Columbia Pacific Communities Blogs

Fatigue in seniors is a common concern. However, with simple yet effective dietary changes, seniors can boost their energy levels. If you are looking for information on nutrient-rich foods that can help reduce feelings of fatigue, here is a useful read. As a senior living community in Chennai, we have curated a list of foods that can help you beat fatigue. Nuts: Nuts are a great source of nutrients such as fats, fibre, and protein. Walnuts and almonds are especially beneficial, as they contain high levels of fibre, protein, and healthy fats. Walnuts: Like other nuts, most of the calories in walnuts come from fats, making them energy-dense. Instead of grabbing an energy bar, it is a good idea to eat walnuts as a snack or add them to desserts and salads. Almonds: Almonds are a good source of healthy fats and protein. The high-calorie count in almonds provides you with a good amount of energy. Whole grains: Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet. You need to make sure that you are getting enough of them. Here are some examples of whole grains that can boost your energy levels: Oatmeal: It is a great source of energy-boosting carbohydrates, as well as fibre and protein that gives you the much-needed energy the whole day. Quinoa: Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate, which means that it takes longer for the body to break it down. This slow release of energy can help to promote feelings of fullness and can help to boost energy levels. Buckwheat: It is high in magnesium which is essential for the production of energy in the body. Magnesium converts the glucose in food into energy and keeps energy levels stable. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are slowly digested and release energy over time. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in cellular energy production. Low-fat dairy: Low-fat dairy products can boost your energy levels. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy energy levels.  Some of the dairy products that you can include in your diet are: Skim or fat-free milk Yoghurt Cottage cheese Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. They contain essential nutrients including minerals, vitamins, and fibre. In addition, they provide a natural source of sugar that can boost energy levels and stabilise blood sugar levels throughout the day. There are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating fruits and vegetables to your diet. Here is a useful read on the benefits of a plant-based diet for seniors. Beans and lentils: Beans and lentils are excellent sources of nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and iron. These minerals help maintain blood sugar levels and provide a constant stream of energy. Are you looking for a senior citizen gated community in Chennai that promotes healthy living? As you age, cooking healthy meals three times a day can become a burdensome chore, especially if you are living alone. Also, eating your meals alone can become monotonous over time. At our senior living communities in Chennai, meal times are an anticipated event of the day as residents get to enjoy nutritious meals with their fellow residents in a lively community environment. In our spacious dining room, tables are set in a way to encourage conversation and interaction amongst residents. Healthy meals are just one aspect of the positive retirement that we promote. To know more about our other services that help our residents age positively, call us at +91 8884555554.

Making the move to flats for senior citizens is not just about changing your address. It is a big decision for you and your adult children. Sharing the news with your children can be a bit difficult as they could be worried that you will not be looked after, or you will miss out on the growing years of your grandchildren. But how do you make your children understand that moving into a senior living community could mean leading a more meaningful and engaged life? As one of the leading retirement homes in India, we share with you some tips that may help you better communicate with your children about your plans to move to communities for senior citizens: Start the conversation early It is a good idea to talk with your children before you have made the decision or shortlisted the senior living communities. This will give them the time to process and warm up to the idea. They may also feel valued. You can also encourage them to give their inputs along the way and voice their concerns. Having these discussions early can help avoid disagreements later. Lend an ear to your children’s concerns Once you have broached the topic of moving into flats for senior citizens, it is important that you listen to how your adult children feel. They may have concerns about how you will manage daily meals or who will help you in the event of an emergency. Answering all these questions will help you put your children at ease. Focus on the positives When it comes to retirement homes, often the image that conjures up in people’s mind is that of a drab and dull place. If you think your children have the same opinion, you must show them the properties that you have shortlisted and communicate what you will gain by staying in a premium senior living community. Here are a few benefits of moving into a senior living community that you can discuss with your children: Active retirement: Often children are worried that in the absence of a family, you will have no or minimal  social life. When you are talking to your children, talk about how senior living communities promote a physically and socially active lifestyle. For instance, our senior living communities have senior-friendly gyms and facilities for indoor and outdoor games. We also conduct regular yoga and aerobic sessions. Freedom from daily chores: Sit with your children and talk about the daily challenges you are facing. After a certain age, daily cooking, housekeeping, and maintaining the house become difficult. Our senior living communities offer daily meals, housekeeping, laundry, and concierge services so that you can spend your time doing things you enjoy. Safety and security: Talk about the security aspect of living in a retirement home. Senior living communities like ours have on-site managers and 24X7 security systems. There is a panic button in our flats for senior citizens so that immediate assistance can be sought when needed. Health and wellness: It is also a good time to talk about your health. The focus of reputed retirement homes is to support the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of their residents. In the best retirement homes in India, facilities such as geriatric assessment, health-related workshops, and emergency care are in place. Also, they organise wellness workshops regularly. For instance, in our senior living communities, health screenings are conducted, and medical records are always kept up-to-date, so adequate and continuous preventive care and check-ups can be provided. Looking for flats for senior citizens? Bring your family along to tour our premium retirement homes. Our premium senior living community spaces are designed to support a wonderful independent and socially engaging lifestyle. You will find that our amenities and facilities are designed to nurture and nourish positive ageing. We offer a wide range of senior-friendly services such as customised housekeeping, electrical and plumbing maintenance service, help desk, and 24X7 security. All these services and amenities are designed to ensure that your family members can have peace of mind that you are in a place where you are being taken care of. Call us at +918884555554 to know more.

