Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

You may be aware of the phrase “less is more”, but have you ever wondered what it means in its entirety? When it comes to home decor and styling, it means cutting out the unnecessary means having more time for things that are important and bring you happiness. By accumulating less and removing what you don’t need, you will end up having more space, more calmness and indeed more savings. Here are a few useful insights on decluttering your home: If you are a senior who wants to downsize before or after retiring, as one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share with you decluttering tips that you may find useful: Free yourself: A cluttered home has the potential to cause you anxiety and stress. It overwhelms your mind with too much sensory information. When you declutter, you place quality over quantity. Also, living with fewer possessions will help you savour and cherish the things that you have consciously chosen. Taking control: Often people confuse decluttering with throwing everything away. It simply means taking stock of your belongings and letting go of anything that is unnecessary. Having too many things around you can affect your creativity and productivity. By having things that you need, things won’t be competing for your attention. There are wide-reaching benefits of having less clutter in your home and in your life such as better concentration, a focused approach and less stress about managing things. It is easier to relax in a house that is tidy. Even the very act of tidying up can be therapeutic. Start small: Decluttering the entire house at one go is neither advisable nor practical. Start your decluttering by picking one area of your home. It could be a cupboard or a room or even just a cabinet. Be realistic and honest when sorting things. Keep things you will use and let go of things you don’t need. Have a place for everything: Decluttering isn’t just about reducing your possessions. It also means bringing a sense of organisation to your home. To make your home and space work for you, it is important that everything has a definite place. This way, finding things becomes easier. You can be inventive with storage solutions and keep all your things organised. Store small things creatively: There will always be smaller items that you cannot get rid of. Use containers and organisers to store such things so that they are easy to access and yet look tidy.

Practising self-care isn’t always easy as most people are often too occupied to make time for  themselves.  When you take time for self-care, you can end up feeling guilty. But spending some ‘me-time’ can have positive effects such as improved emotional health and physical well-being. Being one of the best senior living communities in India, we encourage our residents to spend time doing things they really care about and love.  Here are a few useful tips to help you take better care of yourself. We also discuss how we facilitate self-care in our senior living communities: Find your flow: The key to living a long and happy life is to find your creative flow. When a person is challenged to do new things such as painting, yoga or learning a new language, it has many positive benefits. When you are engaged in a creative activity, you sharpen your problem-solving skills, improve fine motor skills and reduce stress. By organising regular art and craft workshops, hobby classes and other such activities, we help our residents find their creative flow. Put yourself first: Often you may find it hard to put yourself first and find a space where you can be indulgent. If you have been wanting to watch a particular movie or eat at your favourite restaurant, do not let your schedules hold you back. Making time for yourself and for things you love will leave you feeling energised and happy. Housekeeping services ensure that residents do not have to fret over daily chores. Having a worry free lifestyle gives our residents more time to do what they enjoy. From cinematic experience to yoga classes, we help our residents enjoy the little pleasures of life. Take a deep breath: Deep breathing is a great way to meditate and spend time with yourself. Deep breathing techniques relax the brain and boost energy. A few minutes of mindful breathing can help you calm yourself, clear your mind and bring in positive energy. It is for this reason that in our senior living communities the day starts with yoga classes that teach residents many beneficial breathing exercises. Try something new: Have you always wanted to try a new hobby such as playing a musical instrument or painting or dancing? Learning new skills is a great way to spend time with yourself in a creative way. It keeps anxiety at bay and makes the mind sharp and alert. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we encourage our residents to participate in activities such as dance and music lessons, art and craft workshops and language classes.

