Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

There is no secret to ageing well except leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, keeping stress under control, and getting regular health screenings are all important for your health. However, many seniors often commit health mistakes that prevent them from ageing well. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share some common health mistakes to help you cope with the changes that accompany ageing:  1. Not being proactive about your health: Many seniors visit a doctor only when they experience a health problem. By scheduling regular health screenings, seniors can benefit from early intervention. At our retirement homes in India, vital parameters of our residents are periodically monitored along with regular health screenings for early detection and treatment of ailments. 2. Driving even when it is  not safe: Being able to move around in your vehicle is indeed a sign of independence. But as you age, your vision, reflexes and hearing change. These changes can make it harder for you to drive safely. Though there is no particular age when people should stop driving, here are some warning signs to watch out for:  Frequent accidents, even if they cause minor dents and scrapes  Struggling to check blind spots or rearview for lane changes Driving seems physically and mentally exhausting Not being able to tolerate any distractions Misjudging gaps in traffic or misreading traffic signals Driving at night seems difficult   3. Not being receptive towards certain signs of ageing With old age comes problems such as loss of hearing, dental problems, poor eyesight or change in gait. However, refusing to wear a hearing aid, eyeglasses or dentures, and not using a walking aid are all signs of denial. Not accepting ageing and the accompanying changes can worsen your existing health problems.  4. Not discussing health issues with your doctor  There are many health issues that you may think are trivial, but they may require a doctor’s attention. Whether you are suffering from urinary incontinence, constipation, or pain in the back, tell your doctor – even if you feel uncomfortable talking about it.  5. Not fully understanding doctor’s instructions  Often seniors have a hard time understanding medical information provided by the doctor. If you don’t understand something the doctor said, ask the doctor to repeat the information. Asking questions is an important part of your healthcare routine – as it helps you get the right information you need to take care of yourself. Also, repeat the information – so that your doctor can confirm whether you got it right.    Looking for retirement homes in India ? Explore our senior living communities To know more about our retirement homes and retirement home facilities , call us at +91 8884555554.

During the pandemic, podcasts emerged as an important information technology and entertainment tool. In India, podcast consumption witnessed a surge of 29.3%. After the US and China, India is the third-largest consumer of podcasts. One of the reasons behind the growing popularity of podcasts is the convenience they offer to their listeners. One can listen to podcasts wherever and whenever they have time. They can also listen to podcasts doing everyday chores such as gardening or organising their closet.    Podcasts not only entertain and inspire but also boost brain health    Listening to podcasts has many benefits including –  Entertainment: Listeners find podcasts entertaining because of their conversational and engaging style. Valuable insights to inspire them: There are many podcasts that are inspiring. They are designed to help seniors stay motivated.  Great educational tool: Be it current events or historical events, podcasts help seniors grow their knowledge.  Boosts brain health: Listening to narrative stories (much like podcasts) is good for  brain health as it stimulates multiple parts of the brain.     If you are new to podcasts, you are on the right page. As one of the senior citizen homes in India, we discuss some useful insights on podcasts    Where can seniors listen to podcasts?  To listen to podcasts, you need access to the internet and find a podcast platform or an app. You can listen to podcasts on your smartphones, computers, tablets or any other digital devices. There are several apps where you can stream or download podcasts. Some popular ones include:  Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Audible Stitcher TuneIn Radio   What makes podcasts so interesting?  Unlike audiobooks, podcast episodes generally consist of conversations between two or more individuals. There is no narration, rather a conversation that makes the episodes engaging.    Choose a topic that interests you:   Here we discuss some of the popular podcast genres:    1. History podcasts: If you are a history buff who loves delving deep into how different events and figures, big and small, fit together to create the world that we see now, you will love listening to history podcasts. Hardcore History, You Must Remember This, and BackStory are some popular history podcasts that you can listen to.    2. Health-related podcasts: Listening to experts discuss common health problems that affect people over 60 and the best ways to prevent and manage different health conditions can be encouraging and helpful. The Better Health While Ageing offers feature topics on healthy eating and common age-related medical issues.    3. Hobby podcasts: If you want to try new hobbies such as writing a blog or learning to paint, you can start listening to podcasts that will help you dive deeper into the subject. Many podcasts are hosted by experts and they offer useful insights. Podcasts such as The Potters Cast, The Perceptive Photographer, and The Yarniacs help people delve into hobbies such as pottery, photography, and knitting respectively.    4. Interview podcasts: Those who love celebrity interviews will enjoy listening to Anupama Chopra Film Reviews. Another podcast that seniors may find interesting is Made In India – it highlights the best works by renowned artists from all over the country.    5. Food podcast: If you love exploring Indian cuisines, you will love listening to podcasts that celebrate Indian cuisines and the traditions associated with them. Some of the popular food podcasts are Bite On This, The Taste Of India, and Rasoi Ki Rani.    Looking for senior citizen homes in India that encourage positive ageing?    Explore our retirement communities in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Puducherry, and Kanchipuram. To know more about our independent senior citizen apartments and the services offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

