Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

What is the key to living a long and happy life? According to Maggy Pigott, author of “How to Age Joyfully,” it is finding your creative flow. Creative activities can improve overall well-being and keep alive a sense of purpose in life. Being creative is not just important for young ones but also for seniors. There are several ways you can rekindle creativity every day.  As one of the leading  senior retirement homes in Chennai, we share some useful tips to make creativity a part of everyday life:  Try journaling: Journaling is a great way to express yourself. Expressive writing has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress levels. You can recall a certain incident and write about it or create a new world and fill it with characters you love. Journaling not only helps people express themselves better, but also helps to overcome negative emotions.   Create a vision board: Vision boards are a great way to channel your inner creativity. You can simply create a collage of things you like or your aspirations. It could be about places that you will  like to visit or hobbies that you wish to pursue. The process of making a vision board is so enjoyable that it will transport you to your school days. You can make unlimited use of colours, chart papers, and magazine cutouts to make your vision board. Spread your vision board project over 7 to 10 days so that you enjoy the process of creating it every day.  Unplug: With constant social media notifications, calls, emails, texts, and other distractions, sometimes it can be difficult to spend time with the most important person in your life —- that is you. Set aside your devices for specific hours of the day. Dedicate this time to find your creative flow.   Start doodling: Your brain can be highly creative when you doodle. It can be done anywhere and at any time, and all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. Doodling helps people remember information and offers much-needed respite from the loads of information they wade through. Learn drawing some basic shapes and watch a couple of tutorial videos  – and you will be ready to create interesting art. Try meditation: The benefits of meditation are manifold. Besides calming your mind, meditation also promotes creative thinking. When your mind is in a relaxed state, it promotes divergent thinking. Innovators such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have said that meditation has helped them pay attention to their inner thoughts Make it musical: Music offers many benefits and one of them is divergent thinking — a key element of creative thinking. A study suggests that listening to happy music promotes creativity. To keep yourself feeling inspired creatively, listen to music every day.  Looking for senior retirement homes in Chennai?  If you are looking for senior living communities, explore our retirement homes in Chennai that have an active social calendar. We conduct a wide range of social events, outings, and wellness activities that are designed to nurture the creative side of our residents. From cultural events and language classes to art classes – there are plenty of opportunities for our residents to pursue creativity.  To find more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Bangalore is considered to be one of the best retirement cities in India. The city is blessed with pleasant weather and a rich social and cultural heritage. There are many retirement homes in Bangalore and zeroing in on the right one can be a difficult decision.  Factors to consider when selecting a senior living community in Bangalore It is important to understand all the important factors, including the location and average cost of the retirement home, to find the right senior living community. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we share with you a few important factors to consider when looking for a retirement home:  Mission and purpose: When searching for a retirement home, understand the purpose of the operators of the senior living community. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we aim to offer a combination of hospitality, real estate, and wellness.  Location: The choice of location depends on many factors. While some people want proximity to family, others look for serenity amidst city life. Prioritise your needs and then choose accordingly.  Access to entertainment: Watching the latest movies, meeting friends over lunch or dinner, are some of the many things that seniors love doing. Find a senior living community that is well-connected to the entertainment hubs in your city.  Amenities: The concept of retirement homes has taken on new dimensions with many senior living homes offering modern facilities. At our senior living homes, you will find a host of facilities such as a clubhouse with Wi-Fi, a library with computer and internet access, indoor games facility, a jogging track, an aerobics deck, a restaurant, a banquet hall, and a salon.  Senior-friendly rooms: Make sure that the senior living apartments have safety features such as panic buttons and handrails installed at the appropriate places.  Emergency response: Good retirement homes have 24X7 ambulances and on-site emergency medical facilities. Also, the staff members are well-trained to handle emergency situations. Security: At good senior living homes, you should expect the common areas to be monitored by CCTV cameras 24*7. Also, the exits and entrances are manned by trained security personnel.   Social activities: From cultural programmes and art workshops to festival celebrations, social activities help promote a sense of belongingness. It is important to check the social calendar of a senior living community before choosing one.  Average cost of retirement home: Many retirement homes offer services such as daily housekeeping, meals, maintenance of electrical and plumbing work, laundry service, and concierge. It is important for you to check the monthly average cost for these services.   Resident feedback: One of the best ways to evaluate a senior living community is by speaking directly with the residents themselves.  Senior living in Bangalore – finding the right community  Living in our retirement homes in Bangalore will give you the freedom to enjoy your retirement life the way you want. Housekeeping and maintenance services ensure that you spend your days doing things that you enjoy. To know more about our facilities, call us at +91 8884555554.