Life is full of ups and downs. Sudden events in life can leave you without routine or make you feel less productive. You may find yourself not wanting to get out of bed or staying up late worrying. A vacation is a great way to de-stress when you feel overwhelmed but that may not be practical every time you feel stressed. As one of the best senior citizen homes in India, we share a few simple ways to reset your mind to improve your overall well-being: Calm your mind: When your thoughts are all over the place, it can be difficult to focus. Dedicate 5 minutes of your day to settle your mind by taking deep breaths. Deep breathing exercises have positive effects on psychological well-being. Starting your day with breathing exercises helps you remain calm throughout the day. Besides breathing exercise, taking a walk in nature and yoga are a few great ways to calm your mind. Declutter your mind for clarity: Knowing your priorities can help you feel less anxious. One of the best ways to declutter your mind is to plan your days ahead. Preparing ahead of time ensures that you have a calmer morning because you know how your day looks. Another way to clear your mind is to write down your thoughts and worries. Develop self-compassion: There are times when you find yourself comparing to others, striving too hard to be perfect and doubting your capabilities. Doing this only works against you. Be gentle and kind to yourself and accept that you are not perfect. With every mistake you make, there is potential for learning. Turn your inner critic into a supporter by developing a positive attitude towards yourself. Get moving: When you exercise daily, you feel that you are becoming a better version of yourself. Regular exercise gives you a dose of feel-good endorphins. Walking, yoga, aerobics, and swimming are not just good for staying fit, they also bring clarity to your thoughts and help you feel accomplished. Practise meditation: Every day, your mind deals with information overload that contributes to stress. By meditating, you can clear your mind, reduce negative emotions and gain a new perspective. We hope you can take a thing or two from this list and make a conscious effort to make your mind your friend. As one of the best senior living communities in India, we provide every possible help to our residents to reset their minds like, ensuring that they start their days with yoga classes. Also, our senior living communities are beautifully landscaped so that our residents feel closer to nature.

Filling the day with meaningful activities is a great way to engage the brain, spend time constructively and connect with like-minded people.  Here is a list of indoor activities for seniors curated by one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore:  Get creative: Art is a fantastic way to express oneself and enjoy time indoors. Painting, art and craft, sketching, colouring, knitting, woodworking and pottery are artistic activities that will help seniors embrace their inner artists. Learning a new craft not only helps seniors help their passions but can be an excellent stress reliever. Grab a book: Picking up a book is a pleasant pastime. A good book takes people into the world of the author without leaving the comforts of their homes. Reading is more than just a hobby. It helps seniors keep their mind occupied with positive thoughts. It also teaches the mind to focus. Reading before bedtime is a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep. At our senior living homes in Bangalore, we have a library where seniors can access to newspapers, journals, magazines and novels. Watch a movie with friends: While watching TV all day long isn’t healthy, catching up on movies and favourite shows with friends can be a great opportunity to relax. At our senior homes, we host movie screenings so that our residents can build memories and enjoy quality time with their friends. Our residents can also host movie screenings for their family and friends. Join a hobby class: There are many reasons for seniors to make room for hobbies in their daily lives and one of them is to make new friends. Hobby classes don’t just give them an opportunity to explore their hidden talents but also help socialise with like-minded people. At our senior homes in Bangalore, we encourage healthy and active ageing. The vibrant days at our senior homes are filled with activities. We organise workshops and classes so that residents have something to look forward to each day. At The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, our premium senior living community in Bangalore, we have designed several indoor community spaces such as a clubhouse, bistro and restaurant where our residents can unwind.

Over the years, Coimbatore has emerged as a perfect retirement destination. As operators of one of the leading senior living homes in Coimbatore, we bring together a community of like-minded seniors, spending their retirement in the pleasant company of each other. Our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore are carefully designed keeping in mind the comfort and social needs of seniors so that they can enjoy the best years of their lives to the fullest. Here is a list of senior citizen homes in Coimbatore that promote positive ageing:  Serene Rose by Columbia Pacific Communities: Spread over 5.76 acres of land, Serene Rose by Columbia Pacific Communities is a senior living community for those who want endless opportunities to socialise and stay active in their leisure years. Releasing residents from the burdens of doing daily household chores, Serene Rose offers serviced living spaces with a life of independence. At our serviced units, residents get complete housekeeping and maintenance services. The social calendar at our senior living community is filled with recreational opportunities so that our residents can spend doing things they love, be it learning a new skill, getting fit or making new friends. The senior community has 2,636 sq m of open space that lets our residents walk, jog and do yoga while enjoying the breathtaking view of the Western Ghats. Serene Idigarai by Columbia Pacific Communities: Life is a celebration at Serene Idigarai by Columbia Pacific Communities. This wonderful senior living community is ideal for those looking for a thriving community life that’s full of enjoyable activities. From celebrating birthdays to organising cultural activities, the senior living community offers seniors a platform to learn new things, socialise and live a physically active lifestyle. Nestled amidst  acres of peaceful grounds with well-maintained gardens, the senior living community gives residents a beautiful feeling each day.  Residents at Serene Idigarai enjoy an unparalleled style of living in a worry free environment. Serene Shenbagam by Columbia Pacific Communities: If you are looking forward to spending your retirement years in the lap of greenery, Serene Shenbagam is the place for you. Spread over 6.5 acres of land, there are 71 independent villas. Our residents have all the modern amenities at their disposal. From housekeeping to 24×7 maintenance, our residents do not have to fret over small things. The community gym is packed with the latest equipments. The senior-friendly complex has over 71,500 sq. ft of open area so that our residents can enjoy outdoor activities in a tranquil atmosphere. The social calendar is designed in such a way that everyone will find something interesting to take part in. Serene Indus Valley by Columbia Pacific Communities: This senior living community in Coimbatore offers idyllic gardens and a variety of wellness-based activities for our residents to enjoy. A worry free lifestyle allows our residents to focus on the things that they love. There are 1, 2, and 3 BHK villas to choose from. The senior living community has a Wi-Fi enabled clubhouse, library and banquet hall.

