Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

As the world is still grappling with the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation to con people. Scammers are preying on the fear that the pandemic has generated and are targeting seniors who are not in touch with friends, families and neighbours due to the pandemic. If you are a senior adultor have an elderly in the family, here are some Covid-19-related scams that you should be wary of: Vaccine-related scam: Con artists are targeting seniors for money and personal data on the pretext of registering them for COVID-19 vaccine. The callers will first talk about the risk that COVID-19 poses, then they would offer seniors the chance to protect themselves with a vaccine much before others can. They may even pretend to be a government official. They may steal the data or ask for money. According to a news report, a 92-year-old woman in the UK was approached by a man at her home. He injected her with a fake vaccine and made away with the money. In the US, where people are waiting for their turn to get vaccinated, many fraudsters are sending out emails, messages and links to offer early delivery of vaccines at lower prices. Remember, vaccines will be available through safe and regulated sources only. Do not entertain such unsolicited calls and do not share information like your Aadhaar card number or bank details. Decontamination of home: Many senior adults are being targeted by con artists who are claiming to be from cleaning companies offering to disinfect the home. They are charging exorbitant prices. While some fraudsters are calling people, others are going door-to-door to offer cleaning services. If you or your family member receives any such call, do not entertain them and end the conversation immediately. Free COVID-19 test kits: Fraudsters are calling or sending text messages to older adults offering free COVID-19 test kits in an attempt to get their credit card or banking details so that they can withdraw money using the information. Such fraudsters may pretend to be bank officials or government officials. They ask for bank details and ask seniors to provide their home addresses, stating that they want to drop off the test kit. If you wish to get tested for COVID-19, contact your doctor or visit a testing centre. As one of the best rated senior living communities in India, we urge you to be wary of such fraudsters. In our senior living facilities in India, we make sure that correct and accurate information is made available to our residents. Our wellness team ensures that all the doubts of our residents are addressed properly and everything they need is made available to them whilst they stay indoors.

Be it drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or any other form of visual art – the process of creating something from scratch can be quite therapeutic for people of all ages, especially seniors. Expressing oneself through art is one of the proven methods of keeping stress at bay and keeping oneself engaged in a creative manner. With art therapy, one can let negative emotions take a backseat and make room for positive feelings. When practiced in groups, art is a great way to meet like-minded people and make new social connections. Art helps to alleviate loneliness and isolation – as one of the best rated senior living communities we organise art workshops to encourage our residents to discover their creative side.  We feature the artwork of our residents in our monthly journals. Here are some of the benefits of art therapy: Benefits of drawing: Drawing is a great way to challenge the mind creatively. The brain is actively engaged in imagining what to draw while at the same time exploring tools like pencils, markers and brushes. The targeted use of drawing helps to keep the mind sharp and promotes dexterity. It also offers a way to seniors to communicate and express themselves. Not only does drawing help in reducing stress and boosting self-esteem, but it can also help seniors refine their fine motor skills. Benefits of painting: Active participation in the arts like painting can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of seniors in many ways. Painting or even colouring sessions can be quite therapeutic for senior adults. Painting evokes feelings of peace and fun. It sharpens the mind through conceptual visualisation and implementation. People who frequently write, paint or draw have less chance of developing illnesses related to memory loss as they age. Those who find it difficult to open up about their feelings easily may find painting a great way to release their inner feelings. Benefits of writing: Unlike talking, when people write they use sophisticated words and expressions to convey what they have in mind. Writing is a thinking exercise, and just like physical exercise, it can help the brain stay in ‘shape’ especially as one ages. Writing about positive experiences is associated with an increased sense of well-being. Writing or journaling has also been linked to improved mood and reduced stress levels.

Spending time with your grandchildren is a great chance to go outside and have some fun. If you are looking for some exciting activities that you can enjoy with your grandkids in Pondicherry, check out these ideas Puducherry Museum: This little museum is a great place to take your grandkids to. There are many artefacts that date back to the reigns of the Pallava and Chola dynasties. The major attraction of the museum isthe huge transportation system from yesteryears. There is a coach, a palanquin and a pousse. You also get a chance to sneak a peek into French culture as there are many pieces of furniture from the colonial era. Eat out: Puducherry is a melting pot of cultures and that is reflected in the city’s cuisine. You will find a wide range of savoury delicacies – from authentic French and Italian cuisine to Tamil cuisine. Visit churches: Although a small town, Puducherry is known for its churches that are nothing less than architectural marvels. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral are must-visit churches. The best part is that these churches are nearby so you and your grandkids can walk around the French Quarter and enjoy. Relax at the beach: With its pristine shoreline and natural beauty, some of the best beaches of Puducherry attract people from all over the world. If you are looking for a lazy weekend with your grandchildren, head to the beach. Auroville Beach, Paradise Beach and Serenity Beach are some of the most famous beaches where you can enjoy scenic views while having a good time with your grandchildren. Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach are ideal for water sports. Go boating: If your grandchildren are too young for watersports, head to the Chunnambar Boathouse. You can book a boat ride and enjoy the stunning views. If you are lucky, you will also get to see some exotic birds in the area.

