Romantic movies are often guilty pleasures for people, both young and old. While new movies are added into the genre almost every day, there are some timeless classics that almost everyone loves to watch. As one of the best retirement homes in Pondicherry, we share a list of some classic romantic movies for seniors to watch and enjoy. 1. First up, we have “An Affair to Remember,” a classic that transcends generations and remains close to the hearts of many. Directed by Leo McCarey and starring the suave Cary Grant alongside the mesmerising Deborah Kerr, the film is an ode to destiny, love, and serendipity. The storyline, based around a love-struck couple who meet aboard a cruise and pledge to reunite atop New York’s iconic Empire State Building after six months, resonates profoundly with older audiences. The emotional climaxes of the film serve as both a throwback to a bygone era and a testimony to the enduring power of love, making it particularly poignant for seniors. 2. Equally enchanting is “Roman Holiday,” a movie that blends romance with elements of comedy and adventure. Audrey Hepburn dazzles as a rebellious princess, alongside Gregory Peck’s performance as a knowing yet compassionate journalist. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rome, this cinematic masterpiece goes beyond the clichés to examine love in its purest form. The movie manages to transport viewers back to the golden age of Hollywood, where the on-screen romance was as spellbinding as it was innocent. It is an escape from reality and a return to a time of both cinematic and actual simplicity. 3. Then, we have “The Way We Were,” starring the phenomenal Barbra Streisand and the ever-charismatic Robert Redford. The movie does not offer a fairy-tale romance but instead serves as a bittersweet reflection on love’s complexities. Tracing the life journey of Katie and Hubbell, two souls from opposite walks of life, the film explores the challenges and transformations that love undergoes over time. For seniors, this evocative narrative serves as a contemplative window into their own past relationships, invoking a sense of nostalgia and sometimes, lessons learned. 4. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” offers yet another scintillating perspective on love. Featuring Audrey Hepburn in her iconic role as Holly Golightly, the movie delves into the intricacies of searching for identity and love in the bustling streets of New York City. Holly’s vivacious character and her evolving relationship with her enchanting neighbour create a story that is not just romantic, but also profoundly human. The movie’s unforgettable score and Hepburn’s standout performance make it a must-watch at any age, but it holds special significance for seniors, who can appreciate the timeless grace it encapsulates. 5. “Gone with the Wind” is an epic romance set during the American Civil War. With Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable bringing to life the fiery Scarlett O’Hara and the roguish Rhett Butler, the film is a melodramatic saga that explores love against a backdrop of historical upheaval. The movie’s magnificent storytelling has captivated audiences for generations and remains a favourite amongst seniors who value love’s enduring strength even in the face of adversity. 6. Last but not least is “The Apartment,” which explores love’s transformative power through the life of Bud Baxter, an aspiring executive who finds himself at a moral crossroads when he falls for Fran Kubelik, an elevator operator. The movie artfully intertwines themes of loneliness, ambition, and the ultimate redemption that only love can provide. It strikes a chord with seniors not just because of its compelling storytelling, but also because it addresses the universality of human emotions across ages. Leading retirement homes in India often host movie nights for their residents. A movie night in a retirement home is not just an evening of passive entertainment. It becomes a social event, an opportunity for residents to come together as a community and share experiences.  Looking for the best retirement homes in Pondicherry that promote positive ageing? Explore our retirement homes in Pondicherry. Our vision of positive ageing is a multi-dimensional one that acknowledges the rich tapestry of experiences, desires, and abilities of our residents. We are committed to creating a harmonious environment where seniors can explore this rewarding phase of life with enthusiasm and dignity. To know more, call us at  +91 8884555554. 

