Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

As you age, your body must get the right nutrients to help you stay active and independent. Choosing healthier snacks over processed snacks is an important part of fulfilling your daily requirements of nutrients. Healthy snacks such as seeds, nuts, and fruits provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre, without adding too many calories, sugar, saturated fat, or salt to your diet. However, if you are struggling with finding the right kind of healthy snacks, check this useful read. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we have curated a few healthy snacking tips for the elderly: Munch on seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are all healthy alternatives to greasy chips. Great sources of fibre, these seeds are loaded with heart-healthy mono and poly-unsaturated fats, healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Also, they taste great and are ideal for satisfying your salt cravings in the evenings. Satisfy sweet cravings with fruits: Many people after having their meals long for something sweet. To live a healthy lifestyle, you don’t have to deny your sweet cravings. Substitute processed candies and chocolates and start getting your daily dose of sweet snacks from fresh fruits and dried nuts. Fruits such as apples, dates, fresh figs, pears, and pineapple are naturally sweet. Dried fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, cherries, and peaches make for great take-along sweet goodies.  Having a filling and healthy evening snack: An evening snack does not have to be unhealthy. An avocado or an egg toast is a great evening snack. You can also have raw or steamed vegetable sticks such as carrots, beetroot, broccoli with flavoured hummus or yoghurt dip.   Power up your mornings and evenings with smoothies: Blend your favourite fruits with yoghurt and your healthy snack is ready. Smoothies are an easy way to incorporate nutrient-rich fruit and protein-filled yoghurt and milk into your daily diet.  Senior living in Bangalore and healthy meals  At our senior living homes in Bangalore, we prioritise the health of our residents. 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. At senior living homes in Bangalore, daily meals are delicious and nutritious. To know more about the services that we offer at our senior living homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Do you often find yourself looking for your phone? Or do you keep on forgetting whether you fed the dog or not? Or do you often forget where you parked your car? If so, it might be useful to read this article. As one of  the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of spices and herbs that are considered to improve memory and alertness:   Turmeric: A frequently used herb in Indian kitchens, turmeric can boost mental health. In fact, animal research studies show that turmeric may even stave off Alzheimer’s disease. It has been found that curcumin in turmeric can help curb inflammation and fight oxidative stress – factors that may cause Alzheimer’s disease. In Indian curries, turmeric is a major ingredient. You can also add turmeric in smoothies to get more curcumin in your diet.  Amla: Primarily known for its immunity building properties, amla can also improve concentration and memory power. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in amla fight against the free radicals that are responsible for the functional decline in aged brains.  Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve brain function, boost memory in people suffering from early stages of memory loss, and prevent the damage of brain cells. Studies have found that ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity which prevents the nerve cells from damage due to free radicals.  Ginseng: It is an adaptogen that helps you cope with the effects of stress. Some studies have  shown that the components in ginseng can protect the brain against damage due to free radicals. It also improves mental performance and has mood-boosting properties.  Note: Always consult your doctor before adding any herbal supplement to your health care regimen.  In addition to including herbs and spices in your diet, there are different ways to improve your brain health. You can start following a brain-healthy lifestyle that includes performing targeted brain exercises to increase your brain function, improve focus, and boost your memory. To find out the average monthly cost of staying in one of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important at any age, especially in the later years of your life. Burning calories is key for keeping your weight in control. In addition to following a dedicated workout plan, here are 6 ways you can squeeze more activity into your day and burn calories:  Start your day right: Workouts are a great way to give your mornings an energy boost. There are many short (7 to 10 minutes) workouts that will help wake up your body and mind. As soon as you get up, doing a few yoga poses or doing 15 push-ups will help you start your day on an active note. Take walking breaks: Try to get up and go for short walks multiple times a day. The best part is you can do it any time, even inside your home. Whenever you find yourself sitting for too long, you can take a short walk.  Walk whenever you can: Whenever possible, give your car a break and incorporate short walks into your daily routine. You can also park far away from your destination so that you get to add a few extra steps to your errand.  Use a standing desk:  If you find yourself sitting for long hours, use a standing desk.   When you stand, you burn more calories than you do while sitting. Spending more time on your feet also reduces back pain associated with sitting.  Practise water aerobics:  Water aerobics is a great way to burn calories for seniors. The gentle resistance from the water helps build strength and increase muscle mass. It also helps you gain better balance and reduce your risk of falls.  End your day right: Exercising before you hit the bed can help you fall asleep faster and burn a few extra calories. Go for a walk after dinner or do some gentle yoga poses.  At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, there are facilities available for our residents to lead an active lifestyle. From fully equipped gyms to clubhouses with indoor games facilities, we promote a retirement life that is physically active and socially engaging. If you are looking for senior citizen homes and wish to know the monthly cost of our apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

