Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Reading is the best way to get some good insights and perspectives on life. Often monotony of daily life can put a lid on imagination and creativity. Reading inspirational words will not just make you feel more courageous and optimistic, but also help you think creatively.  As operators of one of the leading retirement homes in Coimbatore, we have curated a list of inspirational books for seniors:  Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda: Regarded as a spiritual classic, the book has inspired many from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to cricketer Virat Kohli. The book beautifully talks about miracles and the yogic teachings. The incredibly inspiring book is written in an entertaining and humorous way. Not only does this book introduce its readers to the beautiful world of yoga and meditation, but it also offers some powerful life lessons that bring happiness and peace.  The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma: Highly practical and a wonderful read, this book has an unforgettable tale that describes many people who are running a race that they have not even chosen. What sets this book apart is the practical rituals that the author shares. From not littering your mind with unnecessary information to ruthlessly living your priorities, this book should be your go-to choice if you are looking for some practical life lessons.  Freedom from the Known by J Krishnamurti: If you are looking for a unique and radical philosophy, there cannot be a better pick-me-up book. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill inspirational book. Rather it questions societal expectations that define the construct of our daily lives. It takes you through a journey where you will come across many truths, some harsh ones too and how you can break away from the vicious cycle of what is expected.  Ageless Body, Timeless Mind: The Quantum Alternative to Growing Old by Deepak Chopra: No matter how old you are, you will always find people obsessively talking about age. This inspiring book presents us with information that can help us live long, healthy lives while not taking assumptions associated with a chronological number too seriously. There is nothing inevitable about ageing, says the book. For those looking to live a healthy and fulfilling life, this book is an excellent read.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we have libraries with computers in our communities. Our residents can read ebooks or grab a copy of their favourite book at our well-maintained libraries.

Walking is a simple and effective form of exercise. It is great for improving your overall health. Though it is simple, there are some common mistakes that can get in the way of achieving the desired results. Walking the wrong way not just wastes your efforts but can also results in injuries. As operators of one of the leading retirement communities in Bangalore, we share with you walking mistakes that seniors can avoid making while they are out for a stroll:  Wearing the wrong footwear: When it comes to avoiding injury, it is essential to wear the right walking shoes. Athletic sneakers that are supportive, feel good, and fit correctly are ideal for walking. Make sure that your walking shoes are lightweight, while still providing support and cushioning. Wearing inappropriate footwear can make your feet swell when you take a sustained walk.  Not using your arms to your advantage: It is natural to move your arms while walking. But when you keep your arms stiff, they slow you down. Do not keep your arms still at your sides while walking. Rather let them swing naturally forward and back as you walk. Taking wide steps: When you walk faster, there is a natural tendency to reach out farther than your back foot. The longer steps may increase your walking speed but it is an ineffective walking technique that has the potential to lead to an injury. When you overstride in the long run, your shins may hurt. If you are trying to walk fast, taking shorter and quicker steps can be more helpful.  Not maintaining a good posture: While walking if you are always looking down, hanging your head, or checking your mobile phone continuously, you may end up straining your neck and shoulders. This will make walking a less pleasant experience. While walking, make sure the shoulders are loose, arms are moving freely, the neck is in a neutral position and the chin is up so that you’re not straining.  Walking through pain: If you are experiencing pain, it is best to skip your walks for a few days. Walking with pain can lead to soreness, discomfort, and even injury. If you are having trouble walking or experiencing pain that does not seem to go away, see a doctor before continuing your daily walks.  Looking for retirement homes in Whitefield Bangalore? Explore The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences by Columbia Pacific Communities. The retirement home is located in the integrated township of Ozone Urbana. You will find a well-maintained community garden, swimming pool, cafeteria serving delicious meals, clubhouse with Wi-Fi, fully equipped gym, library with computer, and internet access at The Virtuso. To know more about life at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences , call us at +91  8884555554.

