Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

Loneliness can hit seniors particularly hard. Factors like the death of a spouse, children moving away, and poor physical health can make it difficult for seniors to stay connected with others. Here are some facts and insights about loneliness and aging:     Loneliness has a negative impact on physical health: Loneliness is not just an unpleasant experience but it can also significantly affect a senior’s overall health, including their physical health. The feelings of loneliness are associated with an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone.  An increase in this hormone can weaken the immune system.     Loneliness increases the risk of depression: Connecting with others is not just a way of passing time, but it also helps in building strong emotional bonds. Lack of social interaction can often lead to depression. According to a 2016  study, lonely people are more prone to depression. The best way to keep loneliness at bay is by being a part of something that you enjoy doing. Picking up a new hobby or taking part in the community events can help you battle loneliness in a better way.     Loneliness raises the risk of dementia: Similar to the effect loneliness has on physical health, it also affects mental health. Loneliness is linked to a higher risk of dementia. Social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic has put older adults at greater risk of feeling lonely. To help combat this, our retirement homes at Columbia Pacific Communities are engaging the residents through virtual activities and contests.           To help combat loneliness, senior citizen housing complexes at Columbia Pacific Communities, encourage the residents to socially engage in various activities such as yoga classes, exercises, movie screenings, and workshops. We provide our residents with a supportive and understanding environment where they can socially connect with people their age.  Our wellness team at the community helps residents talk to friends and family through video chats. Our communities also have a multi-purpose hall where one can host birthday parties and dinners. 

As your parents are aging, they may be toying with the idea of relocating to a place where they can be with others their age. Well, if your parents are physically and mentally healthy to live independently, then many senior citizen homes in India offer independent apartments and can be a good choice to move to. If you are worried about the safety of such arrangements, here’s a useful read for you –     Security is a top priority: Senior citizen homes in India ensure that they provide a secure environment to the residents. At a time, when security of seniors is a concern in India, a retirement home with robust security in place can be a good option for seniors whose children either stay in different cities or have moved abroad. At our retirement homes, we use cutting-edge technology to ensure that residents’ security and safety remains uncompromised. CCTV camera, firefighting equipment and trained professionals safeguard the premises.     Safety solutions are in place: As your parents age, they face a number of safety obstacles. The apartments in senior citizen homes in India are designed keeping in mind the needs of the seniors. The bathrooms have non-skid tiles with grab bars installed near the toilet and wash basin. Bathrooms are spacious enough for seniors to enter with a walker or walking aid. When it comes to our senior citizen homes in India, not just the bathroom but the entire community has been created keeping in mind the needs of seniors. To know how our senior citizen homes in India are leveraging innovative and responsive design solutions to keep the residents safe, get in touch with us.     Round-the-clock care: If you are worried about who will look after your parents should a health emergency arise, then let us inform you that today, senior citizen homes in India have health care facilities available. At our retirement homes in India, we not only have emergency care facilities on the premises but we also provide adequate and continuous preventive care.   We hope that after reading this you are relieved to know that independent living is safe for your aging parents! Want to know more? Get in touch with us.  

Social isolation can adversely affect the mental health of seniors. This can be more so during a pandemic when the restrictions are stricter for seniors. Here are a few things that home care facilities for the elderly are doing to promote mental health:    1.Embrace precaution, not panic: When it comes to dealing with a pandemic, the best way is to do what is under your control. In the current scenario, taking precautions and spreading the right information to our residents is the best way to proceed further. We have circulated credible pandemic-related information vetted by medical professionals at our health partner Columbia Asia Hospitals. The content contains actionable insights that give the residents a sense of control.     2.Keep the residents engaged: To keep their minds off the pandemic, it’s important to keep the residents busy. Playing games, reading, writing, listening to music – are some of the activities that can help them destress. In the run-up to World Senior Citizens Day, at our home care facilities for the elderly, a month-long inter-community competition was organized virtually. This gave our residents a perfect platform to remain physically engaged, intellectually stimulated, and emotionally looked after. The seniors participated in singing, art, dance, and other activities.    3.Use technology to socially connect with others: At a time when the elderly residents can’t meet their friends and family members, social media is a great way to help communicate with the outside world. Connecting with children, grandchildren, and old school friends can help them feel connected and stimulate their brain in positive ways.  At our care homes, many residents use their smartphones to stay in touch with their family and friends during these difficult times. For those who are less tech-savvy, the members of the wellness team arrange video chats. This keeps residents positive and upbeat.   

