond flour  Coconut flour  Quinoa flour  Oat flour     Note: When you are replacing white flour with a healthier option, you may have to tweak the water and flour ratio.    3. Replace butter with healthy oils: Butter is a cholesterol-rich food. High cholesterol is not good for heart health and can increase the risk of narrowed arteries, heart attacks and strokes. Solid, room-temperature coconut oil is a good substitute for butter. You can also use canola oil, avocado oil, safflower oil and peanut oil for baking.    Leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore promote a holistic lifestyle  The Virtuoso, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards, is a welcoming senior living community. Designed by Perkins Eastman, pioneering architects of senior living communities in the US, The Virtuoso is designed to meet international standards. The apartments will have an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities, premium living spaces, and world-class healthcare. It will have a wellness centre, movie screening hall, salon, swimming pool, rubberised jogging track, and a bistro. Rooftop amenities will include bar and lounge, barbeque area, yoga deck and community planting patch. To know more about our premium senior citizen homes in Bangalore, book a virtual tour.

Hearing loss and hearing damage can impact almost every aspect of a senior’s life. One of the major causes of hearing loss is ageing and unfortunately, it cannot be prevented. However, noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we share with you a few useful insights on protecting your hearing as you age:    1. Avoid exposure to loud noises: The most important way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to avoid loud noises. Continuous exposure to loud noises can damage the cochlea, the inner ear. Listening to loud music regularly or hearing a one-time loud noise has the potential to damage the cochlea.    Note: Noises below 75 decibels (dB) are unlikely to damage the cochlea. When you are watching TV or listening to a device, keep them at a normal volume. The thumb rule should be to turn the device down if you cannot hear the other person in the room.      2. Protect your ears: During loud events and activities, wear proper ear protection such as:  Noise-cancelling headphones: These headphones are made with insulated ear cushions that cancel out all types of noises.  Earmuffs: Earmuffs can drown out the loud noise. They are made of insulated foam cups that lower noise levels for you.  Earplugs: Earplugs mitigate the sound that reaches the cochlea. When you are buying earplugs, always check the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The higher the NRR number, the more noise will be reduced. Choose earplugs according to your specific requirements. For instance, if there is repair work in your house, you need an ear plug with a higher NRR. An ear plug with a lower NRR is ideal for reading in a crowded but not a very noisy place.    3. Get annual ear tests: It is recommended that all individuals over 50 years of age should visit hearing clinics for annual hearing tests. However, you may need an additional hearing test in case you are experiencing:  Difficulty in hearing conversations Ringing in the ears A sudden change in hearing  Pain in the ear   Senior living in India: it enhances your well-being and keeps you socially active   Moving into our senior living communities is a great option if you want to stay independent and at the same time, live in a caring, vibrant, and a welcoming environment. We believe in a life beyond rocking chairs and strict routines. Our residents have access to a variety of social activities and services that help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest.    We take a proactive approach when it comes to our residents’ health. We have partnered with  reputed hospitals to ensure round-the-clock care. Our retirement homes have emergency care with 24/7 ambulance on standby, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place. Regular preventive health screenings are held, and all vital parameters of our residents are monitored periodically.    To know more about our senior living communities in India and the facilities available with us, call us at +91 8884555554.

High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions among seniors. Poorly controlled blood pressure can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated ways to help seniors control their blood pressure:    1. Stay physically active: Light to moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, and swimming can help seniors to have control over their blood pressure. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai have fully equipped gyms, jogging paths, and activity centres to help our residents lead a physically active lifestyle.  2. Reduce your daily salt intake: Over time, excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension. According to WHO, adults should consume less than 5 g of salt per day. Seniors should avoid processed foods and limit their intake of salty snacks. Also, they should avoid keeping a saltshaker on the table. When buying canned food items, seniors should buy items with ‘no-added salt’ labels. Also, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to daily meals can reduce their sodium intake.    At our senior retirement homes in Chennai, meals are prepared in accordance with the nutritional needs of residents. Prepared by expert chefs, the meals are delicious and cater to senior nutritional needs.   3. Get enough sleep: Getting less than six hours of sleep is known to be bad for health. It has been found that sleep deprivation and heart disease are closely linked. Here are some tips to get quality sleep:  Reduce blue light exposure in the evening Do not consume caffeine late in the day Try to sleep and wake up at the same time  Do not eat late in the evening Do not have heavy meals in the evening   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai?   Check our senior retirement homes in Chennai where everything is designed keeping in mind your physical health and emotional well-being. From 24/7 security services and concierge services to in-house 24/7 staff available for breakdown or maintenance, we offer a wide range of senior-friendly amenities and facilities. To know more about our senior retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

