Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

There are different reasons why colouring has become a popular hobby with seniors. Many are turning towards colouring for the benefits it offers. From being a great creative outlet and encouraging mindfulness to relieving stress – there is a pile of evidence showing the psychological and physiological benefits of colouring for seniors.     If you are toying with the idea of taking up colouring as a hobby after retirement, here are some of the benefits of colouring.  1. Improve motor skills:    Using coloured pens and pencils is not just fun for seniors but it also improves their hand-eye coordination. Motor performance often declines with ageing. When seniors colour, they exercise their ageing hands and fingers which in turn improves their grip strength and dexterity.  2. Good workout for the brain    It has been found that creative art can slow down cognitive decline. Colouring activates different areas of our two cerebral hemispheres responsible for creativity and logic. The creative part of the brain selects the colours, patterns while the other part of the brain controls the hand-eye movement.  3. Reduces stress and anxiety   Colouring helps in reducing the thoughts of a restless mind, thus relaxing the brain. By allowing the mind to focus on colours and patterns, colouring induces the same state as meditating. Also, colouring is a great activity to indulge in before you go to sleep as it can lower stress and improve sleep.  4. It is a great social activity    Some seniors enjoy organising a colouring party with their friends while others join online groups. Also, colouring can be done with friends, grandchildren, and other family members. Colouring with likeminded people would help seniors socialise and build connections.  5. Encourages self-expression :    Most seniors have the potential to be creative. However, sometimes their imaginations are held back by social expectations. For seniors who want to experiment with their own ideas and expressions, colouring gives them a creative outlet.    Pursuing hobbies such as colouring, sketching, and dancing after retirement is good for the overall well-being of seniors. At our senior living communities, we organise art workshops and classes where seniors can discover their creative selves.    Looking for retirement communities in Bangalore? If you are searching for a vibrant and welcoming community, explore our retirement homes in Bangalore. Our great selection of senior-friendly apartments come with services such as laundry, housekeeping, and 24X7 preventive maintenance so that our residents have time to pursue engaging activities. To know more about the services offered and the cost of living, call us at +91 8884555554.

“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.”  ― Mark Twain   If there is any true universal language, it has to be laughter. It does not matter what your ethnicity is, where you are from, or what language you speak, laughter is a basic emotional response that comes as naturally to people as breathing.    It is often said that laughter is the best medicine. It has been found that laughter has powerful and positive effects on physical and mental well-being. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones.  Endorphins act as a pain reliever and happiness booster.     As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we have curated a list of benefits that stem from laughter:  Promotes cardiovascular health: Laughter plays an important role in  improving the flow of blood throughout the body. Arteries respond to laughter in a healthy way, improving the blood flow which is good for your cardiovascular health. It has also been found that a good, hearty laugh can improve blood circulation. This causes the body to take deep breaths that help you calm down, reducing stress and tension.  Helps fight depression: Depression can stem at any point in life. It might be especially hard on someone transitioning into a different phase of life. Getting together with friends or family and sharing a good laugh once in a while can help shift the focus from unpleasant feelings to positive things in life. Many seniors attend laughter sessions as it has been found that  laughter therapy has a positive effect on mental health and helps people cope with stress.  Boosts the immune system: It may sound too good to be true right? But there is a link between your health and your sense of humour.  It has been found that when you laugh more, your immune system releases more disease-fighting cells.  Helps in improving memory: A dangerous side effect of chronic stress is cognitive decline. When the cortisol production increases in the body, it damages the cells responsible for optimal functioning of the brain. When the brain is stressed, laughter works as a healing agent and helps improve short-term memory.   It is always fun to share a good laugh with friends and family. Children laugh multiple times a day, but as life gets serious adults find few opportunities to laugh. As laughter is related to togetherness, seniors who live alone find it difficult to share a good, hearty laugh with others.  If you think your loved ones are feeling isolated and are showing signs of depression, it may be a good idea to talk with them about senior living. At our retirement homes in India, seniors get to live in a community and enjoy spending time with other like minded residents. To know more about our services and the average cost of living in one of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Arthritis is an inflammation in joints and surrounding tissues that causes pain and swelling. Often arthritis is referred to as a single disease. But it is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which affects older adults. Despite being a common problem, there are many myths that surround arthritis and its treatment. