Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Reaching retirement age comes with a mixed bag of emotions. There is a sense of relief that you can finally enjoy an exciting phase of life and gain new experiences. However, with no professional commitments, the feeling of not having a schedule can be daunting. Many seniors feel stressed when they suddenly have all the time in the world. However, with a little bit of planning, seniors can feel as if they are starting their life all over again. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India,  we share with you some useful tips on starting over after retirement:   Never stop learning: The best way to move forward in life is to keep learning. You can explore a new hobby or pursue old hobbies. Stay busy with a meaningful activity that provides you a sense of purpose and makes you feel productive.  One of the best ways to get started is to join group classes where you will meet people who share similar interests as you. Group sessions are a great way to socialise, meet people, gain confidence, and learn.    Stay socially connected: With children settled and no 9-to-5 commitments, loneliness can slowly become a part of ageing. When you retire, you lose social connections and may start to feel isolated, which can have adverse effects on your mental and physical health. It has been found that loneliness can be worse for your health than obesity and high blood pressure.    To start afresh, make new social connections. Sign up for volunteering opportunities, invite neighbours or connect with your existing friends. Schedule a part of your day to build and nurture social connections. You can make phone calls, have coffee with neighbours, or have lunch with your former colleagues.    Replace your previous work routine with a new routine: With no daily commitments, you can lose structure and routine from your day. To enjoy a satisfying and fulfilling life, you need to replace the old routine with a new one that is packed with new interests, activities, and social commitments.    Having a routine helps you lead an organised life. However, when you make a new routine, be serious about it and stick to it.    Set new goals: Create a bucket list of activities that you wish to complete or a creative project you want to start. By creating a list you will push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore things you never thought you would.    Stay healthy: When you are starting over, begin on a healthy note. From staying physically active and eating a well-balanced diet to improving your emotional well-being – make health a priority. Do not forget that staying healthy is your ticket to enjoying your life to the fullest.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we do not believe in the stereotypical retirement life. We have an active social calendar that helps our residents socialise, make new friends, and explore new interests.  We have 1 and 2 BHK independent senior living apartments as well as villas. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

 “Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” — B.K.S. Iyengar, Yoga guru         Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise for seniors. Being a low-impact exercise, yoga puts less strain on the joints but it strengthens muscles, improves heart health, posture, and breathing. It also has a positive impact on mood.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of benefits of yoga for seniors:                                                                                                                        1. Yoga reduces stress: A regular yoga plan involves breathing and meditation techniques that can help reduce stress. Seniors can join a local yoga studio or practise by watching a yoga video at home. Note: An effective yoga regimen is stress-free. It improves blood circulation and boosts energy rather than depleting it. Yoga sessions should calm the nervous system rather than overstimulating it.  2. Yoga improves flexibility: Regular yoga practices improve muscular strength and flexibility. Committing to a daily yoga routine can help seniors increase their flexibility, balance, and strength.  3. Yoga is good for cardiovascular health: As per a study published in the International Journal of non-communicable Diseases, yoga is good for heart health. It may help lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure.  4. Yoga improves resilience: With regular dedicated practice, one becomes mentally strong. It promotes a calmer and stronger mental frame that can cope with the ups and downs of life. 5. Yoga lowers the risk of depression: Yoga is considered to be a mood booster. The combination of body movements and breathing techniques can induce a sense of well-being and raise serotonin (the happiness hormone) levels. Also, going to yoga classes gives seniors a chance to meet new people and make new friends. 6. Yoga improves concentration: While practising yoga poses and meditation techniques, seniors need to concentrate on their breathing. This process has a calming effect and helps them concentrate better and control their thoughts. Meditating for just a few minutes in the morning can help seniors recollect and retain more information throughout the day.  7. Yoga can alleviate pain: Yoga is helpful in easing chronic pain. Even if a senior has physical limitations, he or she can practice simple yoga postures to get relief from pain.   Note: If you are suffering from arthritis, you can practise yoga moves such as Cat pose (Marjaryasana) and Cow pose (Bitilasana). You can check this useful read on arthritis -friendly yoga poses.  