Across generations and cultures, sharing a meal has always been about so much more than just eating food. Eating together brings people closer as they exchange stories and share a laugh. As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we recognise the importance of a social mealtime and that is why at all our retirement homes in India residents eat together.  Here we share with you some benefits of eating together:  Encourages good eating habits: It has been found that seniors take longer to dine and eat more nutritiously when dining with companions versus when they eat alone. Moreover, eating alone also leads to eating ready-to-eat food that is mostly processed, frozen, and lacks essential nutrients.   Promotes good physical health:  Seniors who eat alone tend to have poor food habits, which can cause malnutrition and compromise the immune system. According to a study, people who eat most of their meals alone may be at an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.  Create meaningful social connections: Mealtimes are a great time to connect socially. When seniors share their meals with loved ones, they get a chance to enjoy hearty conversations. Be it family or friends, eating together is an easy way to spend time with others.  Improve mental well-being:  Coming together for a meal means talking, laughing, celebrating, and staying connected to people. It creates a sense of belonging and boosts self-esteem. Staying connected with people has immense psychological benefits such as reduced stress as well as an improved ability to cope with stress. On the contrary, eating alone is strongly associated with the lack of interest in food and a reduced state of health.  However, if you are living alone, you can still nourish yourself with healthy food that too without feeling lonely:  Subscribe to a healthy meal service. It is an easy and convenient way to plan solo meals. Subscribe to a healthy meal service nearby for a worry-free meal experience.  Schedule mealtimes with family and friends: During mealtimes, schedule video chats with family and friends. Although virtual, it will give you the same warmth of staying connected to your loved ones.   The dining experience at our retirement homes  At Columbia Pacific Communities, residents enjoy healthy, fresh, and nutritious meals together. Made with fresh ingredients, there are multiple options available to suit all types of taste buds. The menu at our retirement homes is designed by nutritionists, keeping in mind the nutritional needs of seniors. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

After retirement, there are many seniors who want to give back to their community. However, many people have a certain image in mind about volunteering — serving food at a community kitchen or cleaning a park. However, the pandemic has made in-person volunteering difficult. But you would be surprised to know that many have taken up virtual volunteering. If you wish to volunteer all you need is a computer, an internet connection, and a passion for helping others. We share with you some online volunteering opportunities available for seniors: Raise funds for the needy: If you want to raise money for the needy or the causes you believe in, and are wondering how to do it, online is the way to go! You can raise funds online through various fundraising platforms.  Promote a cause: To raise or spread awareness on an issue, you can use your social media accounts and promote it by using relevant hashtags, sharing videos and testimonials related to the cause you are working for.  Tutor underprivileged children virtually: If you were a teacher or someone who has an aptitude for a certain subject, connect virtually with children from low-income families to help them succeed academically.  Teach something you are passionate about: Apply to be a facilitator at a volunteer group. You can teach the class about something you love to do, like art and craft, music, cooking, dance or drama.  Mentor young people: Use your years of knowledge and experience to help children and youth in the community. Help them prepare for job interviews or college interviews.  Read books to children: You can volunteer to read books to children through a video call. It will boost their brain development and enhance their listening skills.  Lend a listening ear to those in crisis: Get in touch with NGOs with whom you can work as counsellors. Be a good listener to the people who are in a crisis.  Help with an NGO’s outreach programme: Several NGOs run a lot of outreach programmes. Connect with them and ask if you can volunteer with them. They have a number of activities like writing, editing, translation, research, teaching, and so much more that will fit your talents as well as interests.  Volunteer for online museums: If you consider yourself a history buff, we would suggest you volunteer for museums. You have to help in making historical documents and biodiversity data by reviewing or transcribing diaries, field notes, logbooks, manuscripts and other historical evidence. At our retirement homes in India, our all-inclusive services and amenities apartments allow our residents to embrace a lifestyle that is worry-free.  To know the cost of living in a retirement home, call us at   +91 8884555554.