Coimbatore has become synonymous with textile and educational institutions. However, in recent years, the city is gaining popularity as one of the most preferred retirement destinations in India. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, it is a great place to enjoy the comforts of the city life and quietude of a second-tier city. When it comes to having fun times with your grandkids, the city offers a number of attractions. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore,  we have curated a list of fun activities you can do with your grandkids: Visit the waterfalls: There are many waterfalls in Coimbatore – Monkey waterfall, Siruvani waterfall and Vaidehi waterfall – that lets you enjoy the magnificence of nature in its pristine form. During the summers when the schools are closed, pack your picnic baskets, and have a good time with your grandkids. Spend a laidback Sunday on a beach: Besides sparkling waterfalls, beaches are another reason why Coimbatore is an ideal city for retirement. There are numerous beaches near the city that you can drive to. Whether you want to spend an evening or plan a weekend getaway with your grandkids, the beaches near the city are charming and picturesque. Go museum hopping: If you want to have a fair share of gaining knowledge and spending fun-filled times without your grandkids, then visiting the famous museums in Coimbatore is a great idea. Featuring vintage cars, Gedee Car Museum is a must-visit if you and your grandkids are car enthusiasts. The well-maintained museum is a good place to learn a thing or two about cars and get yourself clicked with some of the most beautiful cars. You can also visit India’s first insect museum. It is an interesting opportunity to learn about unique behaviour, habits and habitats of insects. Plan a trip to an adventure park: No matter how old your grandchildren are, they will definitely not want to miss out on an opportunity to visit an adventure park. There are several water and amusement parks in and around Coimbatore where you can enjoy exhilarating rides and heart-racing experiences such as the haunted house. With fantastic rides, family-friendly attractions and innovative play areas for kids, these amusement parks are a great place to have some fun and make memories for a lifetime. We hope you find our recommendations helpful and have a great time with your grandkids.

As you retire, you are no longer held back by the responsibilities of work. If you are looking forward to spending your sunset years exploring a plethora of sights and cultures, you are on the right page. As one of the best rated senior living communities, we have curated the list of 6 fabulous travel videos that you would love: Video 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er2tS8vWXHs: Those of you who love inviting beaches and yachts, you must watch this video capturing the beauty of French Riviera. One of the most sought-after places in the world to visit, French Riviera has something for everyone – from museums and casinos to extravagant architecture and sumptuous food. This video also captures details about the 19th-century aristocrats and the life they led along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. Video 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq70UHD8DrM: The world is full of ancient ruins and if you are a history buff, you will love this video. The video covers 25 ancient ruins that include places like Stonehenge (UK), Ayutthaya (Thailand), Machu Picchu (Peru) and Hampi (Karnataka). After watching this video, you will be amazed by the incredible feats of engineering and architecture that still hold these places together. Video 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4HuhPRoyGE: If your idea of a holiday is to see the elegant Venetian palaces and the city’s most iconic landmarks, you should indeed watch this video. This video will take you through amazing places in Venice. You will get an idea on the museums to visit, the bridges to walk on and the islands to explore. . Watch this video to avoid the hustle and stress of planning. Video 4 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dQexveY0cs: If you are an art lover, you will love this incredibly informative video on Yogyakarta, an important hub that still preserves the ancient Indonesian art, skills and heritage. The video throws light on Yogyakarta’s cultural, intellectual and spiritual traditions. Palaces, museums, puppetry, artwork and cuisine – everything is covered in this beautifully shot video. Video 5 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZOuDhwzsq0: The sunset at Santorini is one of the most wonderful sights to see. This video gives you a glimpse of the world’s most unique beaches. The video covers cave dwellings, sacred churches, and historical sites beautifully. Video 6 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgAnj6r1O48&ab_channel=touropia: Even within India, there is always something new to see and something new to eat. From visiting Udaipur, city of lakes, to Varanasi, the land of salvation, you will never get tired of majestic forts and age-old temples.  And when it comes to cuisines – you will be spoilt for choices while travelling within India.