Chennai is an ideal place to retire for many reasons. The city has good connectivity and high-quality medical services, making it a convenient place to live in. The city is also home to a number of museums, art galleries, and theatres, providing retirees with numerous options for entertainment and cultural enrichment. If you have recently moved into one of the retirement homes in Chennai, you will be glad to know there are many interesting places in the city that are equally alluring and easily accessible. Here are some places you can explore on weekends: Marina beach: Marina beach is India’s longest city beach. Lined with palm trees, it stretches from Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. The beach is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. A beautiful view of the sky meeting the water can be seen from the shore. When strolling along the sands, you will find plenty of food stalls serving delicious seafood. You can also enjoy pony rides, beach games, and kite-flying activities. Besant Nagar beach: Besant Nagar beach is named after social reformer Annie Besant. One of the most appealing things about Besant Nagar is its location. You will find many food kiosks and stalls near the beach. Stalls selling seafood are one of the key attractions of the beach. Also, you can visit nearby churches and temples. Kalakshetra: The Kalakshetra foundation is a must-visit place in Chennai. There are many activities to enjoy when you visit the 99-acre campus. You can observe dance and music classes in sessions, participate in the morning prayer, or take a guided tour with staff. Rukmini Devi museum in Kalakshetra houses a collection of arts and artefacts donated by the benefactress of the foundation. The Madras Crocodile Bank: The Madras Crocodile Bank is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chennai. It is located outside the city, the sanctuary is home to a variety of rare and endangered crocodiles and alligators. You can take a tour of the facility during the day, but the highlight of the experience is the night safari. The safari allows visitors to see the animals in their natural habitat. Alamparai fort: The Alamparai fort offers a fascinating glimpse into Indian history. It is one of the few remaining examples of the Mughal architectural style in South India. From the top, you can see picturesque backwaters. If you love long drives, you can even go for a drive along the ECR to Pondicherry. Dakshinachitra: Dakshinachitra is a museum of South Indian music, art, and dance located in Chennai. The 10-acre site is home to traditional village huts, an artisan workshop, a working farm, and a performance stage. You can watch artisans at work, learn about the history and culture of South India. Dakshinachitra is also home to a large collection of South Indian paintings, artefacts, and textiles. Are you looking for homes in Chennai with a vibrant retirement community? Explore our retirement homes in Chennai, India. Our senior living communities offer facilities such as a clubhouse, indoor games room, gym, and library. There is a well-trained staff who takes care of dining services, laundry, and housekeeping. Also, there are a host of  social activities such as aerobics, yoga, movie screenings, art classes, and music sessions. To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.  

