Columbia Pacific Communities Articles

One of the objectives of Columbia Pacific Communities is to help our residents stay fitter and healthier – so that they can maintain their independence and ability to pursue their chosen retirement lifestyle. We have a holistic approach for health that rests on three pillars, namely – physical, psychological and social well-being. Over here we discuss the physical benefits of exercising regularly. Let’s take a brief look at some of the simple and fun exercises that help seniors improve their strength and balance: 1. Walking: “Walking is man’s best medicine”, said Hippocrates 2000 years ago – and a growing number of modern-day studies suggest that he wasn’t wrong. For seniors, walking has many benefits: it reduces their risk for coronary heart disease; it may help lower their blood sugar levels; and it eases joint pain. Also, walking brings big benefits for seniors who have weak ankles or knees or suffer from arthritis. At our retirement communities in India, we have senior-friendly walking and jogging tracks that have anti-skid tiles. These tracks are well-lit and promote safe and stable walking. 2. Yoga: More and more seniors are practicing yoga for the benefits it offers. With low-impact movements, yoga enhances flexibility, mobility, strength and balance. The good thing about yoga is that one doesn’t need to exert too much pressure on the joints. Also, yoga requires no prior fitness experience, and there are several easy beginners poses that are perfect for seniors who are just starting to learn yoga. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we offer various wellness programs that include daily stretching exercises, yoga and pranayama. All the fitness plans have been designed by our physiotherapists. 3. Swimming: Retirement homes in Columbia Pacific Communities have swimming pools so that seniors can regularly enjoy a swim and stay physically active. Swimming is a great form of aerobic exercise. It doesn’t exert pressure on the joints and builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. 4. Stationary cycling: Cycling has many health benefits for seniors. It strengthens their legs without exerting stress on the joints. Stationary cycling is a safe way to exercise as it reduces the risk of fall. Columbia Pacific Communities have fully equipped gyms that have stationary bicycles, treadmills and other senior-friendly exercise equipment, offering residents a safe and secure environment for daily workout.

With more time on hand and less to do, many retirees find it difficult to embrace their retirement lifestyle wholeheartedly. Over here we discuss a few simple changes in your lifestyle that can make your golden years count: 1. Don’t be shy to meet other retirees and make friends: Whether it is losing touch with colleagues or death of a partner – loneliness is a major issue after retirement. Loneliness can get worse if you don’t seek companionship. You can move to a retirement home where you can socialise with people your age, who share your interests. Also, living alongside like-minded people provides reassurance that there is always someone nearby to talk to. The best retirement homes in India like ours give you ample opportunities to make new friends. 2. Join a fitness club: Retirement is a time to shift focus from work to your overall well-being. To enjoy your golden years, it is important that you stay fit and healthy. Exercising is associated with good mental and physical well-being which is why we have trained physiotherapists who design age-appropriate exercises to help residents meet their fitness goals. We also have indoor and outdoor games to encourage seniors stay physically active and have fun at the same time. 3. Say goodbye to household chores: Housework like cleaning and cooking can often take the fun out of retirement years, leaving little room for leisure. The hassle of running errands can be difficult after a particular age. At our retirement homes in India, we have trained staff to take care of housekeeping and maintenance work. 4. Take up a new hobby: Be it photography, crocheting, quilting, gardening, singing or learning a new language, you can make your retirement phase as enjoyable as you wish. 5. Throw parties for friends and families: Retirement doesn’t have to be boring and dull. Look at it as the beginning of a new chapter in your life and celebrate each and every occasion with your loved ones. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can host movie nights and games night for family and friends. You can also book our banquet hall to throw a party, no matter what the occasion is.

Though elderly care in the form of retirement homes is gaining popularity, there are still a few myths that are misleading people. Here we have debunked some of the common myths surrounding retirement homes in India – 1. Senior living communities are for people who are old and sick: It’s completely wrong. Our retirement homes in India are designed for active retirees who wish to spend time with like-minded people and want to enjoy an enriched, independent lifestyle. 2. Retirement homes in India are depressing: Gone are the days when retirement homes looked like a relic of the past. Premium retirement homes in India resemble a 5-star resort with high-end facilities which include a rooftop lounge, jogging paths, swimming pool, spa and salon, barbeque area and fitness center among others. 3. You will lose your independence: Retirement homes in India provide the best of both worlds – the freedom to live a maintenance-free life and the security and companionship of the community. 4. You can’t see your family and friends: Some of the best retirement homes in India are visitor friendly. At Columbia Pacific Communities, you can host family parties, stress-free brunch parties for your grandkids or even movie screenings for your friends. 5. Meals will be bland and tasteless: The best retirement homes in India hire trained chefs who know how to make food taste good without compromising on the nutritional needs of seniors. At many places, dining options are not restricted to just one venue. Some of the premium retirement homes in India offer a host of dining options to their residents. At our retirement home in Bangalore, seniors can enjoy delicious smoothies, fresh juices, coffee or tea at the beverage station. There’s a nutritional centre and bistro as well. To know more about the dining options offered at our retirement home in Bangalore, visit here