As you age, your muscles tend to shrink and weaken. Though the muscles start shrinking as early as the 30s, it happens so slowly that you won’t even notice. But over the decades, if the muscles decline too much, you can be diagnosed with sarcopenia. Reduced muscle mass can adversely affect the overall quality of life by hindering mobility and increasing the risk of falls and fractures.  Signs that you are losing muscle mass  Feeling physically weaker over time Difficulty in lifting objects  Walking slowly Losing weight without trying Here are a few things that you should know about preserving muscle mass: The link between a sedentary lifestyle and loss of muscle mass: Although ageing is the most common cause of sarcopenia, there are factors such as a sedentary lifestyle that can trigger the condition. Bed rest or immobilisation due to an injury or illness presents a difficult challenge to many seniors as they lead to rapid loss of muscle. Even two or three weeks of decreased physical activity is enough to decrease muscle mass among seniors.   Regain lost mass with exercise: Exercise is key for the prevention and treatment of muscle decline. Exercising, especially resistance training, can slow muscle shrinkage. With the right kind of resistance training exercises, senior adults can build muscle and increase strength. Certified trainers who have experience working with senior adults can help seniors with the transition.  Eat more protein: Seniors who are deficient in calories, protein or certain vitamins and minerals are at a higher risk of muscle loss. As protein is the most important building block of muscles, increasing protein intake can be beneficial. Senior adults need to consume more protein than the average recommended intake. Nuts, lentils, dairy products, beans, fish, and poultry are all good sources of protein. As one of the best senior citizen homes in India, we encourage our residents to lead a physically active lifestyle. Our retirement homes in Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, and other cities have fitness centres that are senior-friendly. From working out in the gym to playing table tennis, at our retirement homes, there are numerous options to stay active. We also ensure that we serve our residents with fresh and nutritious meals. Our team of nutritionists puts together a senior-friendly menu every day to meet the nutritional needs of our residents.

If a friend asks you “Is it you in the video?” on Facebook Messenger, don’t be in hurry to find out. Cybercriminals are sending a video link from the ‘friend’s account’, which will ask you to enter your Facebook username and password. If you fall for the scam and enter your details in the link, you will lose access to your Facebook account. Many such scams are targeting Facebook users in several countries. If you are on social media, you need to stay vigilant to avoid getting into the trap of cyber criminals. As operators of one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you a few useful tips on how seniors can protect themselves from such scams:  Check if the Facebook login link is safe: Scammers often use official Facebook logos and shortened link names that resemble the real ones. For many people, it is very difficult to differentiate whether the link is fake or genuine. Well, to check the security of a link always check for HTTPS in the link. Any page claiming to represent Facebook but without HTTPS is not secure.  Spot a fake account: Fraudsters copy the profile pictures from your friend’s or family member’s account and use the same to reach you. The fraudster may tell you they are in an emergency and want some money immediately with a promise to return the money. Instead of transferring the money or giving any details, call the person or search for the same profile name on Facebook to check whether the account is genuine or not. If you think the account seems fishy, inform the person whose identity has been compromised.  Guard your financial information: If you get alerts about failed transactions via texts or any email asking for account numbers, credit card numbers, be careful and do not furnish any financial information. Information regarding bank details and credit card numbers should only be shared on secure sites.  Change your password: Use a strong password to reduce the risk of someone hijacking the account. This will prevent scammers from using your Facebook profile to defraud others. Change your password often.  Use multi-factor authentication: To protect your Facebook account, use two-factor authentication (TFA). A scammer won’t be able to log in to your Facebook account without a security code. You will receive the security code either via email or on your phone number. If you think your account has been hacked, try to get into your account as soon as you can (without clicking on any links that anyone just sent you) and change the password right away. If you have lost your account, immediately report to Facebook. Use anti-virus with a built-in web filter: While the anti-virus will protect your devices from malware, the built-in web filter will protect you from getting scammed. Having a web filter installed will stop you from landing on fake pages in the first place.

Exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle throughout your life, and as you age, you must stay as active as possible, without overexerting yourself. Though physical fitness offers benefits at any age, the health perks of being physically fit as you are ageing are notable – reduced risk of falls, improved bone density, enhanced well-being, and social engagement. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share some of the best forms of exercise that are beneficial for seniors:  Walking: Walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise out there for seniors. Whatever your level of mobility, you can walk at your own pace. Walking has been associated with many health benefits, such as lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Walking for just 30 minutes a day for a few days a week is a great way to maintain your overall health. Walking should be brisk and a bit challenging. Start at a slow, easy pace and then speed up and then again slow down. Running: Running is a great exercise for seniors. It helps you improve your cardiovascular system, stay in good shape and maintain a healthy weight. However, you must tailor it as per your body’s abilities. Stretching before running is important as it reduces the chances of injury. To avoid overexerting yourself, do not run too fast. Build your endurance over a period of time. If you are new to running, run for only 10 minutes. After some time, try running for longer. Always make sure you are running in proper shoes. If you find running on a treadmill too monotonous, head outdoors for a change of scenery. Yoga: Incorporating yoga into your daily routine is great to manage the aches and pains that come with ageing. With proper yoga routines, you can improve your flexibility, balance and muscular strength, and endurance. There are different types of yoga positions that you can select as per your mobility. Different yoga postures focus on different parts of the body. Standing postures build the strength of the legs and core flexibility of the lower body. To gain flexibility, do not stick to just one routine. Squat: When done properly, squats are one of the most effective exercises for toning the legs. Besides improved knee stability, performing squats can also result in an improvement in upper body strength. If you have knee or joint problems, work out with a trained professional who can guide you to vary the depth of the squat.

As you age, the bone deteriorates in composition. Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures. Your risk of developing osteoporosis depends on bone density, diet, physical activity and overall health.  Here are some lifestyle habits that increase the risk of developing osteoporosis:  Living a sedentary lifestyle: Bone is a living tissue which needs to maintain its strength. Getting little to no exercise can increase the risk of osteoporosis. For your bones to stay strong, you must engage in exercises such as walking, dancing, low-impact aerobics, and swimming. These exercises work on the bones and help on slowing mineral loss. Weight-bearing exercises promote balance and good posture that are beneficial for your bones.  Too much intake of salt: High salt intake has been associated with osteoporosis. Too much salt intake leads to an increased calcium excretion in urine. This negative calcium balance leads to bone loss. Many people think they don’t need to cut down their sodium intake as they don’t add extra salt to their food. However, many don’t realise that over 70% of the sodium comes from packaged and restaurant foods. To cut sodium intake, eat fresh food that doesn’t contain added salt. Read labels and choose the product with the lowest amount of sodium.  Shunning sunlight: When exposed to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D which helps to absorb the calcium needed for bone health. Just 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight gives you enough vitamin D.  Drinking too much: Heavy drinking is not good for your health, including bone health. Heavy alcohol use, especially at a young age, can significantly affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Drinking alcohol leads to an increase in hormones that damage bones. Heavy drinkers are more likely to suffer frequent fractures due to brittle bones than those who do not drink.  Smoking: Cigarette smoking is not just bad for your heart disease and lungs but also for your bones. The best thing that you should do to protect your bones is to quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood supply to the bones, slows the production of bone-forming cells and impede the absorption of salt.  As a leading senior living community in India, we encourage our residents to stay physically active. All our senior citizen housing communities have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games and a fully equipped gym. Not just that, a senior-friendly menu is followed at our senior living homes. 