8. Yoga can reduce insomnia: Relaxing yoga poses combined with deep breathing techniques help seniors sleep better. Asanas such as Utthan Pristhasana and Salabhasana promote better sleep.  9. Yoga strengthens lungs: Deep breathing techniques and simple asanas can improve the functioning of the lungs.   Note: A study found that pranayama exercises and asanas can improve lung functions and diffusion capacity in coronary artery disease patients.  10. Yoga improves immunity: Asanas such as Sasakasana, Kapalbhati Pranayama, and Trikonasana can boost the  immune system. 11. Yoga teaches self-discipline: By repeating patterns and sequences, one learns to maintain a sense of self-discipline, an important trait to lead a healthy life and accomplish retirement goals.  Our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore encourage residents to lead a physically active lifestyle. Mornings at our retirement homes start with yoga and meditation classes. A regular events calendar includes yoga classes, walkathons, and many other engaging activities that promote flexibility, strength, and fitness. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Inflammation is your body’s response towards an injury or infection.  It is a necessary part of the body’s immune system. But when inflammation is out of control, it can damage the healthy tissues. To keep inflammation under control, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, shed excess pounds, and control high blood pressure.   The first step to begin a healthy lifestyle is to start following an anti-inflammatory diet. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few insights on anti-inflammatory diet: 1. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits If you are eating canned, packaged or preserved food, switch to fresh vegetables and fruits. Add salads and lightly steamed vegetables (you can season them with pepper, salt, and olive oil) to your daily meals. For desserts, switch from pastries, cakes, and gulab jamuns to fresh fruits.  Try to add antioxidant rich vegetables, fruits, and spices to your diet. For instance, turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and they are used generously in Indian recipes. You can also make lattes using turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk or add them to your juices and smoothies.  Also, berries, avocados, whole grains, and beans have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.     Note: Antioxidants protect your body against any harmful effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants come in many forms such as teas, foods, and vitamin supplements.  2. Try to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements Omega-3 fatty acids have enormous health benefits – they are good for cardiovascular health and can reduce inflammatory processes. Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Also, freshly ground flaxseeds contain omega-3 fats and a healthy dose of dietary fibre.  3. Drink more water  Your body needs enough water to detoxify. If your body is dehydrated, it cannot release harmful toxins and cellular waste products – which can cause inflammation. It is important to note that consumption of liquids such as soda, juices, tea and coffee cannot help your body to cleanse itself and they do not count towards your daily intake of water as they act as diuretics.  Note: In addition to drinking water, having broth and soups on a regular basis can hydrate your body.  4. Identify foods that are not good for your body  Avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, and deep-fried food as they all contain unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation. While preparing a diet plan, identify foods that make you uncomfortable or cause indigestion. Your body communicates with you through various symptoms, pay attention to them. Some of the common food triggers include: Dairy  Eggs Soya Peanuts Wheat  In addition to following an anti-inflammatory diet, seniors should lead an active lifestyle. It has been reported that adults aged 65 and over are the most sedentary age group – they spend 10 hours a day lying down or sitting. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we provide a supportive and welcoming environment to our residents who want to improve their fitness levels.  If you are looking for senior citizen homes in Chennai, explore our retirement communities to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know important details such as retirement home monthly cost, maintenance fees, facilities, and services offered.

“Loneliness acts as a fertiliser for other diseases,” says Dr Steven Cole, Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine and it can “accelerate the build-up of plaque in arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread, and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease.” His research was focussed on the impact of loneliness on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.    Loneliness is a serious health risk for seniors   If you do not live with your parents, you must often worry that they may feel isolated and lonely –and you are right to be concerned. As one of the leading  senior living homes in Chennai,  we offer some useful insights to help your ageing parents avoid the risks of loneliness:  Encourage them to nurture a hobby Having a hobby reduces the  feeling of isolation among seniors. With that little pressure of trying something new, your parents will enjoy the process of learning and meeting new people. Besides providing a sense of purpose, hobbies such as dancing and group knitting are inherently social in nature. Joining dance classes, knitting groups or reading clubs can open doors for them to make meaningful connections with like-minded people.  