Exercising is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy in your golden years. However, if you are not exercising properly, you could be hurting your body. As one of the senior living communities in India offering facilities that encourage an active retirement life, we have curated a list of common workout mistakes.  Whether you are already physically active or embarking on an exercise regimen, you should be mindful of the following mistakes:   Skipping warm-ups: If you want to reduce injury and make your workouts more effective, you need to warm up your muscles before exercising. Many people skip the warm-up because they think it is not important. However, a short warm-up session prepares the joints and muscles for your exercises. A good warm-up should last for at least 5 to 10 minutes. Knee lifts, knee bends, and shoulder rolls are some common warm-up exercises that can get your body ready for the workout session.  Improper posture: Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. But performing an exercise incorrectly can make the workout less effective. It can do more harm than good. If you are new to yoga or lifting weights, learn under the guidance of a  fitness trainer or a coach to ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly. Overstraining: Many people think that the more they work out, the better it is for them. Well, it is not always the case. If you over-exercise, cortisol, the stress hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, increases in the body. Performing high-intensity exercise for over 1 hour a day can have a negative effect and lead to feelings of stress and depression.  Sticking to the same old workout routine: It is good to be consistent when it comes to your approach towards your physical health. However, this does not mean doing the same activity every day. Doing the same workout every day can lead to burnout or even injury. Change your workout routine frequently to avoid a workout plateau. Changing your workout routine regularly helps your body to continuously adapt. Not cooling down: Cooling down after a workout is as important as warming up.  When you exercise, your body temperature rises, and your heart rate elevates. Stopping suddenly after your workout could make you feel dizzy, sick, and light-headed. Stretching is a great way to cool down.   Senior living in India: promoting positive and active ageing  All our retirement homes are designed to help our residents lead a physically active life. We have fully equipped gyms and indoor games facilities so that our residents can find activities that meet their fitness levels and needs.To know more about our retirement home facilities, call us at +91 8884555554.

When it comes to services and amenities, senior citizen homes in India vary from one another. If you are planning to move into a senior citizen home, you need to be certain that it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and the retirement life you’ve always wanted. Visiting the senior citizen homes helps you zero in on the right retirement community.  To make the best out of your visit, it’s important that you ask the right questions Here are 10 questions that we suggest you ask when touring senior citizen homes in India to find the perfect fit for you:   What types of apartments are available? Most senior citizen homes in India offer a wide range of living arrangements. From 1 BHK and 2 BHK independent senior citizen apartments to villas, you have a wide range of choices.  Are the apartments senior-friendly? Panic buttons, anti-skid tiles in the bathroom, panic buttons, and handrails in the shower and near the bathroom are some of the features that make an apartment safe for seniors.  What kind of social activities are available? Senior citizens often move into senior living communities because they feel lonely in their own homes. So, it is important to check their social calendar.  What safety and security services are included? Check whether they have CCTVs installed in the common areas. Make sure that the rooms are senior-friendly with grab bars installed at strategic places. Ask them whether they have 24X 7 security personnel. Also, ask about fire safety, disaster planning, and medical emergency services.  What are the food options? At many senior citizen homes, the menu is decided by a team of nutrition experts and prepared by well-experienced chefs. Not just that, there are multiple venues, including formal dining halls and restaurants.  What all services do they offer? Many senior citizen homes offer services such as periodic housekeeping, maintenance of electrical and plumbing work, laundry service, and daily meals. During your visit, ask about all the services and the service fees. Are there certain visiting hours for friends and family? While zeroing in on a retirement community, ask about visiting hours for friends and family. Also, find out if you can host dinners and get-togethers for them in the community banquet hall or restaurant.  Is the senior citizen home good at handling medical emergencies? While touring the senior citizen homes, find out about their medical facilities such as ambulance service or doctor on call or how trained their staff is at responding to emergencies.  What amenities does the senior citizen home have and are they all operational? With the right amenities, an independent senior citizen home can offer a resort-style living experience. Some communities feature a clubhouse, gym, library, swimming pool, jogging track, salon, and even restaurant. Remember to ask about the amenities that are important to you during your visit. What is the average cost of living? Always ask direct financial questions. During the tour, get a clear cost breakdown. If there are any add-ons, make sure that you ask about their costs. For all your cost-related inquiries, call us at +91 8884555554.