Cooking nutritious meals at home can promote healthy eating. As you age, learning new recipes can make mealtimes interesting. If you are interested in basic cooking or learning new dishes,  joining cooking classes can help sharpen your culinary skills and knowledge. These classes will offer new ideas when it comes to food making and presentation. As one of the leading retirement homes in Pondicherry, we share with you some useful insights on benefits of cooking classes: 1. Control over ingredients: One of the biggest benefits of joining cooking classes is that you get to learn more about healthy ingredients. The benefit of joining cooking classes is that you will get to learn how to include more nutrient dense foods and control ingredients without compromising much on taste. It has been found eating home-cooked meals more frequently was associated with better dietary quality.   2. Variety of dishes: With age, the sense of taste tends to decline. A varied diet can make mealtimes more appetising. Moreover, having a varied diet can ensure that you get a greater range of the nutrients that your body needs. This may lead to overall better health. When you take cooking classes, you learn to use ingredients that you have never bought or do not usually buy. With cooking classes, it becomes easy to learn different recipes based around new ingredients. This allows you to cook dishes that you have never made before.   3. Appetite appeal: When you attend cooking classes, you gain the skills to turn even a simple meal into a photographic masterpiece. Moreover, cooking is a sensory activity. When you handle and smell the ingredients, you will look forward to the meal time.   4. Confidence in the kitchen: Whether you are new to cooking or have been cooking for years, creating new dishes can boost your confidence in the kitchen. Even if you have no experience of cooking, learning a new skill can be quite rewarding and fulfilling.   5. Social engagement:  Just like any other hobby class, cooking classes present the perfect opportunity to meet new people and make friends. If you are looking for a stress-free and fun time, you can join cooking classes with your friends, family, and even grandchildren. It can be a perfect time for bonding. After cooking classes, you and your friends can take turns to host dinner parties.   6. Master recipes:  There are many gifts you can give your family. Family recipes are one of those. Before passing on family recipes, taking cooking classes can help to perfect recipes that you can recreate for your family. These recipes can make it on the weekly menu and you can teach your children and grandchildren how to make them.   Enjoy a great culinary experience at our retirement homes in Puduherry If you are searching with phrases such as “retirement homes in ” and “senior retirement communities near me” online, explore Serene Pelican by Columbia Pacific.  As one of the leading retirement homes in Pondicherry, we believe that healthy, nourishing food does not have to be boring. Mealtime is a lively social affair in our retirement homes as you can join other residents in our restaurant-style dining halls.  To know more about our services and amenities, call us at +918884555554.    

A simple definition of lifelong learning is that it is “development after formal education: the continuing development of knowledge and skills that people experience after formal education and throughout their lives.”  Lifelong learning offers a host of benefits to people as they age – from reducing the risk of cognitive decline and making new social connections to coping with age-related decline. As one of the leading retirement homes in Pondicherry, we encourage our residents to expand their knowledge and skills through various creative and mentally stimulating activities. In addition to conducting activities such as art and craft sessions, we host Sanskrit classes, Carnatic music classes and other activities that help our residents learn new skills. We have a well-stocked library and reading clubs where our residents can learn new things and share their knowledge with other like-minded residents. Here we discuss why lifelong learning is important for ageing well: Keeps brain active: As people grow older, their body shows signs of slowing down. From feeling tired to “slips of the mind” – ageing affects a person’s health in different ways. Learning a new skill helps seniors ward off age-related cognitive decline and a growing body of evidence suggests the same. According to a research by Baycrest Health Sciences, learning to play a musical instrument has a positive effect on an individual’s listening and hearing skills. Boosts confidence: Whether you are trying to pick up a new language or learning to knit, it makes you feel good about yourself and boosts your self- confidence. As you grow older, you tend to lose your self-confidence, become more withdrawn and less active. But when you learn a new skill, it reminds you that you are still capable of accomplishing new things. Expands social circle: When you are attending a class or a lecture, you find yourself surrounded by people with similar interests. As you grow older, your social circle tends to get smaller. Learning a new skill gives you the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new social connections. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we make it easy for our residents to get involved in lifelong learning opportunities. Get in touch with our team to know more about our senior living facilities in India. Interesting Read – Best Retirement Homes in India are Helping Seniors Find Happiness and Meaning with Ageing