Gone are the days when retirement homes in India were associated with old age homes where people went to spend the end of their life amidst dull and lifeless settings. The new-age retirement homes address the need of a whole new generation of seniors who have clear ideas of what they want to achieve in their retirement years. According to Rowe & Kahn, “Successful ageing is multi-dimensional, encompassing the avoidance of disease and disability, the maintenance of high physical and cognitive function, and sustained engagement in social and productive activities” – and this is exactly what new-age retirement homes in India are promoting. With vibrant living spaces and age-friendly design solutions, personalised services and programs that treat seniors with respect and provide comfort, dignity, happiness and purpose, the best retirement homes in India are redefining the way people view ageing. Let’s take a brief look at how the best retirement homes in India like ours are promoting positive ageing: 1. Making physical activity a part of daily routine: At our retirement homes in India, we have gyms with senior-friendly cardiovascular and strength training equipment. We also conduct daily stretching exercises designed by trained physiotherapists. There are anti-skid walking tracks on the premises to ensure the safety of residents. 2. Creating avenues for social engagement: As more and more Indians are approaching the golden age of 65, they are looking forward to living a fuller and socially active life. Depending on their children is a big NO for them. They are financially stable, socially connected, and professionally qualified individuals who want to live life on their terms. They prefer to move to retirement homes that offer an active social calendar. Our retirement homes in India offer a host of activities including music concerts, engaging outings, community gatherings, movies, social clubs, bridge and much more. 3. Celebrating age: The most important thing about ageing is to celebrate it. At our retirement homes in India, we celebrate the birthday of every resident. We have clubhouse and banquet facilities where residents can throw parties for their family and friends. 4. Connecting with family and friends: Spending time with family and friends is an important part of positive ageing. Our retirement homes in India are visitor friendly, residents can even host parties and movie screenings for their family and friends. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, we have imposed restrictions on the entry of visitors. Our wellness team is helping our residents connect with family and friends over video calls.

If you are looking for a senior citizen home in India, here is a list of FAQs and their answers to help you make an informed decision: 1. What are the different kinds of senior living facilities in India? In India, there are retirement homes with independent living facilities, nursing homes and respite care. Retirement homes with independent living facilities are ideal for those who are healthy and wish to lead an active life. 2. What kind of amenities can be expected in good retirement communities in India? Here are some of the common facilities that we provide at our retirement communities in India: ● Housekeeping ● Maintenance ● Food and beverage service ● Club house ● Fitness centre ● Swimming pools (at select communities) ● Spa and salon (at select communities) ● Library ● Indoor and outdoor games facilities ● Buggy facility for intra-community mobility ● Concierge ● Emergency care ● Banquet service 3. How much does it cost to buy a senior citizen home in India? The cost of an apartment or a villa in senior citizen homes in India varies from city to city, depending upon cost of living, location and amenities offered. It can range from Rs 30 lakh for a small one BHK to over Rs 1 crore for a three BHK. 4. What are the benefits of living in retirement communities in India? Retirement communities in India offer more than just accommodation – they focus on helping the residents enjoy an active and worry-free lifestyle. Some of the benefits of moving into a senior citizen home include – ● Senior-friendly accommodation ● 24X7 in-house maintenance team ● 24X7 security ● Active social life ● Opportunities to learn new things 5. What amenities can I expect at premium retirement homes? Premium retirement homes in India offer a 5-star hotel-inspired lifestyle. In addition to providing basic services like housekeeping, maintenance and concierge services, they have restaurants, movie theatres, a swimming pool, spa, salon, gym, business centre and other high-end amenities.