Old age is a great time to sit back and enjoy life as you have all the freedom to do things that you have always wanted to do. But to enjoy your golden years to the fullest, you need to stay healthy and happy. By adopting the following 6 tips, you can take baby steps towards happy aging:    1.Get active: Physical activity has many benefits, regardless of age. But when you grow old, the body’s metabolism tends to slow down. Being physically active can help you rev up your metabolism. There is a long list of health benefits when it comes to regular exercising including boosting your strength and balance. At a community living facility like ours, we encourage seniors to be as active as possible. We have trained physiotherapists who customize exercise plans as per your physical ability and your interests. Our community living facilities also have a fully-equipped gym, yoga, and aerobics deck.    2.Eat a healthy diet: As you age, your diet needs change. Having a diet that caters to your nutritional needs is the best way to stay healthy. At our retirement homes, we make sure that the residents get fresh and nutritious meals cooked in home-style. The food is prepared in hygienic conditions and made keeping the health of the residents in mind. There are regular review meetings with the F&B team so that you can give them feedback regarding the menu. Those who feel like ordering in can have their meals delivered at the doorstep.    3.Have a routine: You may feel a little odd that suddenly you have all the time in the world. This for many people is not a good feeling to struggle with. Structuring your day can help you relax and pick new hobbies. Be it activities or exercising, sticking to a routine can help you prioritize your time better and enjoy doing things more consciously. At a community living facility like ours, the calendar is always buzzing with activities. We have clubhouses where you can take part in indoor and outdoor games or join a fitness club or attend lectures. We host movie screenings, music concerts, lectures, and workshops. There is something for everyone.    4.Stay connected with people of your age: Going to places or joining activities where you will find people of your age can be a great stress buster. We make sure people have enough opportunities to socialize and interact with each other. Be it dining together or community events, there are several platforms for the residents to strike a conversation and share a laugh.    5.Do what you love doing: To avoid boredom and loneliness, it’s important that you do things you love the most. Gardening, painting, learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument, cooking, etc are some of the activities that will not only give a sense of achievement but they are also great for social life.    6.Keep a positive attitude: Leaving your old life behind and starting a new chapter can be intimidating. The best way to embrace this change is to stay positive. The golden years of life come with freedom as well as restrictions. It is best to embrace the two wholeheartedly.    

As you age, it may get difficult to be active. A homebound senior may find it difficult to keep his or her house clean. He or she may find it difficult to prepare nutritious meals or run errands. Some of the best homes for retirement in India offer person-centered facilities that help seniors age positively. Here are some age-friendly environments at retirement homes that you or your family member can enjoy: Elderly-friendly home design: Some of the best retirement homes in India provide seniors safe, secure, and well-designed housing. Besides 24X7 security, attempts are made for the accommodation to be as comfortable as possible. Senior-friendly flooring, safe stairs, and elderly-friendly bathrooms are some of the facilities that retirement homes offer. At our senior living communities, every room has been designed keeping in mind the needs of seniors. Even common areas, like jogging tracks and the clubhouse, have anti-skid flooring. Whether you choose a villa or an apartment, they are designed to be senior-friendly. Wheelchair access and grab rails are there in apartments as well as in common areas. Each room has fire detection sensors and panic buttons. Nutritional needs: After a certain age, standing in the kitchen for hours and making food for yourself can be challenging. However, like everyone, the longing for home-cooked food never goes away. Keeping this in mind, many retirement homes in India offer home-style, nutritious food. At our retirement home communities, food is prepared without compromising on taste, nutritional value and dietary preferences. The team members keep the medical conditions of the residents in mind while preparing the menu. Social participation: In order to keep seniors socially engaged, getting them involved in cultural and recreational activities can help them develop a sense of belonging. Some of the best homes for retirement have busy activity calendars. Helping residents stay active and engaged is an integral part of our retirement homes. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are practicing social distancing and staying in their apartments. But this does not mean that they are socially disengaged. Our team launched a month-long virtual inter-community competition where residents showcased their talent in painting, singing, dancing, photography, and other categories. Prior to the lockdown, our communities organized several activities throughout the year. These age-friendly environments at retirement homes will make you and your loved ones stay comfortable and enjoyable!