The absence of a routine after retirement can make it hard to pay attention to the moment. It may seem that you are just whiling away hours. If you practise mindfulness, your day may seem more purpose-driven.   As one of the best senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few useful tips on mindfulness that can transform your day and give you a fresh perspective on your daily routine: Practise conscious breathing: One of the easiest ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine is to spend 2 to 3 minutes every day practising deep breathing. Deep breathing helps you calm down and disengage yourself from negative and distracting thoughts. Also, conscious breathing keeps your energy levels high, helps you combat stress and improves mental focus and  clarity. Plan daily digital detox: Do not use your phone for the first two hours of your day. When your phone is the first thing you pick up in the morning, you drag yourself into the world of too many distractions and information. Start your day by focussing on yourself and the same goes for how you end your day. Stop using your phone two hours before you hit the bed. These simple tricks can help you live in the moment. Create the day you want: Sit quietly and plan your day ahead. Preparing yourself for the day ahead offers a host of benefits including a sense of calm and the ability to cope with challenges with positive energy and vigour. Use your senses to live more mindfully: When stepping outside the house, don’t rush. Instead, take a few seconds to focus on what you can see, hear, smell or touch. Watch the birds, say hello to your neighbours or smell the rain. Engage in random acts of kindness: By giving others without any expectation of return, you feel good from inside.  Be it holding the door open for a stranger or leaving a big tip – every small interaction with someone is an opportunity to create positive memories. 

Ageing causes changes in the blood vessels. Thus, seniors are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. As you age, you must become more proactive towards maintaining a healthy heart. Regular checkup, preventive tests, an active lifestyle and a good diet plan are important for heart health. Here is a list of nutrients that can help strengthen and protect your heart:  Coenzyme Q10: In order to function properly, the heart needs a lot of energy. Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, helps to generate energy in your cells. Though the body produces the compound naturally, with age the production reduces. Vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower and broccoli are good sources of CoQ10. Also, include sesame seeds and pistachios in your daily diet. Organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney and fatty fish such as trout, sardine and herring are also rich in CoQ10.  Omega-3 fatty acids: Certain unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids are healthy for the heart. They have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in tuna, salmon, trout and cod. Olive, soybean, canola, walnut and flaxseeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. As the body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, you must get them from your diet.  Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for maintaining a healthy heartbeat. It relaxes the arteries, which lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. To increase your magnesium intake, include pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, flaxseeds, almonds and cashews in your daily diet.  Niacin: Also known as vitamin B3, Niacin is an important nutrient. Niacin deficiency can lead to memory loss, fatigue, depression, diarrhoea and skin problems. It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol, thus making it ideal for cardiovascular health. Niacin is found in a variety of food including poultry, fish, nuts and legumes. Giving your body the right nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight can help you stay active and independent. As one of the best senior citizen homes in Bangalore, we ensure that we serve our residents with fresh and healthy meals. Our team of nutritionists develop dietary plans to meet the individual needs of our residents.