Playing indoor games is a great way to beat boredom, relieve stress, and make new friends. Playing indoor games such as board games and video games can also improve memory and overall mental health of seniors.    A list of engaging indoor games that enhance cognitive health   As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we share a list of indoor games that seniors can play with their friends, grandkids, and family members:  1. Traditional board games that promote social bonding    Traditional board games can help improve cognitive function and memory. When seniors play board games, they must be competitive and cooperative at the same time. While healthy competition stimulates the mind, playing as a team helps seniors socialise with others.    Some of the popular board games that seniors can play are:  Scrabble Monopoly  Ludo  Chess Checkers Chinese checkers Twister  Boggle    2. Video games that may keep cognitive decline at bay Many think that video games are only for kids or young adults. However, the pandemic has seen seniors leverage the power of virtual entertainment. Besides their entertainment value, video games also offer a host of health benefits. Playing Super Mario 64, a popular 3D platform game, can help seniors stave off mild cognitive impairment.    Here are some popular video games for seniors: Super Mario  Bejewelled Wii Sports  World of Warcraft Minecraft   3. Games that help seniors get moving There are numerous indoor games that are good for a senior’s mental well-being and physical fitness. Here are some indoor games that can add more physical activity to a senior’s daily routine:  Egg-and-spoon race  Indoor obstacle course Hide-and-seek Bowling  Pass the parcel  At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore , we have a dedicated clubhouse where residents can play indoor games with fellow residents and spend quality time. If you are looking for senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, call us at  +91 8884555554.

If you or your loved ones are searching for a senior living community in India, there are many options for you to choose from. However, to select a retirement community that is the right fit for your lifestyle and the retirement you have always looked forward to, there are many factors to consider.    As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we answer some of the frequently asked questions on senior living homes in India to help you make an informed choice:    Question 1: What is an independent living community?  Independent senior living communities such as ours let residents start a new chapter in life, free from daily chores and a worry-free lifestyle. We offer services such as housekeeping, laundry service, plumbing and electrical maintenance work , and 24×7 security. At our senior living community, personal and medical assistance are available, when needed.    Our senior living communities are designed with the needs of active seniors in mind. Also, we offer an active social calendar with a wide variety of engaging activities and wellness programmes.    Question 2: How much does senior living cost? The cost of retirement homes depends on various factors such as the city you choose to live in, the size of the apartment you select, and the services offered. For instance, if you want to move to one of our retirement homes, the cost can range from Rs 47.14 lakhs for a one BHK apartment to over Rs 1 crore for a three BHK apartment.    Question 3: What kind of menu can the residents expect? Leading retirement homes offer meals that are nutritious and delicious. At our senior living communities in India, we offer a restaurant-quality menu that is designed by trained nutritionists. At our retirement homes, we provide three meals a day, and room service is available upon request.    Question 4: What kind of common facilities are available?  Senior living communities offer facilities that help their residents embrace retirement and enjoy an active social life with like-minded residents. Our senior living communities feature common areas and social spaces, such as dining halls, libraries, activity centres and swimming pools. To encourage our residents to stay active, there are gardens and open spaces where they can practise yoga or take a stroll.    Question 5: Are senior living communities safe?  Leading senior living communities in India are gated communities with security personnel guarding the entry and exit points. Our senior living communities in India have a 24/7 security team. Also, the common areas have CCTV cameras, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. Every room has a panic button so that immediate assistance can be sought in case of an emergency.    Question 6: Are residents allowed to bring their guests?  Most retirement homes are guest friendly. At our retirement homes, residents can invite their family and friends to their apartments. They can also host movie screenings, get-togethers, and parties for them.    Question 7: Is the tour of the facility available?  Before selecting a retirement home, it is a must to visit the facility. We encourage you and your family to visit our senior living homes. Our staffs will be available to show you around the facility.     Question 8: How to book a tour of senior living communities operated by Columbia Pacific Communities? To book a tour, call us at +91 8884555554.