Ageing comes with life changes that are often difficult to cope with. Certain life events may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness among seniors. Here are a few things that best rated senior living communities are doing to make residents feel more positive about themselves:       1.Vibrant community spaces: As people age, it can get difficult to maintain close relationships with old friends because of many constraints. To address that, some of the best rated senior living communities like ours have designed vibrant common areas where residents can easily strike a conversation and bond over food. Our clubhouses act like the axis of the community where the residents can discover new hobbies and interests and meet new people. The dining halls are spacious where residents can catch up with each other.     2.Health and wellness programs: Being physically active is not just good for physical health but it can also improve the mental well-being. Regular exercising helps the body release hormones that reduce stress and boost overall mood. Some of the best senior living communities take a holistic approach towards physical, mental and emotional well-being. We are proactive about preventive health care. Vital parameters of our residents are monitored periodically, along with regular health screening. The wellness centre has fitness instructors under whose guidance the residents exercise. Well-equipped gyms have trained and experienced staff to help.     3.Activity calendars: Being a part of a community helps boost self-confidence and raise self-esteem. Community events present a great opportunity for seniors to form new friendships, learn new skills, and be a part of something that interests them. Our activity calendar at Columbia Pacific Communities offers a wide array of activities including yoga, meditation, group exercise, music and movie screening, educational workshops, and outings.      Spend your golden years the way you desire. Our retirement communities offer an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities that are focused on physical, mental and emotional well-being of the residents.     

Retirement can be an ideal opportunity to relocate to a more peaceful place that has favorable weather and offers all the comforts you seek after retirement. If you are envisaging a retired life not very different from a long vacation, here are five cities in India that are perfect for retirement.  Bengaluru   Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is one of the most sought-after retirement destinations. The city enjoys pleasant weather round the year and a good quality of life by offering a great social and commercial infrastructure. The best retirement homes in Bangalore have partnerships with nearby hospitals, so you are assured of round-the-clock care. Bengaluru is well-connected with other metro cities and offers a number of weekend travel options.  Chennai   Another city that is popular for retirement homes in India is Chennai. Situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the best retirement homes in Chennai offer impeccable healthcare facilities along with trained staff to take care of residents at retirement homes. If you are looking for low cost of living and high quality of life, Chennai is a great option. It is well-known as the health capital of India, offering state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and quality nursing staff. The best retirement homes in Chennai help in organizing weekend trips for the residents of the retirement homes, which include providing vehicles on hire.  Coimbatore  Surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Western Ghats, Coimbatore is one of the preferred cities in India to settle after retirement. Blessed with year-round pleasant weather, you can settle for a peaceful life in this quiet city. The low level of pollution in the city also helps you live a long and healthy life. As Coimbatore is popular for retirement housing, the hospitals here provide all the necessary facilities for senior citizen healthcare.   Kanchipuram  Kanchipuram is a temple city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu with great historical significance. Located on the banks of the Vegavathy river, the serene city of Kanchipuram is one of the best cities to live after retirement. The weather here is generally nice and is relatively cooler in the evenings. The city offers a rich and vibrant culture, surrounded with temples adding to the quality of life. There are good hospitals in the locality. Weekend trips can be exciting.   Puducherry  Puducherry, a popular beach destination is also known for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, which draws large numbers of visitors every year. Puducherry is connected to Chennai via the East Coast Road through Mahabalipuram and enjoys air and railway connectivity to other parts of the country. The environment is pollution free and the weather is pleasant. The beauty of the city lies in its crystal-clear beaches, French-style architecture, and a laid-back lifestyle. Healthcare facilities for the elderly are quite good in Puducherry. It is also well connected to popular weekend getaways in Southern India. 

Choosing a senior living option in India is a big decision for you and your loved ones. There are many factors that you have to take into consideration. But with so many housing options for seniors available in India, it may feel a tad overwhelming to find the right one for you or your parents. Options range from retirement homes to nursing homes. Knowing about them can help you narrow down your choices:       1.Retirement homes with independent living: Senior adults who are active and wish to live independently can opt for a retirement community with independent villas or apartments. This option allows seniors to live on their own. Many retirement homes provide services like housekeeping, laundry, dining options and maintenance of the property. Emergency care is available on the premises. A range of recreational activities is also offered.  Our retirement homes have independent apartments and villas. The cost of our retirement homes in India can vary from Rs 30 lakh for a small one BHK apartment to over Rs 1 crore for a larger three BHK apartment in the same community. You can check our FAQ section here    2.Nursing home: For those who require a high level of medical care, a nursing home is a good option. Like in assisted living, seniors are offered facilities like meals, transportation, housekeeping, laundry services and help with basic activities. They also get medication management and 24-hour supervision. Those requiring help with personal care will be provided assistance.     3.Respite care: Respite care is a helpful option for those who are recovering from a surgery or a serious illness. As respite care is a short-term arrangement, it can be sought at home, a healthcare facility or an assisted living home. Respite care is a good option when the primary caregiver needs a break from the demands of caregiving. Respite care homes give patients a safe and supportive environment that helps them recover fast. Meals, medication, assistance with bathing, grooming and laundry are some of the services provided at most respite care homes.     We hope you find this information handy when looking for a senior living option. 