Every day there is so much happening around you that you feel like you are being pulled in different directions. Amid chaos, it is important to nourish your soul.  As one of the leading retirement communities in India, we share with you 6 everyday things you can do to re-energize your soul:  Start the day on a positive note: Setting the tone of the day in the morning can dramatically improve how you feel about the rest of your day. Instead of getting up and checking your phone, read something positive. Choose to read something that motivates or inspires you. You can also start your day with a gentle stretching exercise that will prepare your body and mind for the day. Take out time for yourself: Often people are so occupied that they cannot even hear themselves think. You need peace and quiet environment to access your thoughts. Spend at least 10 minutes to 15 minutes each day alone with yourself in a peaceful way.  Practise gratitude: Writing a gratitude journal is a simple, but powerful way to bring positivity to your life and nourish your soul. At first, you may find it difficult to write  but with practice, you will get into a routine. The easiest way to maintain a gratitude journal is to fix a time of the day for it. For instance, write when you are having your morning tea or before going to bed.   Spend time in nature: To spend time in nature, you do not have to plan a vacation to the hills. Just walking in the nearby park or sitting in your own backyard can bring a sense of calm and peace of mind.  Just looking at the trees and flowers, walking on the grass, and soaking up some sunshine can help you relax, de-stress and heal your body, mind, and spirit.  Be creative: Tapping into your creativity is a powerful way to cultivate and nourish your soul. There are many ways to be creative — you can write, paint, cook, do gardening, or photography. Engaging in creative pursuits daily helps you experience moments of joy and at the same time have fun.  Create moments of joy: Do things that make you smile and feel good, even if it is only for a few minutes. Your little joyous moments could be playing with your pet, listening to music, or talking to your children.   If you are looking for independent senior citizen apartments, explore our retirement communities in India. At our retirement communities, you will get to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas, daily housekeeping, and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance are all taken care of. Our retirement communities give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy your retirement years the way you wish to.

Chess demands total concentration, and this intense focus can be helpful to people of all ages. Seniors particularly can reap a wealth of benefits from playing it. As one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we share some of the benefits of playing chess for seniors:   Helps improve memory: Playing chess is an excellent mental exercise as it involves tactics and strategies. You need to remember the complex rules before you make a move. As the game demands your total attention, your brain gets trained to be more focused and attentive. This active participation of the brain is a great way to push cognitive functions to work optimally, boost memory and keep your brain energised.  Boosts critical thinking: Exercising the brain is a great way to keep it active. Since playing chess requires critical thinking, it stimulates the brain to function in a better way. If you play chess regularly, your brain gets its regular dose of workout that is good for your cognitive functions. Chess may help protect against cognitive impairment in an ageing brain. Offer great social opportunities: The nature of the game is such that you need a partner to play, which is a great way to socialise. There is nothing better than a good game to bond with friends, old and new. Friendships tend to get stronger if there is shared interest. You can teach your friend how to play if you are already familiar with the rules and moves. If you have friends who play chess, you can learn from them. Either way, it is a nice way to get along with people.  Fun way to relieve stress: Chess is a fun and interesting game because it always requires new strategies to master winning moves. While playing chess, you are completely immersed, and your brain thinks of nothing but the game. Hence, it is a great way to relax your mind and distract yourself from any ongoing life issues.  At our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore,  we have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games such as chess, table tennis, and carrom. Our residents can play friendly matches and have a good time with their friends. If you are looking for senior citizen homes and wish to know the monthly cost of our apartments, call us at +91 8884555554.

Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways of staying fit. There are countless physical and mental health benefits that dancing offers if you are ready to groove.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we share with you some of the benefits of dancing regularly: Improves strength, balance, and flexibility: Dance movements help your body gain increased flexibility. Dance is a great workout as it involves a lot of movements and balancing techniques. Choose a style that you are excited to learn. Dance moves also strengthen your muscles and joints which help in improving balance, reducing the risk of falls.  Reduces stress: Taking part in activities you love naturally reduces your stress levels. Dancing is a great stress buster  because when you dance, your body and mind feel good. Dancing can lift your spirits and improve your state of mind. As you focus on dance moves, your mind gets disconnected from all the worries of day-to-day life.   Improves heart health: Dancing is a good cardiovascular activity. By improving blood circulation, dancing helps in improving heart health. All dance forms make great cardio workouts as they involve moves that get your heart rate up.  Boosts social bonding: Dance classes offer you an excellent platform to meet new people. It is a great place to socialise with people with whom you share a common interest. You can also join online dance communities.  Helps to maintain a healthy weight: Dancing is an effective workout to maintain a healthy weight. Dance helps in burning a good number of calories, burn fat and tone your muscles. There are several dance workouts such as Zumba, Salsa, and Jazz that make daily exercises fun.  Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield, Bangalore? Explore The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences by Columbia Pacific Communities. The senior citizen home is perfect for those seeking serenity amidst city life. To know more about life at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, Budigere Cross, Bangalore call us at +91 8884555554.

The Greek philosopher Plato was right when he said, “In caring about the happiness of others, we find our own”. There is nothing like the warm feeling that you get when you have done something kind for others. According to a 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries, people who engaged in acts of kindness were happiest overall. Positive activities boost positive emotions, thoughts, and behaviour, in turn improving well-being. During a global pandemic, sending a meal to a friend or lending a sympathetic ear can make you happy and make a huge difference in someone’s day. As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we suggest a few ways in which you can participate in acts of kindness:  Gift a meal: Whether you are missing meeting friends over dinner or you want to take a small step to spread kindness, gifting somebody a meal is a great way to say that you appreciate them. You can gift a meal to a friend or a stranger and spread positive vibes.  Sew masks for those in need: Making a DIY face mask is not just an interesting stay at home activity that you can engage in without stepping out, but you can also gift them to people in need. Homemade fabric masks are not medical-grade but they can be effective if the right materials are used. There are several videos online that you may find helpful. Sew fabric masks for your neighbours, helpers, and other people, especially those who cannot work from home during the pandemic.  Lend a sympathetic ear: People of all ages are experiencing increased social isolation and loneliness. While the times are tough for everyone, calling or writing to a friend is a great way to make yourself feel happy and to remind them that they are not alone. Lend a friend or an acquaintance a sympathetic ear without any judgement. Often people wish to share what they are going through without expecting the other person to offer any solutions. Pick up the tab for a friend: Daily chores such as cleaning the house, doing laundry, or maintaining the lawn can be time-consuming. Many people may struggle to either find time to do the chores or may have limited means to outsource them. You can offer to pick the tab should they choose to outsource the chores. This will give your friends precious downtime that they need to re-energise themselves.

It would not be wrong to say that antioxidants are like immunity superheroes. They are the reason why a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts is recommended. People know that antioxidants are good for their health. But what exactly are antioxidants, anyway? And, what do they do?  As one of the leading operators of retirement homes in India, we share with you some useful insights on antioxidants:  Antioxidants fight off radical damage: Every day your body’s cells face threats from viruses and infections. These free radicals damage the cells and contribute to the ageing process. They also play a part in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Antioxidants are chemicals that help stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals. The body uses antioxidants to balance free radicals. This keeps them from causing damage to other cells. In simple words, antioxidants help to keep infections such as cold, flu, and even serious diseases at bay.  Antioxidants repair damaged immune cells: The immune system defends us against sickness and disease, but it can’t do it alone. When a virus or bacteria enters our body, the immune cells start to defend the body. But these cells cannot do much without antioxidants. Antioxidants don’t just neutralise free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons but also repair damaged immune cells. If the immune cells do not have enough antioxidants, they won’t be able to recover.  Not all antioxidants are equal: Any molecule that protects your cells against oxidation is an antioxidant. However, there are about 8,000 different types of antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols and they operate in different ways. Some antioxidants excel at fighting certain types of free radicals. Therefore, it is important to have a variety of foods and vegetables so that you get different types of antioxidants. For instance, fruits rich in Vitamin C cannot substitute the body’s need for Vitamin E.  The body generates its own antioxidants: To defend itself against free radicals and oxidative damage, the human body generates its own antioxidants. Plants and animals and other forms of life, all generate antioxidants. Not all antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables: Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits and vegetables, especially dark and bright coloured vegetables. But not all antioxidants come from fruits and vegetables. Even meat, dairy products, and eggs contain some antioxidants. However, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the ideal way to get antioxidants.