At some point in life, everyone has to deal with stressful situations when their heart beats faster than usual and palms get sweaty. Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional discomfort. Difficult times such as a global pandemic can have far-reaching consequences on mental health and people may feel disproportionate levels of anxiety as circumstances may feel unpredictable. But there are ways to manage your anxiety.  As operators of one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we share a few tips with you to keep anxiety in check:  Exercise regularly: Not only does stress affect the brain, but it also has an impact on the body. When the body is healthy, so is the mind. Therefore, it is important to exercise daily. Exercises such as a brisk walk, yoga, aerobics, or swimming produce endorphins, feel-good chemicals, that help reduce the stress hormone and relieve symptoms of anxiety. To beat anxiety, try to get some exercise at least once a day. Deep breathing: Take a few deep breaths when encountered with a stressful situation. Deep breathing can lower stress and anxiety levels. It can be done pretty much anywhere and anytime you feel anxious. Often when people feel anxious, they experience muscle tension, increased heart rate, and other physical symptoms. Anxiety reduces oxygen levels in the blood that contributes to feelings of panic. Inhaling and exhaling air 5 to 6 times helps you calm down. There are many forms of breathing techniques that you will find in yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Practise the ones that you are comfortable with. Write: Penning down what you are feeling is a simple way of working through anxious feelings. When you write down your concerns, it is a great stress-management tool. It helps to examine your thoughts, reduce anxiety and be more action oriented. If you are new to journaling, start by writing for 5 to 15 minutes. Write about whatever is on your mind. Writing down your worries helps you vent all your anxious thoughts onto the page. This will help you feel light, happy, and more relaxed. Using positive affirmations is a great way to implement the positive pattern in your way of thinking.  If you are looking for independent senior citizen apartments in India, explore our senior living homes in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, and Puducherry. At our senior living homes, you will get to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as you can opt for services such as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas, customised housekeeping, daily meals and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance.

Social distancing is necessary to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Not seeing your family members, friends, and colleagues and being stuck in the same place can both frustrating and depressing. At such a time, It is important for you to take care of your mental health so that you stay calm and productive.  As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you a few  tips to boost your mental health: Lower media consumption: While it’s sensible to know about all precautionary measures to prevent infection, too much repetitive news about the pandemic may not be good for your mental wellbeing. Choose your resources wisely. Always consume news from trusted sources. Plan your day: Preparation is key. Take control of your actions. People easily slip into a stressful mindset and planning gives your mind clarity, direction and motivation to function. Since planning leaves less room for procrastination, you can be more focused and productive. Humour, uplifting music, dance, reading — make them a part of your daily life to accomplish your daily tasks promptly. Exercise:  Regular exercise is a great way to improve concentration, memory, and mood. Moderate exercising helps release happy hormones in the brain. Exercising is a great distraction from all the negative thoughts that feed depression. Eat Healthy: As Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Food is the ultimate life force. Try to consume a diet rich in healthy fats, complex carbs, veggies, fruits and lean protein. Stay away from processed snacks, which can impair your ability to concentrate. Sleep and Relaxation: A healthy lifestyle is incomplete without a goodnight sleep. Try to sleep for 7 to 8 hours every night for your brain to function optimally. Keep aside all electronic devices and take deep breaths before going to bed. Poor sleep habits are associated with suppressed immunity and frequent illnesses. Getting enough sleep should always be a priority. Be kind: Acts of kindness make you compassionate and grateful. The pandemic has made people realise how much they love the company of family and friends. Show them you care for them. Sending food to friends fighting the virus, regular checking on someone who is dealing with a personal loss, or feeding the stray dogs-  all these acts count as the kindest gifts you could offer. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Practising kindness will give you a new perspective in life. Seek professional support: If you still feel the need for extra care, always reach out to a mental health coach. It is always recommendable to address your stress rather than suppressing it. Be proactive and take the necessary steps to manage your mental health.