Retirement is the right time to learn to play a musical instrument. Learning to play an instrument is a constructive hobby for seniors, providing many physical and mental benefits such as –    It boosts mental health: It has been found that playing a musical instrument reduces the incidence of cognitive impairment. When seniors learn musical instruments, they have to remember the musical notes – which improves their memory skills. It acts as a stress reliever: Playing a musical instrument can alleviate stress.  It gives a sense of purpose: When seniors start learning to play a musical instrument, it gives them a direction or sense of purpose.  It offers an opportunity to socialise: Seniors who take part in group music sessions meet like-minded people and forge new friendships.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated a list of musical instruments that are great for senior citizens to learn:    1. Guitar: Seniors may face difficulties initially as they have to coordinate their fingers to create a firm grip on the strings. However, with practice, they will see improvement in their performance. One of the key benefits of learning guitar is improved fine motor skills. It is also good for mental health as it offers therapeutic benefits such as improved emotional strength and reduced stress.    2. Drums:  Drums are the right musical instrument for seniors who are looking for a musical instrument that helps them express their emotions and feelings. It has been found that drumming  that triggers a positive feeling in the body.    The physical stimulation of hitting the drums and the sound vibrations make people feel physically and mentally energetic. Also, drumming is a great workout for the body and brain.    3. Piano: A versatile instrument like piano stimulates the brain and improves the ability to recall information. Practicing piano boosts cognitive health and improves fine motor skills.    4. Harmonica: Though small, harmonica is a mighty instrument that produces melodious sounds. Seniors can benefit from playing a harmonica as it encourages the mind to remain active and alert. Also, it has been found that playing a harmonica can improve breathing control and is especially beneficial for those suffering from respiratory problems.    Music can be a powerful tool for seniors to connect with people having similar interests. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we host music sessions that provide our residents with opportunities to learn and socialise at the same time.    We encourage our residents to participate in activities that interest them, while our team handles the day-to-day chores like home maintenance, daily meals, and other time-consuming tasks. To know more about our senior citizen homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

As you grow old, one fun way to make mealtimes interesting is to add different colours to your plate every day. “Eating the rainbow”  is a great way to brighten up your plate and add different essential nutrients to your diet. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we have curated a list of healthy foods on the basis of colour:    Shades of nutrition:  curated by one of the leading retirement communities in India     1. Red: Known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, red fruits and vegetables are great for heart health. We all have heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, when it comes to red fruits and vegetables, your options are not just limited to apples.    Give your diet a nutritional punch with the following red fruits and vegetables:   Tomatoes Cherries Cranberries Watermelon Beetroot Red grapes Red pepper  Strawberries 2. Yellow and orange: Many orange and yellow fruits and vegetables get their colour from the antioxidant beta-carotene which can reduce the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration. Also, many orange and yellow coloured fruits and vegetables may enhance immune cell function. There is good evidence to suggest that fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.    Give these orange and yellow fruits and vegetables a shot :    Sweet melons Mangoes Grapefruits Peaches Pineapples Carrots Yellow pepper Corn 3. Green: Leafy green vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, they offer numerous health benefits including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Green fruits and vegetables improve eye health, promote healthy bones, and support the immune system.    Green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are high in calcium, an important mineral that promotes healthy bones. As the risk of bone-related diseases increases with age, adding these green vegetables to your daily diet can reduce the risk of fracture.    Here are some more green fruits and vegetables to add to your meals:  Cabbage Cucumbers Kiwis Limes Capsicum  Zucchinis  4. Purple and blue: Rich in lycopene, flavonoids, and vitamins D & K, purple and blue vegetables and fruits lower the risk of heart disease. To add purple and blue colours to your diet, include the following fruits and vegetables:    Blueberries Raisins Purple cabbage Eggplant Plums  For seniors in our retirement communities in India, mealtimes are an opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals while socialising with other residents. We offer our residents healthy and nutritious meal options to ensure that they get the right nourishment. While the menu is decided by expert nutritionists, the meals are prepared by our expert chefs.    To know more about our retirement homes in India and the services offered, call us at +91 8884555554.