Holidays are all about family, friends, great food and great memories. It is also that time of the year when people usually gain weight. It’s often seen that during holidays one doesn’t stick to their regular exercise regimen and easy access to sumptuous treats can make them snack unnecessarily. However, this doesn’t have to be like this always. As one of the leading senior living communities,  we share with you 5 tips to eat healthy throughout the holiday season without giving up on your holiday favourites: Have caffeine in moderation: When you are with friends and family, there are multiple rounds of tea and coffee. While both tea and coffee are known for increasing alertness, when consumed in copious amounts they can cause nervousness, anxiety, and digestive troubles. Limiting caffeine intake will help you sleep better and feel less anxious and jittery. Not just that, reducing caffeine also keeps you energised. Increase fibre intake: During the holiday season, often fibre intake takes a backseat in your dietary diligence. With cookies and other goodies easily available, people tend to make food choices that are high in sugar and low in fibre. It is important, however, to consciously include high-fibre foods at every meal. Fill at least half the plate with high-fibre vegetables and fruits. One easy way to add more fibre to your diet is to have high-fibre breakfast and eat salad before every meal. Keep yourself hydrated: When it comes to avoiding weight gain associated with the holiday season, the typical mindset is to increase workouts and cut calories. But what many people do not realise is that drinking water can help you address problems like weight gain and digestive issues. It is good to kick-start your body’s metabolic process in the morning by drinking a glass of water. Eat mindfully: To prevent festive season binge eating, you must opt for healthy food choices and eat mindfully. When you fill your plate, fill it with the food you love but in small portions. Notice the colours, taste and textures. Savour every bite. Eating slowly will stop you from overeating. Before heading to a party, have a high-protein snack to curb hunger pangs. Limit alcohol: Alcohol makes you eat more, besides increasing your risk of liver, heart, brain and stomach damage. It is advisable to set a limit and stick to it. Have a friend or a partner to keep yourself accountable. Eat before drinking so that you don’t end up drinking too much. Engage yourself in conversations instead of sitting and drinking.

When it comes to ageing brain, don’t believe everything you hear. Doing crossword puzzles used to be perhaps the best advice in terms of how ageing adults can keep their brains sharp during the golden years. However, there are several ways that can help you reduce the risk of cognitive decline in general and keep your brain in the best shape. As one of the leading senior living communities in India, we debunk the common myths about ageing: A healthy lifestyle doesn’t affect brain health: Your brain is in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs breathing. It lets you move, feel, and think. But a poor diet, dehydration, and stress help in generating free radicals that damage brain cells. It is thus important to give your brain the nutrients it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed food, exercising regularly, and keeping yourself hydrated. When you are stressed, the body responds with inflammation which subsequently reduces the brain’s ability to function and transmit information. Learn ways to manage your stress. Doing yoga, writing a journal and meditating are some ways that can help you change negative thought patterns. Sleep doesn’t matter: Often it is thought that poor sleep is a normal part of ageing, but it is not. In fact, deep sleep is very important for seniors as it reduces the risk of cognition loss and dementia. According to a study, lack of deep sleep reduces word recall memory. Your sleep pattern may change as you age but disturbed sleep should not be ignored. Those having trouble sleeping should see a doctor. Gum disease is actively related to brain health: One of the more surprising connections scientists have found is between gum disease and cognitive decline. It has been found that bacteria that cause gum disease can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Now, you have one more reason to make good oral health a priority. Dehydration and brain function: All the cells in the body need water to carry out essential functions. Therefore, when the body is dehydrated, brain cells cannot function as they should. Exercise is good for the heart: Well, you all know that exercise is good for your cardiovascular health. But what about your brain? Exercise increases the heart rate, pumping more oxygen to the brain. This stimulates chemical changes that provide an excellent environment for the growth of brain cells which boosts one’s learning skills, mood and thinking abilities. Exercising also releases happy hormones that helps one manage stress. As a leading senior living community operator, we encourage positive ageing at our communities by offering the right atmosphere to lead a physically and socially active lifestyle.

Poor diet is among the biggest risk factors for early deaths worldwide, according to a paper published in the Lancet. The problem is not just with what people are eating but also with what people are not eating. While eating too much salt, sugar and fat are definitely not good for one’s health, missing out on fruits and vegetables and whole foods also affects one’s health adversely. As a leading senior citizen community operator, we ensure that fresh and healthy foods are included in our residents’ diets. Across senior citizen housing projects in India, the menu is designed to encourage seniors to eat healthier.Over here we discuss 4 power foods for older adults: Avocado: Avocado is one of the most nutrition-packed fruits. Rich in beta-sitosterol, the fruit helps maintain good cholesterol in the body which prevents cardiovascular diseases from developing. They also help in keeping the skin naturally moisturised. Eating one avocado daily is good for cognitive function of older adults, according to a study. Mixed greens: With age, problems like indigestion, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), diarrhoea, constipation and bloating become more common in older adults. Eating greens like baby spinach, romaine and kale are beneficial for gastrointestinal health as well as cardiovascular health. Rich in vitamins and minerals (lutein and zeaxanthin), salad greens are high in nutrients and low in calories that help seniors stay healthy and maintain their weight. Also, lutein and zeaxanthin are known to ward off age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Sprouts: Considered a nutritional powerhouse, sprouts have a lot of dietary fibre which regulates digestion. Sprouts also help in keeping blood sugar levels in check, making them a staple for those suffering from diabetes. Low in calories, sprouts are a rich source of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Sprouting enhances the nutritional value of the grains, legumes or beans. Coldwater Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D and potassium, coldwater fish like salmon, sardines and tuna are associated with health benefitslike improved cognitive function and reduced joint inflammation — making them ideal for a senior-friendly diet. Eating the recommended amount of seafood may also help in keeping the eyes healthy. If you are a vegetarian, you can have flaxseed, walnuts, and seaweed as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are essential building blocks for the brains.