In the last few years, community living facilities in India have shed their image of drab buildings, bland food and depressing decor. The modern community living facilities in India are vibrant and companionable places where residents enjoy the ease of retirement life without worries of housekeeping, cooking or conveyance. If you are planning for retirement and looking for community living facilities in India, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that you might want to consider – Do’s ● Check the amenities provided: It’s important to choose a community where they offer services like housekeeping, laundry and concierge so that you are not bogged down by everyday chores. Select a community that will let you focus on doing the things you want to do with your free time. ● Tour the facility: It is a big decision to move into a retirement community. Hence, do not take a call without visiting the place personally. ● Check the dining options: While visiting a retirement community, check the dining options and see if they cater for special diets and personal preferences. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we ensure our residents receive nutritionally balanced and tasty food. Our residents have a say in the menu choices and have regular review meetings with the food and beverage team. ● Find out about the activity calendar: Look for a community where you can get involved in different types of social, cultural and educational activities. Don’ts ● Do not hesitate to ask questions: A decision like choosing a retirement community is not an easy one to make. Make sure you ask all the essential questions like – does the accommodation have a kitchenette? Or could you have meals delivered to your doorstep? Also, ask about inclusions and exclusions regarding the rent price and other amenities. ● Do not ignore safety: While visiting the community, look out for safety measures such as security personnel, CCTV cameras, alarm system, panic button, fire safety equipment and evacuation plan. ● Do not forget to talk to the residents: The best way to know about a retirement community is to speak to those who are living there. They can help you with the right information on the facilities as well as the team and caretakers. Our retirement communities in India offer beautiful and independent accommodation to seniors. We also have a premium retirement community in Bangalore which offers high-end amenities and facilities like a swimming pool, rooftop lounge, barbeque area, beverage station and yoga deck. Designed to international standards, The Virtuoso Club and Serviced Residences in Bangalore offers an array of unmatched senior-friendly amenities, premium living space and world-class healthcare. The premium retirement homes 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.

Mrs. Radhika Murthy lost her husband a year ago. Her son, settled in Pune, wanted his mother to move to Pune from Bangalore. But she didn’t want to shift to Pune permanently. She didn’t want to leave Bangalore as she had fond memories of the city. The other reason for her unwillingness to shift to Pune was that she didn’t want to lose her sense of independence. But at the same time, she knew that living alone in her big house wasn’t a feasible solution. After a lot of discussions, Mrs. Murthy and her son decided that moving to a retirement home in Bangalore was a win-win situation for both of them. Mrs. Murthy gets the experience of a community and her son gets peace of mind knowing that his mother will be safe and sound. Mrs. Murthy isn’t alone. Maintaining a sense of independence is incredibly important for everyone. But it takes a whole new meaning as people get older. With kids moving to different cities or countries, and parents not willing to move with their children – retirement homes in India are increasingly presenting a win-win situation for seniors and their kids. They give the family peace of mind for their loved one’s health and safety. And seniors get to enjoy a worry-free independent lifestyle. Today’s retirement homes in India aren’t old age homes They are designed in a way to help seniors live independently with equal focus given on encouraging them to socialise and connect with their neighbours and other residents. Retirement homes in India promote hassle-free living as the housekeeping and maintenance work is taken care of by the staff. Such arrangements make the day-to-day lives of the seniors easy. It also gives them an opportunity to pursue their passions, to mingle with friends or to simply relax and enjoy the ambience. Retirement homes in India like ours are transforming senior living in India. Whether it’s a tranquil villa, an apartment or a row house, our homes are specially designed for safe and comfortable living for singles or couples. With a host of entertainment options such as movie screenings and music concerts to inspiring activities such as yoga or meditation – every single day at our retirement homes in India help our residents live life to the fullest. We also support our residents with their medical needs. Our partnerships with nearby hospitals ensure residents get round-the-clock care. From emergency care with 24/7 ambulance service, doctor-on-call, and emergency protocols in place to comprehensive geriatric assessment and supportive care – we ensure that the healthcare needs of our residents are met.

Senior citizen housing in India is gaining popularity. The cost is not the only factor that seniors are taking into account. Activities planned during the day, meals and wellness support plan also play a crucial part in influencing the purchase decision. If you or your loved one is planning to move into a senior living community, here are a few trends that you should know about: 1. Integrated services and amenities: Active seniors living in India of late are looking for independent living facilities that provide high-end amenities. Housekeeping, laundry, concierge services, and wholesome meals are some of the basic amenities that seniors look for. Our senior living communities are designed to help residents live a maintenance-free lifestyle. They don’t have to worry about household chores like cleaning, laundry, cooking and doing the dishes. Electricians and plumbers are made available on call. We help you with concierge service and booking assistance as well. 2. Physically and socially active life: Supporting an active life is a must for retirement homes. Many senior citizen housing complexes in India like ours have various facilities for indoor and outdoor sports. We have a swimming pool at Serene Urbana, our senior living community in Bangalore. To keep residents socially engaged, day trips, festival celebrations and yoga classes are arranged. A day at our communities start with daily exercises which are designed by trained physiotherapists. 3. Preventive healthcare and emergency care: Medical facilities play a very important role for seniors living in India. Not only do they look for 24X7 emergency care and a doctor on call but also preventive healthcare. We have partnered with leading local hospitals which organise regular health check-ups to ensure the overall well-being of the residents. Secured environment: Seniors living in India prefer retirement homes that offer maximum safety and security to its residents, without being too obstructive. Trained security staff guard our communities. There are CCTV cameras for round-the-clock surveillance. Also, fire safety equipment is installed to ensure added safety to the elderly.