After retirement, seniors are usually excited to do things they have not done before or have not had time to do. However, many seniors do not have a bucket list and often find themselves wondering how to make the most of their newfound free time. If you can relate to this feeling, we have identified a few ideas for your retirement bucket list:  Explore new places    Travel to fascinating places around the world with your family, friends, or on your own! Explore places beyond the familiar path – it will make your trip truly special and unique.  Start writing    Many seniors have wanted to write but unfortunately could never find enough time for it. Retirement is an ideal time to nurture your passion for writing. You can write poems, essays, memoirs, or even blogs. There are many avenues for expressing yourself through written words.  Visit new restaurants    If you enjoy trying new cuisines, you should certainly add visiting new restaurants to your bucket list. You can even make your travel itinerary revolve around different cuisines that you wish to try. Whether it is escargot from France, sushi from Japan or patoleo from Goa, make a list and get started.  Start your own video channel   Setting up your own video channel is a great way to share your experiences with others. You can show your culinary skills, painting skills, or even share professional knowledge and wisdom.   Volunteer at a charity    Working with a non-profit organisation or working for a charity is a great way to give back to the community. You can volunteer at a local school, hospital, or food bank. You can also go on a volunteering vacation. This way you will add purpose to your travel and at the same time gain an immersive cultural experience. Grow a garden   If you have a green thumb, put on your gardening gloves. You can grow an herb garden, a flower garden, or a window garden. Also, gardening offers physiological and psychological benefits – it not only reduces stress but also gives you the opportunity to exercise in the fresh air.  Join a dance class    If you have a passion for dancing, join a local dance class or start learning online. Also, dancing is one of the best exercises for your body.  Run a marathon  Nothing can beat the joy of touching the finishing line after running a marathon. However, running a marathon needs months of preparation. If you are adding it to your bucket list, prepare yourself well.  Do stand-up comedy  If you love making people laugh, you can try performing a stand-up act for your friends and family.    Retirement can offer ample opportunities to engage in activities that you have never tried before. At our retirement homes in India, you will find numerous opportunities to tick off your bucket list.    Senior living in Bangalore: nurture and nourish your active lifestyle From laundry and housekeeping to 24/7 maintenance work, everything is taken care of at our senior living homes in Bangalore. Our independent senior living apartments are aesthetically pleasing. They are designed keeping the safety and accessibility needs of our residents in mind. To find out more about services and the average monthly cost, call us at +91 8884555554.

Gratitude is a powerful emotion – it not only makes you feel better but also has a positive impact on your overall well-being. There is evidence to suggest that experiencing gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation tends to foster positive feelings. There is a multitude of benefits of practising gratitude every single day and the holiday season is no different. This holiday season, instead of buying materialistic things, practise gratitude to bring positivity and joy in your life.    If you would like to experience the benefits mentioned above, why not try following some of these simple ways:    Keep a gratitude journal: One of the best ways to keep track of the good things in life is to write a gratitude journal. Regularly journaling about the good things in your life can help deal with rough patches more positively. Thank your loved ones: This one seems obvious, but often people are so busy in their daily grind that they forget to thank their loved ones. Make it a habit to thank someone every day. It could be a friend who helped you in tough times or someone who just helped you carry your grocery bags. Notice the beauty in nature each day: Whether you live in an urban jungle or suburbs, there is something in your surroundings to make you feel grateful for the little joys of life. Every day, while you are going for a walk or running errands, just look around and thank one element in nature – it could be the trees, the birds, or even your window garden. Include an act of kindness in your life each day: The best way to feel gratitude every day is to make random acts of kindness a part of your daily life. Tipping the waiter at a local restaurant, complimenting an acquaintance, buying flowers for a friend, leaving letters of encouragement for young adults or cooking a meal for someone are ways you can show kindness to others every day. Partner with someone: Expressing gratitude does not have to be a solo activity. Find like-minded friends and incorporate gratitude in your day-to-day life. Some of the activities that you can do together with your friends can include serving food at a local charity, teaching children or helping at a local library. Send hand-written notes or cards: One great way to make people feel special is to send them holiday greetings or cards. Writing a personal letter of thanks or sending a hand-made card can make the other person feel special. Invite for lunch: Appreciation luncheons are a great way to extend gratitude. Invite your friends and family during the holidays and thank them for adding positivity to your day-to-day life.    Sometimes, it might be challenging to find things to be grateful for. But the mere act of searching for positive things around you can open a door to a new world and a new perspective. At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, you will find a myriad opportunities to practice gratitude and be more generous, kind, and helpful.    Searching for retirement homes in Coimbatore?  If you are looking for retirement homes in Coimbatore, call us at +91 8884555554. Our senior living communities offer a welcoming environment where like-minded seniors can meet, engage in a conversation,  relax, and enjoy the little positive things in their day-to-day lives.