Talk to them about moving into a retirement home  The perception of ‘old age homes’ has undergone a drastic change in recent times. Nowadays, retirement homes in India offer a great sense of community. Residents are encouraged to participate in social activities and organise social events, while the management staff takes care of the facilities. Moving to a retirement home will give your parents the opportunity to live life to the fullest. They can explore new hobbies, make new friends, and stay happy and engaged.  Gift them a pet  Having a furry friend will keep your parents entertained and bring a lot of excitement to their lives. A pet might not be an equal substitute for human companionship, but people feel positive and less isolated with a pet around. Also, having a pet can have a positive effect on their health – pet ownership is associated with lower systolic blood pressure  and pulse pressure. Visit them in person  If it is not possible to stay closer to your parents, make an effort to visit them as frequently as possible. It would be a comforting feeling for them to see you in person rather than talk to you over the phone. And in case you live too far away from your parents to see them frequently, do video calls on Skype, WhatsApp or Facetime and give them a reason to smile every day seeing your face.  Teach them how to use technology Technology is a great way to stay connected to your parents. Learning technology will also help them to stay in touch with their friends and relatives. Teach them how to use technology – so that they can operate the computer’s camera, go online, use social media, or enrol for classes online to stay happy and socially connected.  Encourage them to be socially active Encourage your parents to stay in touch with their friends. If they take part in group outings or be a part of community events, they will have a social connection alive.   Looking for senior living homes in Chennai for your parents?  Explore our retirement homes in Chennai  – our senior living communities will help your parents live their retirement days in a fulfilling way. From fitness facilities and art classes to clubhouses, there are a host of options for our senior residents to stay physically active and socially engaged. To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

Indoor plants not only beautify your room but also create a sense of well-being. Some indoor plants can even improve your mood and help you cope with anxiety. In fact, a study found that interacting with indoor plants has a range of positive psychological and physiological benefits. Let us delve more into the surprising benefits of growing indoor plants: Purifies air: Some indoor plants can remove indoor pollutants and toxins such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. In a study conducted by NASA, it was found that some indoor plants have air-purifying qualities and they can remove up to 87 percent of pollutants and toxins in the air. Induce a nice aroma: Aromatic plants have mood-boosting qualities. Jasmine, Lavender, and Indoor Citrus are some of the popular fragrant plants that seniors can consider planting indoors. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore we have curated a list of 5 easy-to-grow indoor plants for seniors: 1. Peace Lily: Peace Lily is not only a gorgeous indoor plant, but it requires minimal maintenance. Also, it adds moisture to the air. With glossy green leaves and big white bracts, Peace Lily can add colours to any room. It is believed in many cultures that this plant is a symbol of luck. Peace Lily does not require direct sunlight. Therefore, it should be kept in a place with proper ventilation but away from direct sun exposure. The soil should be kept moist enough so that the roots stay nourished and the plant can thrive. 2. Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a low on maintenance succulent plant. It does not require much watering. The plant needs to be kept near a window so that it gets as much light as possible. Aloe vera is a common household plant known for its healing properties. Note: From healing minor cuts and burns to treating conditions such as eczema and acne, people have used Aloe vera for centuries as a traditional medicine for various skin diseases. 3. Boston fern: It is one of the best air-purifying plants. In addition to improving air quality in homes, the plant enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home as well. It can be hung around in the house using macrame plant holders. Also, it is easy to maintain  the plant does not need to be watered every day. To keep the plant healthy and fresh, place it where there is no reach of direct sunlight. Note: Boston fern can improve indoor humidity. It is a good option for seniors who have dry skin and dry throat. 4. Spider plant: Spider plant comes in different varieties. With their beautiful long and thin leaves, spider plants can be used as hanging plants. It works as a natural air purifying agent. The resilient plant requires minimal maintenance – it can survive in medium light and less water. Also, this plant is non-toxic and is safe for pets. 5. Amazon elephant ear: This plant resembles the elephant ears and has heart-shaped leaves.  It is low on maintenance and can thrive in warm and humid conditions. The plant requires moderate watering from time to time and should be kept away from direct sunlight. A good way to nurture this plant is to mist the leaves to mimic the humidity that is founHere is an interesting read d in the jungles. Here is an interesting read on how one of our residents found his long-lost passion for gardening after retirement.  If you are looking for senior living homes in Bangalore for yourself or your loved ones, give us a call at +91 8884555554.

