A trip with your grandchildren is a delightful way to connect with them. It gives you the perfect opportunity to get away from a busy schedule and spend one-on-one time together. Having said that, travelling with children can be challenging. But if you plan well, it can be the most memorable moment for you and your grandkids. Here are some tips for a hassle-free trip with your grandkids curated by one of the leading senior citizen homes in India:    1.Plan the vacation together: The best way to create the itinerary is to involve the kids. Encourage them to look for activities they want to do. Share activities and places you wish to see. When your grandkids will pick their own activities, they are likely to be more invested. Moreover, when they know the itinerary well, the expectation setting is done. They are less likely to complain when you are out for activities of your choice.   2. Plan a group tour designed for grandparents and grandchildren: Even if you are the most active grandparent, you too would require occasional breathers.  Keeping up with the pace of energetic children can be physically tough when you are on your own. To make things a bit easier for you, either take guided group tours for grandparents and grandchildren or travel with your friends and their grandchildren. This way all the adults can look out for the kids.   3. Make a realistic plan: Depending on the ages of your grandchildren, take into account nap times and bathroom stops. Also, plan for logistics when going to places that require a lot of walking.   4. Pack light and smart: If you are travelling with grandchildren who are quite young, you may want to downsize your own luggage. Make sure that you carry what is necessary. For instance, while it is a good idea to bring colour books and toys along, limit the number of items. Note: Keep their favourite snacks handy. If you are staying in a homestay, you can cook for your grandkids. Simple and familiar foods can reduce the chances of your grandkids falling ill during the trip.   5. Be considerate of each other’s space: Whether you are travelling with young children or adolescents, they need some space. Make hotel arrangements in such a way that you and your grandchildren get some ‘me-time’.   6. Keep parents in the loop: Throughout your trip, keep sending the photos, videos, and texts, to the parents. If it is a long trip, schedule calls so that grandchildren do not feel homesick. It is  especially important to keep parents updated if a child gets hurt or there is a medical emergency.   Are you looking for senior citizen homes in India?    If you are searching in the internet with phrases such as ‘senior living complexes near me’ or ‘senior citizen homes’, explore our senior living communities. Living in one of our premium senior citizen homes in India puts you at a distinct advantage as you get to live the lifestyle you want. Our welcoming community is ideal for those who value their independence, comfort  and peace of mind. All our senior citizen homes have a clubhouse, which is the favourite meeting place for cultural events, workout sessions, and indoor games. We also have fitness facilities such as senior-friendly gyms, swimming pools, and dedicated areas for outdoor sports.  From cultural programmes and art workshops to outings, our senior citizen homes in India organise diverse activities. To know more about our amenities and services, call us  at +918884555554.  

Today, seniors are embracing new forms of entertainment. From watching movies on streaming sites and playing games on tablets to attending virtual concerts in different cities – media consumption habits are changing rapidly for seniors. One channel that has gained immense popularity amongst seniors are podcasts – they are streamable and downloadable audio entertainment. They are easy for on-the-go listening like a radio. However, unlike a radio, these audio programs are delivered through the internet and can be accessed on computers, smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. Given the growing popularity of podcasts, it is not surprising to know that India is the third largest consumer of podcasts.   As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of engaging and interesting podcasts. Check this list:    Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd: If you are looking for something lighthearted and yet thoughtful, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd is the perfect podcast for you. The host interviews celebrities on his show. The interviews usually revolve around the “messiness of being human” and the struggles that help define a celebrity’s life. Stuff You Should Know: If you are looking for humour, knowledge, and short content, you will find ‘Stuff you should know’ interesting and engaging. The hosts talk about everything under the sun – from the history of traffic signals to how the Nobel Prize works. They also have ‘Short Stuff’ – where each episode is of 10 minutes to 15 minutes.  The Daily Quote: If you love to start your day on a positive note, this podcast will put you in a good mood. There are 2 to 3 minutes of positive quotes and thoughts. They are great to give your mornings a positive beginning or to find a sense of calm when things are not going well.  Tech Tutor for Seniors: Do you wish to stay in touch with your family and friends through video calls and social media but struggle with technology? Well, Tech Tutor for Seniors will help you navigate the ever- changing technology landscape. From using smartphones and fitness bands to understanding video chatting – the podcast will help you understand technology and how to use it the right way. Tech Tutor for Seniors is hosted by a senior who wishes to defy the stereotypes surrounding baby boomers and technology.   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes that promote positive ageing?    At our premium retirement homes in India, we truly believe that age is just a number. Our senior citizen homes are designed in a way that encourages our seniors to stay active physically and socially. All our senior citizen homes in India have age-appropriate gyms and dedicated jogging and walking paths. There are daily yoga and aerobic sessions and walking groups. The monthly calendar is full of activities and events that give plenty of opportunities to our seniors to get to know each other and socialise. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