Eating well is important for seniors to lead a healthy and active life. Having a balanced diet helps them maintain a healthy weight and boosts their energy levels. However, many seniors often struggle during mealtimes because of loss of appetite. Many think it is a natural part of ageing. However, loss of appetite when not addressed properly can result in malnutrition which can cause weight and muscle loss.     Hence, instead of assuming loss of appetite as a normal part of ageing, it is important to understand the reasons behind it and prevent it.    As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful insights for seniors on loss of appetite:    Let us first try to understand the reasons why seniors lose appetite. From depression and altering taste buds to medication side effects, there can be many reasons for a senior to not want to eat.    Common reasons for seniors to experience loss of appetite?   Slowing metabolism means seniors need lesser calories. But they still need to get enough important nutrients.  Taste bud changes can make seniors lose interest in food items they once savoured.  Dental problems such as toothache and poor-fitting dentures can make mealtimes painful for seniors.  Trouble chewing or swallowing can make mealtime uncomfortable for seniors.  Side effects from medication can alter the taste buds.    If you think you are losing interest in food, here are some simple and effective ways to stimulate your appetite and improve your nutrient intake:    1. Create a routine:    One of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your appetite is to have meals at the same time every day. Setting a consistent routine trains the body and mind to look forward to a meal.    2. Have small but frequent meals:   As you age, having a large meal for lunch or dinner can be overwhelming. Instead, tweak your daily routine to have five to six small meals with equal intervals. Your meals should be packed with vitamins, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.    3. Make mealtime a social activity   Eating alone and depression are closely linked. It has been found that people eat more with friends and family than when eating by themselves. To make your mealtime interesting and entertaining, invite your friends and family members. When you dine with friends and family, eating becomes less of a chore and more of a social activity. If you are living alone, try eating with your friends and relatives online. Use video chatting to have virtual dinners to make mealtimes enjoyable.    4. Keep easy-to-eat snacks handy   Have different types of healthy and nutritious easy-to-eat healthy snacks such as steamed vegetables, boiled eggs, avocado sandwiches, nuts, fruits, and smoothies.    5. Stay physically active   Often lack of physical activity could be a reason behind your loss of appetite. Low- impact workouts such as walking, running, yoga and swimming can increase your appetite.   At our retirement homes in Chennai, residents enjoy delicious and nutritious meals daily. The menu is prepared by nutritionists, keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors. There are regular review meetings with the F&B team so that our residents can give their suggestions and feedback. The kitchen and food service area are well-designed and hygienic. Our retirement homes have spacious dining halls so that the mealtimes are relaxed and comfortable. To know about our facilities and the monthly cost of the retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

Whether it is starting a community garden or using reusable items, there is a lot that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle has numerous personal and social benefits. As a leading senior living community operator, we share with you some ideas that will help you get started: Eat food that is produced locally: Eating local food is good for your health as well as the environment. Seasonal fruits and vegetables do not require artificial ripening, making them a better option for your health and environment. Also, eating locally produced fruits and vegetables reduces food miles. The term ‘food miles’ refers to the distance between the place where the food is produced and the place where it is consumed. The more the food miles, the greater the carbon emissions due to storage, refrigeration, and transportation. Walk to run errands: When running short-distance errands, do not drive your car. Instead, walk your errands. It is good for the environment as well as your physical health. However, make sure that you do not overexert yourself. Reduce wastage: When buying fruits and vegetables, carry your own shopping bag to reduce the consumption of plastic. Buy sustainable products: Instead of buying products made of plastic, buy products in reusable steel bottles, bamboo straws, glass storage containers. Use reusable dishcloths instead of paper towels. Up your recycling game: Before throwing away things, ask yourself if they can be reused or recycled. Instead of throwing away old clothes and shoes, donate them to local charities. Send old electronic items to electronic shops that have recycling facilities. Adopt a paper-free lifestyle: Take printouts only when needed. Try paying bills online. Access bills and bank statements online. In case you need to file, either download it on your phone or take a screenshot of it. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use: Though it seems like the most basic advice, leaving your electrical appliances on standby can increase your electricity consumption. Unplug electrical devices when not in use. Also, insulate your home so that you can reduce your energy consumption on heating and cooling. Encourage composting: Composting is an easy process that takes plant and kitchen waste and turns them into food for plants. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill. Start a small garden: Start with a small garden, this way you can have home-grown vegetables and flowers. You can also make compost for them at home. Use eco-friendly personal care products: Cleansers, conditioners, soaps, and other personal care products contain various chemicals that are washed down the drain and end up in groundwater. Use eco-friendly products that do not contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Use water efficiently: Use highly efficient taps in the bathrooms and kitchens to reduce water waste. You can also use flow restrictors. Also, be mindful of turning off the tap water while shaving or brushing your teeth.    Seniors are paying more attention to green practices. This includes searching for senior living communities promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. For example, they prefer moving to retirement homes that have battery-operated cars for residents to travel easily within the community. Are you considering moving to a senior living community?  As India’s leading senior living community operator, we offer premium community living spaces for independent seniors. Our retirement homes have senior-friendly villas, apartments, and row houses across south India. To know more about our senior citizen homes and the services that we offer, call us at +91 8884555554.