Diabetes is a progressive disease and keeping it in check is the best way to prevent or delay serious health complications such as neuropathy, glaucoma, and nephropathy. For seniors suffering from Type 2 diabetes, maintaining optimal blood glucose level should be a priority. According to WebMD, the target HBA1C level for diabetics is usually less than 7%.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we share with you some easy lifestyle tweaks to control Type 2 Diabetes:  Curb your cortisol levels: Cortisol is the hormone that is secreted when you are under chronic or acute stress. This can lead to high blood sugar. This is because when under stress, the body’s need for glucose increases. Cortisol is secreted as an ‘emergency response’ to trigger the release of glycogen, which is the body’s stored sugar.  Meditation and adding yoga to your daily routine can help you manage stress. Also, starting and ending your day with breathing exercises is a great way to reduce your stress levels. There are many 5 minutes to 10 minutes relaxation techniques that can be performed at any time of the day or whenever you feel stressed.   Eat fermented food often: Seniors who suffer from diabetes are at risk of developing high cholesterol. Consuming fermented foods such as yoghurt, cottage cheese, and kefir helps to decrease serum cholesterol levels. It has been found that the good bacterium in low-fat fermented dairy products reduces diabetes risk by 24 per cent. Fight back with good fats: Although fats have gained a bad reputation, good fats are essential for the body. Healthy fats such as those found in avocados, olives, nuts, and oily fish help stabilise blood sugar levels. To include healthy fats in your diet, use olive oil instead of butter. You can also add a handful of nuts to your salad or smoothie. Eat a yoghurt-based smoothie or add yoghurt to your breakfast cereal. However, be careful of the portions you are eating as, like all fats, these food items are high in calories.  Note: According to a Cambridge University study, consuming good fats in a controlled manner can help lower the risk of getting diabetes.  Buy a fitness tracker: A very important part of managing your diabetes is to exercise and eat right. Having a fitness tracker can help track the steps you are taking in a day and the calories you burn. While accurate feedback from a tracker is helpful for all fitness enthusiasts, it can be all the more beneficial for controlling diabetes.  At our retirement homes in Coimbatore, improving the health and well-being of the residents is our top priority Residents of our senior living communities start the day with yoga and breathing exercises. There are jogging paths for those who love to run in the open. Also, fitness enthusiasts can exercise in a well-equipped gym. The meals served at our retirement homes are prepared keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors.  If you are looking for a retirement home for yourself or your loved ones and wish to know more about our services and facilities, call us at +91 8884555554.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney Reading is fun. Reading a book not only transports the reader to an imaginary world, but it also offers an abundance of health benefits. Just like going for a jog boosts the cardiovascular system, reading can improve memory by giving your brain a workout. It has been found that creating a bedtime routine, like reading before bed, can improve the quality of sleep and improve overall health.  As one of the  leading retirement homes in Bangalore, we share with you 5 awesome benefits of reading for seniors: Alleviates stress: There are many ways to relax, but few are as immersive as reading. Reading is attributed to relieving stress. A 2009 study found that reading for just six minutes can reduce the stress levels by up to 68%.  Promotes better sleep: Reading is a better way of falling asleep than watching a TV show, which has been proven to keep people awake longer.  Reading improves memory: Since reading is a more neurologically challenging task than other activities, it makes the brain work harder. For example, reading a novel requires one to keep track of characters, plots, and scenarios which means the brain is working harder to focus and remember different details.  Protects cognitive health: Reading is a brain-challenging activity. It has been found that mental activities, including reading, may lower the risk of dementia in late life.  Makes people happy: The more people read, the happier they may feel. People who regularly read are more satisfied with their lives. Despite being a solitary activity, reading improves empathy and helps people understand social situations better.  At the well-stocked libraries at our retirement homes, residents can read in peace. Our libraries have computers as well as internet access for those who love reading eBooks. To know more about our retirement communities in Bangalore and other cities, call us at +91 8884555554.

For many seniors, retirement represents an opportunity to pursue long-held hobbies they never had time to fully explore. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of 10 fun classes that seniors can take after retirement. All these classes can be taken in person or online.   Learn a foreign language: Learning a new language is fun at any age. Attending language classes can help you meet new people and learn about new cultures and customs.  Dance class: Dance classes are a great way to get your daily dose of cardio workout while you move and groove to your favourite music. From Classical, Ballet and Kathak, to Zumba —- there is a wide range of dance forms that you can start learning.  Gardening classes: Whether you want to start your own kitchen garden or have a few pots on the balcony, learning gardening can be fun. There are many online gardening classes that help you understand the basics of gardening techniques and garden layout.  Painting classes: Do you like to paint or want to take up painting as a hobby? You can enroll in painting classes to learn fabric painting, glass painting, freehand sketching, and block painting.   Learn photography: Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of photography or want to hone your existing skills, there are several online and offline classes you can take. These classes can help you learn useful tips and tricks to make your photos stand out.  Writing class: Writing can be a great creative outlet for seniors. Whether you want to start a blog or write a novel, a writing class is a great place to start with.  Learn a craft: Whether it’s knitting, woodwork, pottery or quilting, learning a new craft can help you find a hidden talent.  