For seniors, embracing healthy eating habits is important to maintain a healthy body weight, get adequate nutrients, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, there are many myths surrounding senior nutrition that can turn them towards poor food choices.  Here we debunk some myths about senior nutrition:  Myth 1: Losing appetite is a natural part of ageing While it is true that metabolism decreases as people age, a complete loss of appetite is anything but normal. Many seniors struggle during mealtimes or simply refuse to eat because they do not feel like eating at all. Sometimes, eating may look less appealing due to several reasons such as natural reduction in the sense of taste, dental problems, trouble chewing or swallowing, or having a dry mouth as a side effect from the medication. Loss of appetite should not be taken as part of normal ageing and a doctor should be consulted to address the issue.  Myth 2: It is better to be a little overweight than underweight Maintaining an ideal weight is essential for good health at any age. But many seniors believe that carrying a few extra pounds is better than being underweight. In reality, both situations pose a potential danger. While being underweight increases the risk of chronic infections, excess body weight can increase the risk for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Myth 3: It is okay for seniors to skip meals as they have a slow metabolism Regularly skipping meals deprives the body of getting the right amount of nutrients. It adversely impacts the body’s ability to maintain blood sugar levels. It further decreases the metabolism and one’s overall sense of appetite. Seniors should have small but frequent meals to rev up their metabolism.  Myth 4: As long as seniors are eating, it is impossible to be malnourished For a healthy body, mere eating is not enough. If the meals are not nutritious, the food becomes a source of ill-health. For example, eating a diet high in sodium and low in essential nutrients is not good for anyone. Seniors need vitamins, minerals, calcium, and fibre to maintain healthy digestion. Seniors who live alone often choose easy meals which are processed or canned – these food items are high in sodium and sugar. Though they are eating, they are not eating right.   Myth 5: Senior living communities provide bland food There is a common misconception that food at senior living homes is bland and unhealthy. At our retirement homes in India, we have a dedicated team to manage food and beverages who ensure that our residents get fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals. Our experienced chefs work with dietitians to make sure that the food we provide is delicious and meets the nutritional requirement of seniors. Senior Living in Bangalore: Healthy and Delicious Meals At our senior living homes in Bangalore, the health of our residents is our priority. It is for this reason we have a team of nutritionists who work on the menu to ensure that the nutritional needs of residents are met. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know more.

While you are working, professional life and its perks keep you motivated to get out of bed in the morning. Meeting people every day and getting recognised for a job well done keeps you happy and motivated. However, after retirement, many people need meaning to fill that void – and reading is one of the many interesting ways to find meaning after retirement.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of 5 books that can help seniors find meaning and purpose after retirement:  The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama: When it comes to positive psychology and finding purpose in life, this book is the ultimate guide. The Dalai Lama says that everyone has the same goal in life – that is to seek happiness. The book presents happiness as an attainable goal. Interestingly, in the book, he talks about sustainable happiness that can be developed and trained by the mind. From everyday insecurities to stress, from relationships to pursuit of wealth, the Dalai Lama in this book has explored different aspects of life. The book uses Tibetan Buddhist principles with an aim to help readers gain balance and spiritual freedom.  You Learn by Living by Eleanor Roosevelt: If you are looking for a philosophy on living with compassion, confidence, and maturity, grab this book. The former First Lady of the US penned this book to live a meaningful life at 76. The book encourages people to not just learn about themselves but also their fellow human beings and the world. A fulfilled person, the book says, must be curious to find new interests. There is a lot of emphasis on the importance of volunteer work in the book.  IKIGAI by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles: According to Japanese philosophy, one needs to find their ikigai to lead a fulfilling life. Ikigai, the reason of  being, serves as a motivation for people of all ages to find the right balance among their passion, vocation, and spiritual life. A best-seller, this book shows you how to find your purpose, nurture friendships, and find your passions — all at once. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: The literary masterpiece is all about finding a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction through introspection and self-discovery. Through the book’s protagonist’s journey to become a monk, the writer explains how a person can explore a vibrant life and make acquaintance with his conscience without monetary means. Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda: This is among the most engaging and intellectually stimulating books written by Swami Vivekananda. The book offers an interesting approach that people have a right to work, but don’t have a right to the results of their actions. This approach, the book says, saves people from a lot of misery and makes them more spiritually enlightened. The book offers a pragmatic approach towards leading a fulfilling life without renouncing it but rather by embracing it without expectations.   