As 2021 comes to a close, it is time to start focussing on goals and aims for the next twelve months. The best way to create meaningful New Year’s resolutions is to first know what your goals are. As goals are central to keeping you motivated and will affect your behaviour in a positive manner. If your goals are centred around overall wellness, here is a useful read on easy and healthy resolutions that can boost your health and quality of life:    1. Engage in a variety of physical activities:  From yoga and household chores to muscle-building exercises – there are different types of physical activities that seniors can benefit from. In addition to boosting the heart, strengthening muscles, and improving balance and flexibility, regular physical activities can speed up the wound-healing process in seniors.  Note: Always perform a new exercise regimen under the guidance of an expert trainer. Do not exert yourself initially. Introduce one new form of exercise at a time and avoid going overboard.  2. Eat more nutrient-dense foods: Eat smaller meals and eat more nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds so that your body gets the right nourishment. Start your day right with a healthy breakfast. Something as simple as a bowl of cereal with fresh fruits will give you a solid start to the day. Also, keep an eye on your saturated food intake.  3. Drink more water:  Water not only quenches our thirst, but also boosts cell health, regulates body temperature, and aids the digestive system. If you are not drinking the recommended amount of water per day, use a mobile app for reminders to help you form a habit. You can also add flavour to your drinking water by adding fresh fruits to your water such as lemon, cucumber, and mint.  4. Break a bad habit: One great way to start the new year is to break a bad habit such as smoking, spending hours on the mobile phone, and skipping meals. When breaking a bad habit, always set a realistic goal. Do not write a quick list as you will not be able to break a habit in the first week of 2022. Set short-term and long-term goals for yourself and be more conscious about them.  5. Learn something new: Being intellectually engaged is good for your mental and emotional health. A study found that seniors who engage in hobbies such as quilting or digital photography had more memory improvement than those who did not. This new year, identify your interest areas and learn something new.    Searching for senior citizen homes that prioritise overall wellness?  At Columbia Pacific Communities, we are committed to providing a holistic approach to your physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Our senior citizen homes in India are designed to encourage seniors to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. To book a tour of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Foot-related problems can limit a senior’s mobility and independence. Reduced mobility can cause poor gait, with balance issues and affect a senior’s mental health. Leading a physically inactive life is also associated with weight gain in seniors. As one of the leading senior citizen retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of common foot problems among seniors and can be done to prevent them:    1. Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among seniors. It mainly affects weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis happens due to wear and tear of the joints. Though it cannot be fully prevented, daily stress on the joints can be lessened by:  Maintaining a healthy body weight Being physically active  Controlling blood sugar levels   2. Diabetic foot ulcer:  People suffering from diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot ulcers. Poor blood circulation, high blood sugar levels, and nerve damage can cause foot ulcers.  If foot ulcers are left unchecked and untreated for a long period, they can lead to serious health complications. Ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers include: Maintaining healthy  blood sugar levels  Maintaining healthy weight to avoid increased stress on the feet Quitting cigarettes and other tobacco products as they can slow the healing process  Wearing fitted shoes Maintaining foot hygiene    3. Gout: Gout is a common form of arthritis that can affect seniors. It causes sudden and severe pain along with swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints.  It commonly affects the big toe. The risk for gout can be reduced by:  Avoiding food items that increase the level of uric acid: Red meat, shellfish, sweetened beverages, alcohol especially beer increase the levels of uric acid in the body. High uric acid content in the blood can cause inflammation and a gout attack.   Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity leads to excessive production of uric acid.    4. Bone spurs: Bone spurs are bony growths that usually develop near joints. People with osteoarthritis (OA) are much more likely to get bone spurs than those who do not suffer from this health condition. The risk of bony spurs can be reduced by: Maintaining a healthy weight Maintaining good posture Exercising carefully to avoid joint injuries Maintaining proper foot health is important for seniors to stay physically and socially active. As a senior citizen home in Bangalore, we support our residents in maintaining a physically active lifestyle. From fully -equipped gyms and well-maintained open spaces to yoga classes, our senior citizen retirement homes have all the facilities that seniors need to stay physically active. If you want to know more about our retirement homes in Bengaluru, call us at +91 8884555554.