Music lessons: There is no age to learn music. Whether you want to take up vocal music or learn to play a musical instrument, it is never too late either to pick up the thread where you left or start all over again.  Acting lessons: If you love to act, taking an acting lesson is a great opportunity to learn from experienced actors.  Computer classes: Whether you want to stay in touch with your family and friends via social media or just want to learn how to navigate your laptop or computer for day-to-day activities, a computer class is a great way to keep abreast with the latest technologies.  As a leading senior living community operator, we make sure that our retirement homes in India are perfect for seniors who are looking to make the most of their retirement years. Daily chores of our residents are handled by a team of professionals, so our residents can do more of what they love. It could be arts and crafts, playing or attending morning yoga classes, or going on excursions. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

Retirement is something to look forward to, not something to dread about. When you retire, you have the time and opportunity to discover new things in life. However, it would be much better to have friends along with you on this new journey. A study suggests that having friends has positive effects on both mental and physical health and is positively associated with life satisfaction. However, many seniors find it difficult to make friends after retirement.  As a leading retirement home in Coimbatore, we have curated a few tips that you may find helpful in making new friends:  Look around yourself: You are never too old to make new friends. Look around yourself and find like-minded people living closest to you. You can invite your newly moved neighbours over dinner or go out for a cup of coffee with them. Do not be afraid to approach people.  Join a gym or a hobby club: Taking up a new hobby, joining a yoga class or a language club are great opportunities to make new friends. Many senior citizens join these classes or attend these meetings in the hope to make new friends in the community.  Volunteer for a cause: If you are volunteering or spreading awareness for a shared purpose, you will find people with a similar mindset. This can help you establish meaningful connections. From volunteering a few hours each week at the local charity to assisting community projects, there are many ways to make a difference in the world. You can search for volunteering opportunities online and offline.  Reconnect with old ones: Reconnect with old friends whom you do not see on a regular basis, but enjoy their company. Call them up or plan for a meet-up.  Why is friendship important?  Lowers the feeling of social isolation: Social isolation refers to the absence of social relationships. According to a study, loneliness can affect a senior’s mental and physical well-being. Reduces stress: Everyone faces stress from time to time. However, in the company of good friends you can cope with stress.  Also, a strong social support network improves your ability to cope with stress and helps in promoting good mental health. Emotional support: Your friends play a significant role in promoting emotional well-being and increases your sense of belonging. They can boost your mood when you are sad or help you cope with a difficult situation just by listening to your problems.  At our retirement homes in Coimbatore, days are bustling with activities that help our residents meet like-minded people. From yoga classes and dance classes to spiritual workshops – there are ample opportunities to make new friends. If you are planning to move into a retirement home in Coimbatore, give us a call at +91 8884555554.

Regular exercise offers a host of physical and psychological benefits to people of all ages. Those who make exercising a regular part of their daily routine live a healthy life. However, many people still wrongly believe in myths surrounding seniors and exercising.  As a leading senior citizen home in Chennai, we debunk some of the common myths here:  Myth 1: Exercise is pointless since a decline in old age is inevitable Though ageing is a natural process, symptoms such as weakness and loss of balance get worse because of inactivity rather  ageing. Staying active can improve blood pressure and reduce stress levels. One of the main benefits of exercising for seniors is that it helps improve gait and balance. This reduces the risk of falling.   Myth 2: Seniors are too old to work out It is never too late to start exercising and reap the benefits of it. Lack of activity puts seniors at a higher risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Those who have not exercised in a long time, don’t have to worry. Walking, yoga or simple stretching exercises are perfect for beginners.  Myth 3: Avoiding activity is the best way to prevent falling Contrary to popular belief, it is inactivity that increases the risk of falling. If you reduce your level of activity, it will impact your reserve of energy, muscle tone, and alertness. Exercise makes your bones stronger and builds strength and balance, which reduces the risk of falling.  Myth 4: Exercising will leave seniors exhausted  It is commonly believed that seniors should avoid exercise because they will be exhausted and lose their much-required energy reserve. In reality, exercise helps seniors boost their energy levels. Practising yoga and doing aerobics make the heart go up which in turn helps seniors feel more energetic.  Myth 5: Exercise will cause joint pain Chronic pain from arthritis may make exercising too painful. But it has been found that moderate exercise helps in alleviating arthritis pain. Regular exercising can help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis.  Exercising helps improve the range of motion.   Myth 6: Seniors will hurt themselves while exercising People of all ages are at the risk of getting injured while exercising. However, by not exercising seniors put themselves at the risk of unhealthy weight gain, stiff joints, and immobility. When done correctly, exercising helps seniors gain strength and flexibility. Those who are new to exercise should consult their doctors to plan an age-appropriate exercise regimen.  At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games and a fully equipped gym. The mornings at our senior citizen homes start with yoga and aerobics classes. There are several workshops that are held round the year to spread awareness about various health-related issues. To know the monthly cost of the retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.