Stress is much more than just a feeling. It not only affects your thoughts but when left unchecked it can contribute to many health problems. We share with you some signs that your body is telling you that stress is making you sick:  Too much weight gain or loss: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which changes the way you metabolise fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Stress can also cause you to either overeat or undereat which can lead to significant changes in your weight. Ensure that you are eating well-balanced meals at the right times. Avoid eating junk food. Include a lot of fibre in your diet so you don’t binge on unhealthy foods.  Skin rashes: When you are experiencing emotional stress, there are a number of hormonal or chemical changes that occur in response to it. This can lead to hives. Those suffering from existing skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema may experience severe symptoms. Though hives clear up in a few days, they can be quite uncomfortable. Seeking medical treatment for hives can help ease the irritation.  Headaches: When you are stressed, your muscles tend to tense up. This can cause a headache. Along with a headache, you may find it difficult to sleep and feel low on energy. There are many over-the-counter medicines that can relieve headaches. However, after consulting your doctor, you can also try dabbing essential oils on your temples. If you are struggling with sleep, essential oils can help soothe feelings of anxiety and act as a natural sleep aid. Indigestion: Too much stress can wreak havoc on your gut and digestion. Stress can not only cause you to lose appetite, but it may also slow down digestion. This causes gas and bloating and may even lead to stomach pain. Whenever you are going through a stressful situation, it is important to eat well and keep yourself hydrated. Reducing stress can lower inflammation in the gut while eating well can ensure that your digestive system is back on track.  Persistent cold: Stress suppresses the effectiveness of the immune system, which makes it harder to fight off infections. According to a study, those dealing with stress are twice as likely to get sick than those who are not stressed out. If you have the above symptoms, take steps to manage your stress. Explore stress management strategies, such as exercising, practising relaxation techniques, and spending time with family and friends. At our retirement homes in Bangalore, there are daily yoga sessions. Residents can play indoor games in the clubhouse or work out at the fully equipped gym. As one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore, we ensure that our residents enjoy their retirement years while we take care of their comfort and security.

There is nothing like the joy of having a pet, be it a dog, a cat or a bird. They show you affection, make you laugh and comfort you when you are sick. No matter what, pets are always a source of joy that can help keep the feeling of isolation at bay. We share with you a few insights on the surprising health benefits of owning a pet:  A healthy heart: One of the many benefits of having a pet is lower blood pressure which is good for your cardiovascular health. Several studies suggest that those who own dogs have a lower blood pressure than non-owners. This could be because pets help their owners to calm down. Moreover, dog owners tend to get more exercise than people who don’t have dogs. According to a study, owning a dog reduced the risk of death for heart attack and stroke survivors.  A healthy weight: All breeds of dog need regular and daily walks to stay happy and healthy. Therefore, a study has found that dog owners who regularly walked their dogs were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog. Dog walking may be a good way for seniors to stay active and maintain their overall health.  Keep stress at bay: Petting your cat or dog feels good. Playing with your pet or just cuddling them can have soothing effects on your mind. Interacting with pets help decrease levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone, and lower blood pressure. By providing you company and love, pets help you keep anxiety, depression and stress at bay.  Keep you socially connected: Pets are social magnets. They provide their owners with more than companionship. They help create human-to-human friendships and social support, both of which are good for long-term health. Whether you are walking them down the street or taking them to a veterinarian, pets help you connect with other people. Walking a pet leads to routine conversations with neighbours, other pet walkers or even strangers. Having a pet is a great way to meet new people and this can be helpful for those who are not too good at small talk.  If you are looking for independent senior living apartments, explore our retirement communities in India that offer you a worry-free lifestyle so that you have more time to spend your golden years doing things you enjoy the most.