There is a growing body of evidence which shows that following creative pursuits can significantly improve our sense of wellbeing. A recent study commissioned by BBC Arts found that time spent on pursuing creative activities can have a huge effect on the way we manage stress and face new challenges. Also, when we nurture our creative pursuits, we build more confidence which has the power to push us out of our comfort zones and take chances. This applies to people of all ages, young as well as old – which is why today’s senior living facilities are helping their residents nurture their creative sides.. With a calendar filled with community activities based on residents’ creative interests and hobbies, senior living communities in India are motivating their elderly residents to pursue their passions in unique ways. Music and dance classes: For many seniors, music is much more than a song or a symphony. It’s a mood-enhancer and can significantly reduce stress levels. According to a study published in PLOS One, listening to music has a relaxing effect on our mind. Dancing is also known to boost one’s mental wellbeing; it releases oxytocin, a ‘happy’ hormone that floods our system and helps us relax. Many senior living communities in India like ours host dance workshops and music classes to help residents learn new musical instruments or dancing steps. Book clubs and well-stocked libraries: Reading offers us a much-deserved escape into our imaginations, inviting us into worlds of limitless possibilities – and it’s proven to be good for our mental and physical wellbeing. In fact just six minutes of reading is found to be helpful in reducing stress levels, as per a study by the University of Sussex. Libraries play an important part in the wellbeing of our residents and form the hub of our communities. Columbia Pacific Communities have wi-fi enabled libraries which feature collections of fiction, non-fiction books, movies, CDs and more. Craft workshops: Engaging in mindful activities like pottery or sewing can help seniors focus on their thoughts and feelings, which can boost their mental health. It also gives them an enormous sense of accomplishment. At our senior living communities, residents have opportunities to participate in various art and craft workshops. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can enjoy your golden years to the fullest in peaceful and connected communities. To schedule a tour of our facilities, call us on  +91 8884555554.

A smile can make your day. But do you know that smiling has many health benefits? A study of baseball card photos taken in 1952 revealed that the smiling players lived longer than their non-smiling counterparts. Not only does a smile lighten your mood, but it has the potential to boost your physical health. To give you more reasons to smile, we at Columbia Pacific Communities, one of the leading senior living communities in India, have curated interesting insights on smiling. So here we go: Boosts immune system: A happy face can lift your mood and relax your body; this helps to boost immunity. Not many may know that laughing increases immunity cells and infection-fighting antibodies. Reduces stress and anxiety: When you laugh, the after-effects of that laughter stay with you for long. Laughing is not just a simple act. It is an act that relaxes the body, releases tension in muscles and also increases feel-good hormones. An increase in feel-good hormones naturally translates into less reduced stress and anxiety. Eases pain: Well, you must have heard that smiling through painful situations is good. Well, it is actually true. Laughter releases endorphins that are responsible for triggering positive feelings. They are also the body’s natural pain reliever. Laughter helps to lessen the perception of pain. Good for cognitive function: When the brain experiences stress and anxiety, it can find it difficult to retain new information. However, laughter reduces stress and anxiety. This promotes better cognitive function, helping the brain to learn new thing and make new memories. It is a good cardio workout: A hearty laugh is no less than a workout. When you laugh, there are many organs that get stimulated. From your lungs to your heart, from your abdomen to your face, each organ gets a little bit of exercise. Laughter improves your intake of oxygen which can actually benefit your respiratory health. A good laugh also causes the brain to release endorphins that help keep stress and anxiety at bay. Lowers blood pressure: With age comes the challenge of controlling blood pressure. Laughing not only has a positive impact on your mood but it also improves blood circulation. So, laughter has the potential to keep your heart happy. Laughter indeed is the best medicine. With so many health benefits, it is best to laugh and let the world around you laugh with you. Read More – 6 Steps to Healthy, Happy Ageing Happiness Tips for Seniors Living in Community Living Facility