At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have well-stocked libraries with computer and internet access. Our residents can read e-books or grab a copy of their favourite books and enjoy a calm and relaxing ambience.  To find out more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”― Plato Music is great for the physical and mental health of seniors – it boosts their mood, reduces anxiety, and even protects them against dementia. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we offer some useful insights on how music therapy can help seniors: Music supports cognitive well-being: It has been found that musical activities such as listening to music, learning to play an instrument, singing, and practising an instrument can improve the cognitive abilities of seniors. Reduces stress and anxiety: Music can transport people to a different world and can instantly lift their moods. Often, music therapists use particular themes, lyrics, instruments, or rhythms to help participants relax. Multiple studies have shown that music helps lower the level of cortisol which is primarily a stress hormone. This helps seniors feel calmer and less anxious, helping them deal with stressful situations.   Inspires movement: Music can be highly motivating for seniors when they are walking, jogging, or working out. Listening to a great song can encourage seniors to tap their toes, clap or even dance. It has been found that upbeat music can help when exercising, especially when it comes to high-intensity workouts. Music also helps in improving coordination. Regardless of the exercise, music encourages people to move rhythmically.  Builds and strengthens social connections: Music is a powerful social glue. Listening to music and singing together play an important role in social closeness and connection. Music makes seniors more social and creates a positive environment.  At Columbia Pacific Communities, we ensure that our residents experience a retired life of their dreams. We offer a worry-free lifestyle to our residents. From housekeeping and dining to home security – everything is taken care of by our trained professionals. This allows our residents to focus on relaxing, meeting new people, and pursuing new hobbies. To know the average monthly cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

For seniors, connecting with nature comes with a whole host of benefits – from regulating blood sugar levels and easing chronic pain to reducing stress and anxiety. A study has shown that even a small experience such as hearing the sound of a buzzing bee or the sound of water can have a positive impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the seniors. You would be surprised to know that hospital gardens can impact a patient’s recovery from surgery. Research has shown that postsurgical hospital patients staying in rooms looking out on natural scenery recover faster than those staying in rooms with a window view of buildings or brick walls. Activities for seniors that can help them connect with nature in meaningful ways  As a senior citizen home in Bangalore, we share some daily activities that can help seniors connect with nature:  Walking: A study has found a link between group nature walks and improved mental health. As you stroll through gardens or parks, try to experience nature. Take in the details of the scenery, inhale the fresh air, and listen to the sounds of birds or children playing.  At our senior community living in Bangalore, there are many open and green spaces where seniors can walk in a safe and secure environment.  Outdoor activities: Bird watching, gardening, fishing and picnic are great outdoor activities that are fun and offer a host of health benefits. Feel the movement of your body as you participate in your favourite outdoor activity. Smell the air, the flowers, and the trees. Tune in and use all your senses.  Note: Outdoor activities are a great way for seniors to get Vitamin D which keeps bones strong and may prevent bone diseases such as Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis.  Outdoor exercises: Joining outdoor exercise group classes such as yoga and aerobics can be rejuvenating for seniors. When exercising on outdoor terrain, your body is challenged more in comparison to when you are working out on a flat indoor surface. At our senior citizen homes in Bangalore, our residents can participate in a wide range of physical activities without stepping outside the community. From yoga classes to in-house swimming pools, our residents have ample in-campus opportunities to stay physically active.  Picnics: A classic outdoor activity, picnics are a great way to get out, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up sunlight. Besides offering opportunities to engage in physical activities, picnics are an enjoyable way to socialise. The concierge team at our senior citizen homes in Bangalore helps our residents plan day-outings.    Gardening: Gardening is one of the most popular outdoor activities for seniors. Gardening helps seniors to stay active and maintain flexibility. It also helps reduce stress and promote relaxation. It has been found that exposure to nature through gardens and gardening activities can enhance psychological well-being among seniors.  Living in our senior citizen homes in Bangalore will help you enjoy your retirement life to the fullest. The green open spaces help you connect with nature while housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance of infrastructure are taken care of by our trained in-house staff. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at +91 8884555554.