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we debunk a few myths around arthritis: Myth 1: Joint pain means arthritis: Fact: All joint pain is not necessarily arthritis. Other conditions, such as tendonitis or soft-tissue injuries can also cause joint pain. These conditions mimic arthritis pain. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which affects patients over 50 years old. It causes swelling, pain, and difficulty in moving joints. Myth 2: People with arthritis should not exercise: Fact: Exercise is beneficial in managing arthritis pain. Exercise can help you maintain strength and improve the range of motion in the joints. In fact, modern treatments of arthritis suggest exercise programs that need to be followed by patients regularly. Myth 3: Once arthritis is diagnosed, nothing can be done about it Fact: Arthritis can be managed with proper medication and an arthritis-appropriate exercise program. Also, adopting a healthy lifestyle is important to manage arthritis pain. Eating a wholesome diet, maintaining sleeping hours, and shedding excess weight can help you manage the condition. Myth 4: Diet has nothing to do with arthritis Fact: A wholesome diet plays an important role in managing the symptoms of arthritis. A diet rich may help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. It can be either taken in supplement form or from food sources high in omega-3 such as salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds, and nut oils. The key here is to maintain a healthy weight to support the joints. Myth 5: There’s only one kind of arthritis There is a perception that there is only one type of arthritis. However, there are over 100 types of arthritis. Some of them are: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Childhood arthritis Spondyloarthropathies Lupus erythematosus Gout Infectious and reactive arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis. The right treatment and making healthy lifestyle changes can greatly reduce arthritis pain. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we ensure that our residents enjoy a healthy lifestyle. From open areas to exercise to healthy and nutritious meals served at our dining halls, community facilities and services are planned keeping in mind the requirements of our residents. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554. 

Many seniors aspire to age positively. They wish to actively take part in the lives of their grandchildren, meet old friends, pursue new passions, and volunteer for a cause. Moving into an independent senior living community can make this possible. Senior living communities in India offer more than aesthetically designed apartments, they provide a vibrant community life that helps senior citizens make the most of their golden years.    Here we share with you some of the benefits of moving into a senior living community and how can you make the transition easy:     Some of the benefits of moving into a senior living community: No worry of property upkeep: Once you move into a senior living community, you don’t have to worry about home upkeep, garden maintenance, and laundry. For instance, in our senior living communities, the maintenance team takes care of individual living spaces and common areas. We also offer periodical housekeeping and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance work.  New friends: Another great benefit of moving into a senior living community is finding new neighbours who can become good friends. Our senior living communities have an active social calendar. From yoga classes and music lessons to art workshops – you are sure to find a group of like-minded residents with whom you can enjoy these activities.    Check this useful read to understand the benefits of moving into a senior living community.                Making transitioning to senior living homes easier:  A senior living home is a great option for retirees looking for opportunities to socialise, make new friends, and explore new interests in a safe and protected environment. However, for some people the transition from their homes to a senior living community is not an easy one. They take time to get used to the new way of life. If you are planning to move into a senior living home in Bangalore, here are some tips to make your transition a little easier.   Create a routine: In new surroundings, sticking to a routine will give you a sense of normalcy. Senior living homes in India run a range of wellness activities for their residents. You can participate in these activities to socialise with like-minded residents.  Invite friends and family:  Ask family members and friends to visit your ‘new home’. At our retirement homes in India, you can host dinner parties for friends and family and invite them over for movie screenings.  Focus on health: Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and schedule regular meals and snack times. To make the transition phase easy, you need to make healthy choices and stick to them.  Decorate your room: Your new home should be a reflection of who you are. Select a colour theme of your choice and then express it through painted walls, cushions, bed throws, and curtains. You can also keep photos of inspiring activities that you wish to do during your retirement years. Place personal items such as your favourite photos or artworks that evoke cherished memories.   If you are looking for a senior living community in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Creating a tidy and clutter-free living space gives seniors the confidence to move around easily. By making a few tweaks to the layout and making some sensible architectural choices, seniors can easily modify the decor to incorporate safety and accessibility features.    