The only constant in life, is change – the older people get, the truer that statement becomes. Learning to live with the physical changes that ageing brings is also a part of becoming wiser. As people age, their hair colour and texture also change. To keep hair looking healthy after the 50s, one needs to follow a good hair care regimen. As a leading provider of services to senior citizen communities in India, we share a few hair care tips for seniors:  Using the right shampoo: With age, hair loses pigment cells which in turn causes hair to turn grey or a dingy yellow. Cleansers that contain chemicals can further cause hair colour to fade and cause dryness, breakage, and split ends. To prevent ageing hair from damage, seniors should use cleansers and hair products that are mild and use natural ingredients instead of chemicals. Healthy diet: It has been found that Vitamin E, C, Iron, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hair health as they promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Seniors should add almonds, spinach, salmon, eggs, and oatmeal to their daily meals to support hair growth.   Avoid washing hair too frequently: Washing hair frequently removes natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle. Seniors need not shampoo every day – skipping a day or two between washing hair is good for hair. Leave-in conditioners, also known as co-wash, can also eliminate the need for daily shampooing for seniors.  Use lukewarm water to wash hair: Washing hair keeps the scalp clean and protects it against skin infections. However, using hot water can leave the scalp and hair dry – it strips the scalp of its natural oils.  Get a haircut regularly: For seniors, one of the best ways to keep hair manageable is to regularly go for grooming sessions. Also, they should choose a comfortable hairstyle that is easy to care for. Seniors can work with a hair expert to choose hairstyles that are face-flattering and at the same time, easy to maintain.     Looking for senior citizen homes where you can maintain your independence while enjoying all the benefits of community living? Explore our senior citizen homes that are designed to enrich the next chapter in your retirement life. With state-of-the-art amenities and a caring team, we are there for you every step of the way to help you enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Some of the services offered include 24/7 security services, concierge services, laundry, daily meals, 24/7 preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work, emergency care with 24/7 ambulance service, and doctor-on-call. To find out more about the services offered and the average cost of a retirement home, call us at +91 8884555554.

“What you seek is seeking you.” ― Rumi   As people age, they not only seek physical, emotional, and intellectual wellness but also spiritual wellness. But what is spiritual wellness and why does it matter to seniors? Spiritual wellbeing means seeking life’s meaning and purpose and understanding the values, beliefs, and morals that guide your everyday actions. Many studies have found that patients who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook towards life than those who are not spiritually inclined. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we share a few insights on activities that can help seniors practise spiritual wellness:  Practise breathing exercises: Meditative breathing exercises help seniors gain awareness of the body. For many, breathing exercises are like a form of silent prayer. The practice of breathing consciously and with intent helps one calm their mind and body.  Be thankful: When seniors look for positivity in everyday things, they add meaning to their lives. For many seniors, being grateful is equivalent to being in a state of bliss. Gratitude allows them to see value and virtue in everything. Keeping a gratitude journal, appreciating family, friends and others for little things, and sending thank you notes to loved ones are some simple ways to look for blessings in life.  Unleash creativity: Spirituality does not have to be a religious pursuit. Creativity is a powerful force that helps a wandering mind to concentrate on a particular thing. Creativity is contemplative awareness that encourages people to pause and think about the mystery of life. Seniors can express themselves creatively through art, writing, dance, pottery, and painting.  Reading spiritual literature: For many seniors, reading spiritual books is an extended part of their daily meditation session.  Feel nature’s bliss: Being out in nature gives one a feeling of pure bliss. It may not be possible for seniors to walk on a beach or go on hiking trips every day. But they can appreciate what they have around them – they can walk in the park and smell the fresh cut grass, admire beautiful flowers, or listen to birds calling out to one another. Our senior citizen homes are designed to encourage physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual wellness. Our senior citizen homes have green open spaces where residents can meditate, practise yoga, and enjoy quiet mornings watching flowers bloom. To know the average cost of a retirement home per month, call us at +91 88845 55554.