As you age, it becomes increasingly important to manage your stress levels. This is because stress can have a negative impact on your overall well-being. Chronic stress has been linked with a wide range of health problems, such as gastrointestinal issues, sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, heart problems, such as a racing heart, high blood pressure, and depression. As one of the premium retirement homes for NRIs, we share with you some useful insights on stress and how to recognise signs of stress: Signs of stress: Changes in your eating pattern: It is no secret that your eating habits can have a profound effect on your weight. Whether you are overeating or undereating, the result is often an unwanted change in your waistline. Sometimes, changes in eating habits can be traced to psychological factors such as stress or anxiety. When you are under pressure, you may turn to food for comfort, leading to overeating and weight gain. Alternatively, you may lose your appetite due to the mental turmoil you are experiencing. Either way, the result is often an unhealthy change in your weight. Physical pain: When you are under stress, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released. This can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration as well as a decrease in your digestive function. All these changes can lead to physical pain, such as intestinal or bowel issues, headaches or migraines, and muscle aches. Changes in sleep pattern: Stress can cause muscle tension that makes it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Additionally, stress can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety and depression that can also impact sleep. If you are struggling to get good sleep, it may be a sign that your body is under stress. Frequent sickness: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. If you are constantly worrying about something in your life or caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, it is important to find ways to manage your stress. Exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature are all great ways to reduce stress levels and improve your overall health. Excessive sweating: When your body experiences extreme stress, the body’s temperature rises and as a result sweat glands start working to cool your body down. Heart palpitations: If your heart rate is above 100 bpm without any physical exertion, it is likely that your body is under some level of stress. Usually, the resting heart rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute (BPM) is considered to be in the normal range. How to handle stress? Here we discuss some useful tips to cope with stress: Setting realistic goals and expectations Maintaining a healthy diet Meditating Doing yoga Exercising regularly Journaling, reading, listening to music, or doing activities that you love Getting enough sleep Avoiding excessive alcohol Connecting with like-minded people Taking a vacation Bonding with your pet Practising deep breathing Joining a walking group Connecting with old colleagues and family members Joining a local library Volunteering at a local charity Note: Stress is one of the key contributing factors to depression. If you are struggling with depression, know that you are not alone and that there is help available. Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Are you looking for premium retirement homes for NRIs? Retirement comes after decades of hard work. And, that is why our premium retirement home for NRIs in Bangalore is designed to help you lead an enriching and spirited lifestyle. Spread over 2.09 acres of land, our retirement home will have 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 3 BHK homes in different size configurations. The community will have all the modern amenities that will allow you to live a life of comfort and luxury. The business centre, clubhouse, bistro, restaurant, outdoor deck, and multi-purpose hall are just a few of the many amenities that our community will have. To own an apartment in this premium community, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

“Why did you marry dad? He wasn’t as rich as you were.” I asked my mother. Now that I was a married woman with three kids, I could ask her that question! I was twenty six and mom was in her late forties. She looked young for her age. She was slim, tall with delicate features. “Well, I was only sixteen when I met your father. He was a law graduate. Many young men from well-to-do families squandered their wealth or did nothing as they were gentlemen of leisure! I saw a spark of ambition in your dad. I was right.” Mom came from a wealthy family. Thanks to the East India Company official, Francis Day who signed a treaty with the local Nayaka ruler and acquired three square kilometers of land on the beach overlooking the Bay of Bengal. That is how MADRAS in South India was born. Trade flourished. Mom’s great-grandfather started a Snuff Company and minted money. By 1712 missionaries were allowed to enter Madras. So, many schools and colleges were started. And Mom’s grandfather graduated from Christian College and started teaching there. Mom’s dad too was a graduate and took up a job in the Imperial Bank. Mom spent her childhood in palatial bank houses with butlers, cooks, maid servants, gardeners, and chauffeurs. I couldn’t contain my curiosity. “Did you leave my brothers and pick me up and leave with dad with just a suitcase?” “Yes, your dad was frustrated with government jobs. He wanted to start his practice as a lawyer in the city. I believed in him and wanted to fully support him. Can you imagine, we moved into a one-bedroom apartment? It was a struggle.” Mom had the privilege of attending an exclusive girl’s school. The founder of the school had combined the best of Western education with Indian fine arts and sensibility, after she returned from the USA. “I remember how you forced me to go to the same school just because you also had studied there. I am glad you did. I had a wonderful education. We were exposed to Science, Western and Indian Music, drawing and painting, theater and sports. We followed our own curriculum and syllabi.” “And I was thrilled when you won the Gold Medal in B. Ed,” added mom. “And thanks for the gift. I love the Italian coral strand.” I hugged mom. I remembered when I informed her that I wanted to enroll for the B. Ed course, she told me that she would train a cook and send him to cook for the family. And she did. She could not leave dad as he was suffering from asthma. When my husband came to meet me and ask for my hand in marriage I was hesitant as he was building border roads along the India- China border. But mom and dad liked him. She believed he would achieve greater things in life. He was educated, polite, courteous, and his ability to get along with people was his trump card! Her instinct proved to be correct. He became the Project Director of the first indigenous missile project in India and went on to win many laurels in both the army and civilian organizations. My mother while at school was inspired by a Swiss teacher who taught her painting. She continued to paint for forty years and held five exhibitions of her paintings. Initially she refused to sell her paintings saying that she wanted to gift them to her children and grandchildren. Finally, she gave in to my persuasion and sold her paintings. She gave the proceeds to an orphanage and to a home that took care of mentally ill destitute women. She set an example to the whole family. Mom was very talented. She played the Veena, a stringed instrument. She could sing classical Indian songs called Carnatic music. She encouraged me to learn classical dance. She would erect a stage in one of the halls with benches and make jewelry with cardboard, silver and gold paper, sequins and beads. We would invite children from the neighborhood and entertain them! Later in life when I became the Principal of a school, I staged about 20 plays in the school. My love for dance, music and theater was nurtured by my mother. She fought a losing battle with lung cancer. In the last six months of her life, she painted seven oil paintings. She helped her five children, twelve grandchildren, her kith and kin, the orphanage and the home for the mentally ill, till the end. She stood by my father through thick and thin. Her dream was realised when my dad became the Advocate General, a Judge of the High Court and a Law Minister! I regard my mother as a role model, a friend, a protector and an angel in the guise of a mother! In my eyes, mom always knew best…   K.NALINI Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities

Friends,Serenites, Countrymen,Lend me your ears, I come to praise CPC, not to rebuke CPC is honorable, they will keep their word I come to praise Serene, not to revoke Serene staff is honorable, they will do their duty.   One question arises in my mind To be in Serene or not to be That is the question. Far from the maddening crowd, Far from the COVID pandemic I sought refuge in Serene.   At nights, the roaring of the planes Drive away my  doubts and fears And lull me to deep sleep! The chirping of birds awaken me I look out of the window The red streak of sun rise, I watch The green foliage, the myriad blossoms, The trimmed bamboo bushes The placid  pool of water The meditating Buddha, as I behold My heart fills with peace.   I await a new day with renewed hopes My creative urge finds  expressions In dance and music, in art and poetry, .A valuable lesson I did learn at Serene, Some one is more intelligent, more beautiful More talented, more proficient than you are, So I buried my ego, fought the green eyed monster of jealousy, Extended my hand in friendship and love.   As the evening falls, the glorious sun set Beckons me to stroll along, The tree lined avenues Holding the hands of my beloved. As the night creeps in and the stars sparkle And the silvery moon shines I return to my sweet home I retreat to safe Serene, I take refuge in my SHANGRILA.   K.NALINI Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities

It was a fine Sunday morning Twilight announcing the Rising of beautiful orange sun In the eastern horizon.   A group of seniors from Serene Pelican waking up Taking their cars with some Senior friends proceeding to Zest beach 5 kms away   A grand sight await to receive the Oldies with extended arms A big orange ball sprouting from Watery east, trumpeting the Arrival of beautiful sun   A happy meeting of a few Seniors having friendly chat While walking along the Unending stretch of sea shore Watching the graceful sight of sun rise   After thirty minutes of brisk walking Up and down, body full of perspiration Sitting around in the shore sand Analyzing thread bare the day to day Happenings of A to z of world around   As soon as they start feeling The heat of morning sun, Stand up withering away The sticking sand from the body Happily returning to Serene Pelican.   Bad clutters in the brain Peeling off to calm the mind Rejuvenating the life force To joyfully accept the day to day Happenings of good and bad alike   28-04-21. villa 166,Serene Pelican by Columbia Pacific Communities Anna.Mohan-A.Ramasami