Spending a few minutes meditating is an effective way for seniors to calm down and find inner peace. The physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with ageing can be overwhelming. However, meditation can help seniors deal with these changes in a positive way.  For seniors looking for guided meditation sessions and exercises in mindfulness, here is a useful read on meditation apps that streamline the learning process.    Why do seniors need a meditation app?  Meditation is like riding a bicycle. While some people learn it on their own, some need a little help to practise mindfulness. Humans tend to have a wandering mind – and a wandering mind can be an unhappy one. An app offering guided meditation sessions can help seniors stay focused on the present and become more mindful. Here are some of the key benefits of using a meditation app:  It can be used at any time of the day, anywhere. Seniors can choose from a wide variety of meditation techniques.  The sessions are conducted by experts. The sessions are good for beginners as well as regular meditation practitioners.   As one of the leading senior living homes in Chennai, we have picked some of the meditation apps for seniors that are user-friendly and at the same time engaging:    Headspace: Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps that helps seniors start their day with mindfulness and clarity.  The app instructs how to sit still and avoid distractions while meditating. The instructions are delivered in a soothing voice. Also, the app offers colourful and calming visuals to help those who like to keep their eyes open while meditating. Breethe: Breethe is more than a meditation app. In addition to guided meditation sessions, there are music playlists and bedtime readings that are designed to help seniors get a good night’s sleep. Calm: Seniors who have been practising mindfulness and meditation for quite some time, can use this app to get access to open-ended meditation sessions. It also offers help to seniors looking for sleep guidance or soothing music to calm their mind.   Buddhify: It is an interactive app designed to introduce users to different techniques of meditation. The meditation sessions can help seniors cope with everyday challenges and difficult emotions. There are several meditation sessions that seniors can attend while they are not seated. For instance, seniors can listen to these sessions while walking or gardening.    At our retirement homes in Chennai, the day starts with yoga, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises. The open green spaces in our retirement homes provide excellent opportunities for our residents to relax, meditate, or to self-reflect.  If you want to know more about our retirement homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Natural and organic decor elements can turn your home into a peaceful haven. If you are looking for inspiring ways to add natural decor elements to your interiors, take a look at these ideas curated by one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore:  1. Add warmth and texture with wooden decor elements    One of the easiest ways to make your home nature-inspired is to use wood for flooring and ceiling beams. You can also use room dividers and bookshelves made of reclaimed wood, driftwood, or distressed wood.  2. Add a touch of greenery with potted plants    Indoor plants with sculptural leaves add the right amount of visual intrigue to a room. Potted indoor plants are ideal decor elements for those who live in an apartment and do not have a private garden. Buy indoor plants that are low maintenance and require less pest control.  3. Mimic nature with eye-catching water decor items    The sound of water is relaxing and pleasing. Decorating your home with an indoor water fountain is a great way to bring the outdoors in. A small water fountain at the entrance of your apartment will delight you as well as your guests.  4. Use natural materials for accessories    To give your home an earthy look, pick furniture made of wicker or cane. You can also accessorise your home with rugs, baskets, woven table mats, and wall hangings made with sustainable material. Avoid the temptation of going overboard. Too many decorative items on the floor can be a falling hazard. Be selective when it comes to accessories.  5. Give your home a distinct look with natural stones    Rugged, rustic and eco-friendly stones exude a natural charm. When used in interiors, they lend a timeless appeal. If you are renovating your home, go for natural stone flooring. You can also use quartz, granite or marble countertops in the kitchen. Also, sculptures and lamps made from stone add a rustic charm to your home.    Explore our senior living homes in Bangalore Our senior living homes in Bangalore are ideal for those who are looking for serenity in a busy city.  To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

In today’s hectic and chaotic world, people resort to yoga to get relief from stress and enjoy health benefits. While stretching poses help the body gain strength and flexibility, deep breathing exercises helps in calming the mind.     Yoga is a full-body workout that has many benefits. However, if not done properly, yoga can hurt. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have curated a list of do’s and don’ts while practising yoga to help you reap the benefits:    Do’s  Warm-up before asanas: To avoid body sores and aches, warming up before yoga is important as it prepares the body for various movements. Empty the bowel before yoga practice: To make the most out of a yoga session, clear the bowel before practising yoga. Drink hot water in the morning as it can soften stools and regularise bowel movements.   Wear comfortable clothing: Wear light and comfortable cotton clothes as they facilitate easy movement of your body.  Body should be prepared for yoga:A well-rested body responds to yoga better. Hence, get a sound sleep the night before. Avoid practising yoga when you are tired or exhausted.  Don’ts Do not practise yoga on a full stomach: Practising yoga with a full belly can cause stomachache, gurgling, and bloating. As a general rule, avoid eating two hours before practising yoga. The last meal you eat before yoga should be light.  Do not attempt advanced asanas too soon: If you are new to yoga, build your strength and flexibility before trying advanced poses. Some advanced poses may seem effortless, but it takes years of practice to reach perfection. Without adequate practice, you can put yourself at risk of injury by trying asanas your body is not ready for. Do not jerk your body for any asana: Holding your body tight can cause injury. Move your body slowly and steadily.  Do not ignore injury: If your joints feel sore, avoid practising yoga for a few days. Let the inflammation and swelling reduce before restarting your yoga session.  End the yoga session with relaxation techniques: Do not hurriedly wind up your yoga session. Complete it with breathing exercises that will calm your body and mind.    Yoga is an important part of the wellness programme at our retirement homes in India.  In addition to yoga sessions, there are other activities such as aerobics and dance classes that help our residents stay physically active     To know more about our retirement homes and cost, call us at +91 8884555554.