If you are planning to make your home senior-friendly, either for yourself or for your loved ones, here are some practical tips that you may find helpful:    Mind the traffic flow: Rearrange the furniture in the living room as well as the rest of the house in such a way that there is enough space to walk around. To reduce the risk of seniors knocking over or bumping into objects, decorative items should not be placed on the pathways.  Buy suitable furniture: Many seniors find it difficult to get up from low height furniture. Hence, avoid low floor seating. Buy furniture according to the body structure. For instance, furniture with deeper seats is an ideal option for seniors who are tall.   Make sure the house is well-lit: All the rooms should have proper visibility. The entryways and pathways should be well-lit. All the dark corners should have lights. You can also install easily accessible bedside lamps that can come in handy at night.   Choose the floor carefully: While selecting the floor for the house, make sure it is not slippery, is easy to walk on, and is easy to maintain. Select an option that provides the most cushioning if you or your loved one falls. For instance, cork flooring offers a cushioning effect and reduces the severity of an injury in case of a fall. Install grab bars in bathrooms: Install a grab bar near the toilet seat, in the shower, and near the washbasin. Grab bar offers additional support to seniors while sitting down or getting up.  A word of caution: only use grab bars. Do not use towel rails as they are not meant to take the weight of a person. Avoid loose rugs and carpets: While rugs and carpets add texture and colour to the room, they can be a tripping hazard. If you want to place rugs in your home, secure them to the floor or go for the ones with anti-slip rug underlays.   . Senior living in India: searching for a retirement home?  Our senior living communities in India have been designed to accommodate the changing needs of seniors. The apartments have anti-skid tiles in the bathrooms and grab rails are strategically placed. There is a panic button in each dwelling to provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Healthy joints are important for better mobility. But with ageing, the lubricating fluid inside the joints decreases, thus leading to joint stiffness. Here we discuss some useful tips that can help you keep your joints healthy.  Be active regularly  Being active has been proven to be beneficial in improving the functioning of joints in seniors. Multiple studies have shown that people who do moderate exercise on a regular basis have a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Low-intensity workouts such as walking, light jogging, swimming, yoga, and cycling can help seniors increase their range of motion. Also, regular exercise improves mobility and bone density.  Listen to your body There will be days when you feel sore and worn out. Do not overexert yourself – pay attention to your body’s warning signs and take a break for a few days.  Maintain right body posture Always maintain the right body posture while sitting. Always sit and stand upright. While working out, do not repeat the same movements every day. It may hurt the joints and make the pain worse.  Maintain a healthy weight Excess weight can put extra pressure on the weight-bearing joints, particularly, the hips, knees, and spine. Those who are overweight are more likely to develop arthritis compared to those who maintain a healthy weight.  Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet  Having a well-balanced diet that contains fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, can be good for your joints as well as health. Adding anti-inflammatory spices and herbs such as turmeric, basil, cumin, rosemary and ginger, can be beneficial. Choose plant protein sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and avocado to provide essential nutrients to your joints. Here is a useful read on food items that support joint health.  Note: The arthritis-affected joints are weak and prone to injuries. Therefore, it is important to take a few extra measures to protect them. Before starting a new exercise regimen, talk to your doctor and physiotherapist.  To increase your fitness in a welcoming and supportive environment, join a senior-friendly gym or a health club. At our retirement homes in Chennai –  Serene Pushkar and Serene Adinath– we have senior-friendly gyms, daily yoga classes, and a calendar filled with engaging activities that will help you stay socially and physically active.  For the average monthly cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” ― Mason Cooley With people travelling less for different reasons, many are seeking different ways to experience faraway places. And reading travel books is a great way to scratch the travel itch while remaining indoors. As one of the leading  senior citizen homes in India, we share with you 5 armchair travel books that will set you around the world:    1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: The book has a shepherd as a protagonist who travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure. The book befittingly shows that the journey is more important than the destination.  It beautifully captures the journey of the protagonist and his realisation that the real treasure is all about pursuing one’s dreams. Filled with inspirational quotes such as “When you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” and “One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving” – the book is ideal for those who love travelling, adventure, and courage.    2. Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler: Whether you are planning to travel to London or a faraway exotic location, if there is one travel guide that helps you with useful information, it is a Lonely Planet Guide. This book tells you the story behind how Lonely Planet Publications became the world’s largest independent guidebook publisher. Authors share amusing and funny anecdotes from their travelling experience. Though it is not a conventional travel book, it is engaging and has a few interesting lessons on building a bootstrapped business.    3. Less  by Andrew Sean Greer: The Pulitzer Prize winning book, Less is a quirky and funny novel. The book’s eponymous protagonist, Arthur Less, goes on a madcap global adventure in a bid to avoid attending a wedding. This hilarious novel is not just a travelogue where you follow the character around the globe, but it is also an exploration of a myriad emotions.    4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The book will take you on a journey that you will never forget. Written in a delightfully witty manner, this book touches many emotions without going overboard. Though it is a memoir of travel and personal discovery in Italy, Indonesia, and India, the book has inspired many to travel and rediscover themselves. An enjoyable read, the travel memoir has some interesting quotes on life and spirituality.  Regarding spirituality, Gilbert writes, “We do not realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.” On life, she says, “You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.”    5. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: A tad different from other travel books, this amazing book delves into long-term travel.  The author, who spent 10 years on the road, shares valuable insights and practical information on how to discover and experience the world. It has practical tips on planning life on the road and saving money while achieving the dream of travelling around the world.    For more book recommendations for seniors, watch this space.  People who read every day are constantly learning new things. As a leading senior living community operator, we understand the importance of reading for seniors. All our communities have a well-stocked library and our residents cherish the time they spend amidst books. To know more about our senior citizen homes and services, call us at +91 8884555554.

More and more seniors are using the internet to connect with family and friends, access healthcare services, online banking, and pay bills. Of all the activities that seniors do online, shopping remains their favourite. Whether it is a friend’s birthday, Diwali, or any other occasion, online shopping lets seniors get all the shopping done without leaving their homes. Online shopping helps seniors buy their favourite products from an endless catalogue at the press of a button.    Let us take a quick look at some of the benefits of online shopping for seniors:  Convenience: Online shopping lets seniors shop from wherever and whenever they want to. There is no need for them to hustle through crowded stores and wait in long queues.  Time saver:  Online shopping helps seniors save time. They do not have to drive to stores or wait in traffic for hours. Also, seniors do not have to stress over finding a parking space for their cars.  Saves money: Online shopping is a good way for seniors to avail great discounts without physically visiting the stores.  Helpful customer reviews: This is one of the best advantages of online shopping. Reading reviews and understanding the product based on another customer’s experience makes the buying process a little more worry-free for seniors.    Although online shopping is convenient, it also makes it a lucrative platform for financial predators to target the seniors. Hence, it is important to be careful while shopping online.   As one of the leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we have curated a list of useful tips for online shopping for seniors:    Safety Tip 1: Use strong passwords  While shopping online, seniors should use strong passwords to avoid online frauds and cyber theft. Hackers often break into accounts by guessing passwords. Therefore, avoid commonly used passwords,here is a list of 2020’s commonly used passwords that you may find useful.    Safety Tip 2:  Shop with reputable retailers  Shop directly with online retailers you know and trust. If you already know the brand, it is safe to shop online from their e-store. However, if you are visiting an online store for the first time, do a background check by looking at the websites dedicated to reviewing e-stores.    Safety Tip 3: Shop on secure web pages  The internet browser tells if a site is secure or not. There are sites that show the letters “https” whereas others show “http.” The ‘https’ pages are secure and safe to make online transactions.   Safety Tip 4: Do not use public Wi-Fi while doing financial transaction  Public Wi-Fi connections are not secure for online transactions. Always use a personal or password-protected Wi-Fi connections while making financial transactions.    Safety Tip 5:  Avoid deals and offers that seem too good to be true Beware of online stores offering suspiciously good deals. Often scammers set up fake websites to tempt people to either buy counterfeit items or hand over their card details. The fake websites often look similar to websites of genuine retailers. Do not click on unexpected links or texts that promise deals too good to be true.    As people move into their golden years, they experience a greater sense of vulnerability. Which is why many seniors are moving into gated retirement communities. If you are looking for a worry-free experience after retirement, you can explore our retirement homes in Bangalore. Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific provides you a peaceful, convenient and the sort of safe retirement lifestyle you have always dreamed of.   To know more about this retirement community in Bangalore, call at +91 8884555554.