Retirement homes in India offer a variety of modern amenities, senior-friendly architecture and services that help senior citizens live a fulfilling life post retirement. Set amidst a calm and serene environment, our senior citizen homes are spacious and well thought out. With trained in-house 24X7 support and maintenance staff, it’s a comforting feeling to know that there are always people close by to lend a helping hand. Looking for benefits of moving to a senior citizen home? Check out these amenities Here are some of the amenities offered by the best rated retirement homes in India that give you the liberty to live life on your own terms in your golden age. ● The Clubhouse: The local hub to come together to share a happy and healthy bonding with other community members. As you connect with fellow seniors over similar hobbies and interests, you make new friends with like-minded people. ● Business Centre: If you wish to continue working in your post-retirement days, senior citizen homes with business centres are a good choice. You can expect well-equipped office spaces complete with ergonomic chairs, printers, meeting rooms, wi-fi and computer stations at the business centres. ● Spa: You can enjoy relaxing spa sessions at the best retirement homes in India. You will find professional and qualified therapists who will dissolve your stress and worry by bringing harmony to your mind, body and soul. ● Wellness Centre: The wellness centre helps you develop strength and boost your overall fitness levels. Experienced and compassionate instructors are appointed to involve you in fun exercises such as aerobics to increase your stamina, making your body flexible and healthier. ● Community Spaces: The vibrant community spaces are designed to evoke a soulful conversation with fellow seniors. It gives you the opportunity to express yourself, relax and develop a feeling of belongingness. ● Senior-Friendly Architecture: The corridors at senior citizen homes are designed to be senior friendly. Our premium retirement homes like The Virtuoso Club And Serviced Residences in Bangalore are compliant with the NBC (National Building Code) standards for accessible housing as well as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act 1990) guidelines for structure and facilities. The corridors at The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences are 2.1 meters wide, so that in case of medical emergencies there is enough space to move stretchers and other mobility devices. To make movement effortless for seniors, the elevators are fitted with Automatic Rescue Devices. To know more about The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences, visit here With such amazing amenities and senior-friendly architecture, senior citizen homes in India help you live life to the fullest.

The best retirement homes in India like ours have adopted a holistic approach to ageing. From conducting wellness workshops and lectures to promoting age-appropriate physical activities designed by physiotherapists, modern-day retirement homes offer a bouquet of facilities to encourage seniors to live life to the fullest. Let’s have a look at some of the low-impact physical activities for seniors: ● Walking: It is one of the best exercises for seniors as they can control their pace, intensity, and duration of the walk. Many seniors like mindful walking for its meditative benefits as it allows them to slow down, relieve stress and calm themselves. ● Yoga: An age-old form of exercise, yoga is excellent for improving balance, flexibility and mobility. At Columbia Pacific Communities, residents start their day with yoga/pranayama exercises to rejuvenate the mind. ● Pranayama: Pranayama exercises such as anulom-vilom and bhramari reduce stress and increase the capacity of lungs. ● Swimming: It is a low-impact exercise which improves flexibility and muscle strength. Swimming can also help seniors who suffer from arthritis manage joint pain. ● Cycling: It’s a fun activity that seniors can do alone or with a group. It keeps them in shape, boosts their mood and improves heart health. ● Treadmill exercise: Seniors can prevent age-related bone loss by walking regularly on a treadmill. The best retirement homes in India like ours have age-appropriate gymnasiums where seniors can exercise in an ideal environment. Consult Your Doctor Before Starting Any New Exercise Program If you have recently moved to a retirement home and are planning to start a new exercise program, consult your doctor first. Those who are suffering from kidney disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes should not begin any new exercise program without doctor’s consultation. At our retirement homes in India, the physical activities are designed by trained physiotherapists. If you are searching for a retirement home in India , take a look at our projects located in some of the best cities to buy a retirement home.