It is a MAN’s world alright! That is what you are reminded at every stage in life. We distribute sweets at the birth of a baby boy and shed tears when a girl is born especially if she happens to be the second or third girl in a row. I was fortunate to have parents who accepted me as the third girl baby and even considered me lucky because my brother came after three years. And two more followed. Unlike most middle class homes where boys  went to more privileged higher fee charging schools than the girls did, we all went to the same good schools. Like my brothers my youngest sister chose science and math a as major subjects and I chose social science of my own preference. We breached the usual practice of engineering for boys and soft careers for girls.   Then comes the major hurdle in life. Boys see the  likely bride to be in formal settings and accept or reject the proposal. Thank God times are changing and girls are beginning to have a say even in arranged marriages at least in educated families. Yet the man remains the head of the family the final decision maker. Even in the senior citizens residential complex I live in, there is no end to the tales of male domination and female subjugation in marriage partnership. Note that at every socio economic level it is the woman who holds the family together and keeps things going in crises situations regardless of whether she is a home maker only or is also employed. I have often seen men fall apart in a crisis situation while women often gather an inner strength and carry on. However gender socialisation runs so deep that it is the man who is considered the head of the family. I have often  been asked “where is Saab?”  when going to register property in my name or call a carpenter to fix a furniture.   Then come the twilight years. Often it is  the stronger sex  that departs  first leaving the lady partner behind. It is amazing to see how this so called weaker sex the dependent  women come on their own and manage to carry on at times expressing their assertive selves hidden so far. At the same time when it is the man who is left behind I find the widower quite lost finding it hard to cope without a partner.A widow is expected to cope on her own whereas a man is permitted a second and even a third wife if the earlier ones depart. A man cannot cope alone. He needs a companion at every age!   Can we break the circle of gender socialisation? Of course we can and in some families we do. Yet it is often that women themselves are women’s worst enemies because they play an active role in perpetuating the myth of male superiority and that of women being the weaker sex instead of standing up and being counted.   T.S.Saraswathi Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities Block 4 706.

A lot of credit for making a fulfilled life possible goes to my grandmother and my parents. Right from my early years my grand mother and mother instilled in me the value of education and the importance of learning to stand on one’s own feet. My grand mother always said” your hands should be held high to give , never in supplication to take” .Whether you marry or not you have to have an independent income. You may have three brothers but never be dependent on anyone. That stood me in good stead throughout my life.   All the same it was never easy. Despite the family support , at every stage I had to run twice as fast as men to be in par, as life showed that it is a Mans world. As an attractive young girl one had to learn early to protect oneself from the groping hands  of men who tried to take advantage of a child’s innocence. Strangely, danger did not lurk in the form of strange men but men known to the family, at times even close relatives .I clearly recall the strategy that my friends and I had while travelling in Chennai buses and trains as students to keep at bay wandering hands of male passengers . We had a sharp edged umbrella handle tucked under our elbows to poke any anatomical detail that brushed against us. That was convenient and sure worked!   In then male dominated  coed colleges after the initial reluctance to speak up in class one learnt to shed ones inhibitions encouraged by teachers and soon realising that we were smarter learners than our male counterparts!At work as a lecturer and then a university professor while there was absolutely no problem with students one had to learn to assert oneself with male colleagues very representative  of the patriarchal world. In order to be heard one learnt to speak up, to speak loud, even yelling if necessary at meetings where male dominance was the order of the day. Yet in mixed group research collaborations this was seldom a problem . The male colleagues in the group,  especially when from abroad, recognised our contribution and respected our views. That toned down the Indian male colleagues!   As for publications in national and international journals the blind peer review system that was followed eliminated the male bias .My work was recognised for its value not because of my gender. Hence name and fame followed . This enabled me to travel all over the world for conferences ,teaching, and collaborative work opening the windows of ones mind. Incidentally one came to realise that male dominance was not India’s monopoly though it was better disguised abroad.   However, one must admit that there was a price to pay for the rewards of independence and achievement. Having seen the male dominance in the family, despite otherwise progressive attitudes, one became wary of the submissive role expected of women in marriage. Hence no partner seemed to suitable and egalitarian enough resulting in a lonely path of ones own choice. Well as a  Jyotish  once commented on seeing my horoscope, “ Good you did not marry. Otherwise because of your independent nature you would have been a divorcee” !   T.S.Saraswathi Serene Urbana by Columbia Pacific Communities . Bangalore 4 706