“Retirement gives you the time literally to recreate yourself through a sport, game, or hobby that you always wanted to try or that you haven’t done in years.”  -Steven D. Price Pursuing hobbies help seniors make their post-retirement days productive and fulfilling. Also, hobbies have a positive effect on their physical and mental health. It has been found that pursuing craft activities and playing games later in life can help preserve cognitive functions.    As an operator of senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we share with you some useful insights on how you can find a fulfilling hobby in the later years of your life.    1. Transform what you already enjoy into a hobby:  A carefully chosen hobby can be entertaining, fulfilling, and relaxing. To find a hobby that meets your goals, it is important to try the activities that you already enjoy. Be it painting, writing, cooking, quilting or woodworking – you can try as many things as you want and then zero in on the activities that you really want to pursue.    2. Reclaim your childhood interests: Think of all the activities you enjoyed doing as a child. Did you enjoy making those paintings that are still hanging in your living room? Can you still feel an adrenaline rush that you felt while scoring a century for your college team? Are you still proud of a costume you designed for yourself while participating in the college drama fest? Revisit those lovely memories and try to add those activities back to your life.    3. Start trying new things (and check the hobbies that stick): Picking a new hobby can be very much a hit-and-miss affair. It might take more than one or two attempts to pick a hobby that suits you well. What may start off as an enjoyable pursuit may turn out to be boring and a monotonous activity after a few days. Give yourself some time and experience the trial and error process of finding the right hobby.  4. Activities that are relaxing:  Pursuing a hobby should not be overwhelming. Your hobby should make you feel content, relaxed, and happy. If it is draining you mentally and physically, you need to reconsider the pros and cons of pursuing the activity. If a hobby feels physically challenging or you think it is taking too much of your time, reconsider pursuing it. No matter how much you love doing something, go slow and steady for your peace of mind.   5. Set realistic goals: If you want to continue a particular activity, do not pick a hobby that is too difficult to pursue. Setting goals that are hard to accomplish will disappoint you. Pursue activities that are easier to accomplish as it will be a rewarding experience when you successfully complete them.  As a resident of a senior living community, you will find different opportunities to pursue a creative activity that will improve your well-being and help you connect with other like-minded people.  If you are looking for a senior citizen home in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Journey towards retirement is a long one and often has a few twists and turns along the way. If you are planning for retirement, it is normal for you to have questions. As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about retirement:  Question 1: When can I retire?    Answer: The retirement age in India is 60 years for both men and women. However, if you wish to retire early, ensure that you are financially secure for the later years. Other factors to take into consideration before making the decision includes: Career goals Health Family responsibilities Spouse’s plans and goals  Retirement lifestyle  Question 2: How much money do I need to retire?    Answer: Many people wrongly assume  that once they have retired, there won’t be many expenses. However, in many cases it is the other way around. With more time in hand, you will want to spend more on travel, shopping, new hobbies, charities, and leisure activities.  Also, you must think about your healthcare expenses as they tend to increase as you age. You can check our blog on 6 tips for a successful retirement.  Question 3: How to spend time during retirement years?    Answer: With no professional commitments, leisure time can be daunting if you do not plan out your daily activities. Prepare an organised schedule to spend your time doing things you love the most. You can pursue new hobbies, learn a new language, travel the world, start a business, start a blog, or even get a part-time job.  If you are looking for some inspiration, you may find our blog on 15 Meaningful Things to Do After Retirement worth a read.  Question 4: Is moving into a retirement community a good idea?    Answer:  From increased sense of community and support to having instant access to health care services – there are several benefits of living in a retirement community. You can check this informative read on the benefits of moving to a senior living community.    Question 5: Can I rent or buy an apartment in a senior living community?   Answer:  You can rent or own a house at any of our retirement communities in India.  Question 6: How is life at the senior living communities operated by Columbia Pacific Communities?     Answer: In our communities, residents enjoy a wide range of services – from periodic housekeeping and laundry services to preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work. Our F&B team serves delicious, well balanced and nutritious meals to our residents daily. And the social calendar ensures that our residents have something to look forward to every day. Also, there are several amenities such as swimming pool, well equipped gym, yoga room, library, and banquet hall. Our senior living communities in India have partnered with nearby hospitals to ensure that our residents get round-the-clock medical care. Check more details about our services here   Looking for retirement communities in India?   If you are planning to move to a retirement community, we can help you find the perfect property where you can spend your retirement years in a friendly and considerate community. To know the cost of senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.