Caring for your ageing parents can be challenging during the best of times but the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has made things more complicated. As older adults are more vulnerable to the infection, it becomes all the more important for you to take extra precautions to keep them safe.   As one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore, we share with you a few tips that will help you to care for your ageing parents:   Be calm and proactive: It is important that your parents know all the COVID-19 related safety protocols. Make sure that they do not step out for errands. Ensure that they follow all safety protocols such as washing their hands frequently and practising adequate hygiene. Plan their food supplies and essentials:  Going out for supplies increases the risk of infection. You can help your parents by listing down all their requirements and make delivery arrangements for meals, medicines, and all their essentials. If possible, you also help plan their meals. Planning nourishing and wholesome meals will ensure that they do not rely on take-out meals. Encourage them to pick a new hobby: The Covid-19 pandemic has put many restrictions. Not being able to meet their friends and family can take an emotional toll on seniors. You can help your parents by introducing them to the online world. Help them pick their favourite activity and join an online community to stay connected with you and other family members. There are many book reading communities, yoga clubs, and cooking groups available online that will definitely help your parents to spend their time in a positive way. Keep an eye on medication: You must make sure that your parents are not skipping their regular medications. To help them take their medications on time, you can set a timely reminder or leave them hand-written notes on a wall calendar or a day planner. Send emails if your parents are technically savvy or even setting an alarm on a clock will prompt them to take their pills at the right time. Stay in constant touch: Expressing love to our parents is unquestionably important to keep them out of the whirlwind of negative thinking. Little gestures of love and care could go a long way to help them cope with these difficult times. Listen to them, hug them, and if you are living miles apart, use technology to bridge the gap. Encourage them to exercise: Never underestimate the importance of physical exercise. While the pandemic has forced your parents to stay indoors, encouraging them to engage in regular exercise will act as a rejuvenation of mind and body. Walking around the house, taking care of the plants, or engaging in meditative activities such as yoga can be beneficial for their overall health.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we have facilities such as a well-maintained community garden, swimming pool, clubhouse with arrangement for indoor games, and library with computer and internet access that help give our residents something to look forward to each day.

Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labour and indulge in the things you could not do before. Many seniors in India are moving to senior living communities to enjoy their golden years to the fullest whilst keeping their highly valued independence. Here we discuss a few important factors like the cost of senior living communities and lifestyle offered to help you select the right facility: Identify what you need: Are you looking for senior living communities because you are tired of managing the house? Do you want more social opportunities to make new friends? It’s important to understand what you are looking for and the opportunities offered by the facility. Senior living communities like ours cater to seniors who require minimal daily assistance but want to stay active, socially and physically, while freeing themselves from the routine household chores. We offer accommodation options that range from one BHK to independent villas. You get the comfort and privacy of your own place and at the same time, peace of mind and a sense of togetherness offered by a community environment. Create your checklist: Once you understand your needs, the next step is to make a checklist of amenities that you think are important to you. the next step is to make a checklist of amenities that you think are important to you. This helps you stay focused as you are not overwhelmed by too many choices. Dining, housekeeping, maintenance, exercise and wellness are usual offerings in senior living communities. Make a list of nice-to-have features and the non-negotiables. This will make it easier for you to select the senior living community that offers the retirement lifestyle you have always wanted. Know the cost of senior living communities: Cost certainly can’t be ignored when you are selecting a senior living community. Get to know the cost of the amenities you have zeroed in on your checklist. Some facilities may have an upfront cost or charge a monthly maintenance fee. Evaluate your choices based on your budget. Visit the facility: Once you have prepared the list, it is important to know the level of services offered. For that, schedule visits to the selected facilities. Ideally, visit more than 2 to 3 senior living communities as it will help you make the right decision. Ask questions: While you are visiting senior living communities, it is important to ask relevant questions. Is the place you are planning to live after retirement include emergency care? Is it located close to medical facilities? What does the social calendar look like? If there i’s any particular request you have, would it be accommodated? If you have the opportunity, talk with residents about life in the community. We hope you find these tips helpful. Many seniors have recognised the benefits of moving into our seniors living communities. Don’t just take our word for it. To book a tour of our senior living communities, call us at +91 8884555554.