As you are no longer tied to a city for professional commitments, there are many places in India where you can move to after retirement. However, before you rush to make any decision that will have a significant impact on your retirement years, here are a few factors you should consider: 1. Proximity to family and friends: It is entirely up to you whether you want to retire in the city where you currently live or move elsewhere. If the city you are living in is affordable, close to family and friends, then choosing a retirement home in that city makes sense. However, if you don’t have a real connection to the city and a strong reason to stay back, then you can think of moving to a different city. We have some of the best homes for retirement in cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram and Puducherry. These homes are conveniently located, which ensures you enjoy city life as well as the calmness and serenity of our retirement homes. 2. Cost of living: You may have a little more time in hand after you retire. This means frequent visits to shopping malls and movie halls. You may also want to pick new hobbies like crocheting, singing, learning to play a musical instrument or a new language. These commitments involve additional expenses along with basic living expenses. Hence, it’s also important to check the cost of living in your preferred city. 3. Climate: It is difficult to choose a senior living community just on the basis of climate. From sunny beaches to cities with mild temperatures, there are multiple options. We have our retirement homes in Puducherry, Coimbatore, Kanchipuram, Chennai and Bangalore. While Bangalore experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, Chennai and Puducherry have great beaches to enjoy during sunny days. Although Coimbatore and Kanchipuram have hotter summers, the city life is quite serene. These are some of the best places to buy a retirement home in. 4. Quality of life: More and more urban cities are gaining popularity as retirement destinations because of the promise of an urban lifestyle. Shopping malls, eateries, movie halls and other entertainment options are readily available in cities. Cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore have great beaches to offer along with a good city life. Bangalore has an amazing nightlife and a large number of restaurants and eating joints. Quality of healthcare: As you age, your medical needs tend to rise. When you are choosing a place to retire, this is one factor that you cannot ignore. When age catches up, it is important that the city to retire in has hospitals offering world-class health care facilities. Our retirement homes are located in some of the best cities in India that have good hospitals. Also, we have partnered with local hospitals to give our residents the best health care facilities. Emergency care, a doctor on call and 24×7 ambulance are available in the premises.

Many seniors who do not need round-the-clock medical care of a nursing home prefer to live as independently as possible. For them independent senior living communities provide the perfect lifestyle to help them make the most of their retirement years. Here are some reasons why active seniors think independent apartments for elderly are a wonderful place – 1. Safer living environment: From a safety standpoint, the move to independent apartments make sense. Firstly, they are architecturally designed to cater to different needs of senior residents. Second and most importantly, these living facilities are manned by security guards. Our retirement homes have villas and independent apartments for seniors. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we use cutting-edge security systems to ensure that the safety and security of our residents is not compromised. 2. Focus on fitness: As you grow old, the need for you to focus on your health increases. Many retirement homes offer fitness and physical therapy programs to keep seniors active. At our retirement homes, fitness programmes are conducted under the guidance of trained physiotherapists. The clubhouse has indoor and outdoor games, dedicated yoga and aerobics decks and a fully equipped gym. 3. Nutritious meal: After a certain age, cooking daily can be tedious but at the same time, everyone loves home-cooked food. At many retirement homes, the food menu is designed keeping the health of seniors in mind. At our retirement homes, if you choose an independent apartment, there’s provision for you to cook. You can also order in food at your apartment or share meals with others at our spacious dining hall. 4. Maintenance: free lifestyle: Most independent senior citizen apartments have a dedicated maintenance team that helps residents with household and maintenance chores, which keeps residents free from worry. If you are planning to move into one of our independent senior living communities, you’ll meet like-minded individuals of a similar age. When you reside together with people of a similar age it’s easy to form close-knit communities and friendship groups. There are several activities in our retirement homes that will keep you engaged and help you make new friends! To know more about how we promote positive ageing, visit here