Not having sufficient sleep can put your body under stress, thus affecting your energy levels and your mental health. Seniors need 7-8 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and refreshed. Also, undisturbed night time sleep helps your body repair itself. However, as you age, you may experience changes in sleep patterns, such as trouble in sleeping, waking up earlier or experiencing less deep sleep. As a leading senior citizen home in Kanchipuram, we share with you a few tips to improve sleep hygiene and reset your internal clock: Do not take electronics to bed:  Electronic devices emit blue light that affects the production and regulation of melatonin (the sleep regulation hormone produced by the body). Do not drink caffeinated drinks 4 hours before bedtime: Products containing caffeine such as tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate and soft drinks should be avoided at least 4 hours before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake for hours. Avoid nicotine products: Just like caffeine, nicotine is also a stimulant and should be avoided before bedtime. Having a smoke before bed can wreak havoc on your sleep pattern. Heavy meals harm your sleep: While a light snack can be sleep-inducing, a heavy meal can interfere with your sleep patterns. Stay away from heavy meals before bedtime as it will tax your digestive system, thus making it difficult for your body to sleep. Do not exercise at night: Contrary to the popular belief that exercising before bedtime can help one feel asleep, late exercises impact the sleep cycle adversely. Exercising in the afternoon is good as it will give your body some time to get adjusted to its normal biological rhythm. Keep your bedroom ready for sleep: Ensure that your bedroom’s ambience supports a quiet night’s sleep.  It should be neither too hot, nor too cold. Too much light and noise in your bedroom can disturb your sleep patterns. Before hitting the bed, it’s good to engage in activities such as meditation, yoga, reading, or listening to music – it will calm your mind and help you unwind.

When you trust yourself, you feel confident. Trusting yourself makes it easier for you to make decisions. However, when you are in doubt about yourself, it causes anxiety and increases your stress levels. It is therefore important to build a healthy relationship with yourself. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Pondicherry, we share a few useful tips on building self-trust:  Spend time with yourself: Take out at least 10 minutes a day for yourself. Spend the time to process thoughts and feelings that would otherwise go ignored. Overcome victimhood mentality: Every person has choices about how they can move forward in their life. Always remember that you can choose to take responsibility for your life whenever you want. Instead of waiting for others to make you happy, make yourself happy. Do not indulge in negative self-talk. Whenever you are surrounded by negative thoughts, take charge of the situation and do things that make you happy. Set realistic goals: Self-doubt and negative thoughts arise when you set yourself up for unrealistic goals and constantly see yourself from others’ perspectives. Setting realistic goals in your life will help you feel confident and remain motivated. When you set attainable goals and achieve them, you will be confident, and your self-esteem will get a boost. Also, when you are clear about your goals, you feel less overwhelmed. Be gentle to yourself: When you are constantly comparing yourself to others, pressuring yourself to be perfect, and doubting your capabilities, you end up with negative thoughts. Be kind to yourself and challenge negative thoughts with positive ones. Get moving: Whether it’s yoga, walking or aerobics, adding regular exercise to your schedule boosts your emotional well- being. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that boost mood and promote positive feelings.  At our community living facilities, we host regular workshops on mental and physical well-being. The aim of these workshops is to help our residents gain a wider understanding of the issues surrounding mental and physical health.

Healthy ageing means more than just eating well-balanced meals and exercising regularly— it also means spending quality time with like-minded people, nurturing one’s emotional self and stimulating the mind through various creative activities. We all know that participating in creative activities helps seniors tackle stress, face new challenges and feel good about themselves. Particularly, when they learn new hobbies or skills, it can help them find their purpose and liberate the mind from negative thoughts. As one of the leading senior living facilities in India, we believe that when seniors engage in creative activities, they benefit in many ways. That’s why you’ll find a host of events, amenities and cultural opportunities and programs held regularly at our communities. Here is a list of common activities that boost a senior’s creative side: Art classes and workshops: From learning pottery to painting, you have countless possibilities to pursue creative activities. At the same time, you get to enjoy the camaraderie and companionship of other like-minded residents who are of the same age as you. Also, when you show your work of art to others, it gives you a sense of accomplishment which can affect your sense of wellbeing. Senior living communities like ours understand the importance of this, hence we highlight artwork, poetry and short stories by our residents and encourage them. Field trips to historical places, art museums and galleries: Many senior living communities arrange for trips to local museums, music concerts, sports events, movie theatres, plays and musicals and galleries to help their residents discover their creative side. Regular exercise: Studies show running enhances one’s creative inspiration. Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese writer, in one of his interviews said “I try not to think about anything special while running. As a matter of fact, I usually run with my mind empty. However, when I run empty-minded, something naturally and abruptly crawls in sometime. That might become an idea that can help me with my writing.” Activities like dancing, yoga and deep breathing let you connect with your creative side and help you express your thoughts through different forms of art. No matter what your level of skill, don’t hesitate to pursue creative activities that interest you. So, if you’ve been thinking about attending an evening workshop at your community, or giving a new hobby a try, go for it!