Following a healthy lifestyle is the key to living a healthy and a longer life. A Harvard study has found that following healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, never smoking, exercising regularly, moderate alcohol consumption, and keeping a healthy weight can result in disease-free living. The study analysed more than 38,000 men for 28 years and 73,000 women for 34 years. The results showed that the women who practised four or five of the healthy habits lived an average of 34.4 more years free of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, compared to women who adopted none of the healthy lifestyle changes. The study also found that men who adopted four or five of the healthy habits lived 31.1 years free of chronic disease.    However, following a healthy lifestyle is often easier said than done. Finding the motivation every day to follow the healthy habits as recommended by your doctor can be tough. As one of the leading senior citizen homes, we share some practical strategies to help you make the lifestyle changes suggested by your doctor:    1. Get involved in self-care: Self-care will encourage you to adopt healthy habits. For instance, if your doctor has recommended a new diet to control your blood glucose levels, seek help from a trained nutritionist who can help you with a customised diet plan that satisfies your taste buds and keeps you healthy.    2. Take  small steps and be realistic about your goals: Making a lifestyle change can be challenging, especially when your doctor makes several recommendations. You must remember that lifestyle changes take time. So, make realistic plans and break them down into smaller yet achievable goals. Weekly goals or monthly goals are a great way to stay motivated.    3. Be kind to yourself: In your journey towards a change, there will be occasional lapses such as a missed workout or a diet slip-up. While it is important to stick to a healthy lifestyle, it is also important to relax occasionally. If there are missteps, pick yourself from there and get back on track.    4. Find fun ways to follow doctor’s recommendations: Incorporating fun activities into your daily routine can help you stay on track with your health goals. For instance, if your doctor has advised you to spend more time on daily exercises, you can join a dance class or plan a virtual exercise routine with your family and friends. Pairing healthy behaviour with small treats can be effective.   Looking for a senior living community in India that supports overall well-being?  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we encourage our residents to lead a healthy lifestyle. Fitness is an integral part of our residents’ lives. Apart from a fully equipped senior friendly gym we host different types of group activities like yoga classes, meditation programs and aerobics classes that make it easier for our residents to stay physically active. To know about the best retirement home plans, call us at +91 8884555554.

As 2021 comes to a close, it is time to start focussing on goals and aims for the next twelve months. The best way to create meaningful New Year’s resolutions is to first know what your goals are. As goals are central to keeping you motivated and will affect your behaviour in a positive manner. If your goals are centred around overall wellness, here is a useful read on easy and healthy resolutions that can boost your health and quality of life:    1. Engage in a variety of physical activities:  From yoga and household chores to muscle-building exercises – there are different types of physical activities that seniors can benefit from. In addition to boosting the heart, strengthening muscles, and improving balance and flexibility, regular physical activities can speed up the wound-healing process in seniors.  Note: Always perform a new exercise regimen under the guidance of an expert trainer. Do not exert yourself initially. Introduce one new form of exercise at a time and avoid going overboard.  2. Eat more nutrient-dense foods: Eat smaller meals and eat more nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds so that your body gets the right nourishment. Start your day right with a healthy breakfast. Something as simple as a bowl of cereal with fresh fruits will give you a solid start to the day. Also, keep an eye on your saturated food intake.  3. Drink more water:  Water not only quenches our thirst, but also boosts cell health, regulates body temperature, and aids the digestive system. If you are not drinking the recommended amount of water per day, use a mobile app for reminders to help you form a habit. You can also add flavour to your drinking water by adding fresh fruits to your water such as lemon, cucumber, and mint.  4. Break a bad habit: One great way to start the new year is to break a bad habit such as smoking, spending hours on the mobile phone, and skipping meals. When breaking a bad habit, always set a realistic goal. Do not write a quick list as you will not be able to break a habit in the first week of 2022. Set short-term and long-term goals for yourself and be more conscious about them.  5. Learn something new: Being intellectually engaged is good for your mental and emotional health. A study found that seniors who engage in hobbies such as quilting or digital photography had more memory improvement than those who did not. This new year, identify your interest areas and learn something new.    Searching for senior citizen homes that prioritise overall wellness?  At Columbia Pacific Communities, we are committed to providing a holistic approach to your physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Our senior citizen homes in India are designed to encourage seniors to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest. To book a tour of our retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Whether it is starting a community garden or using reusable items, there is a lot that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle has numerous personal and social benefits. As a leading senior living community operator, we share with you some ideas that will help you get started: Eat food that is produced locally: Eating local food is good for your health as well as the environment. Seasonal fruits and vegetables do not require artificial ripening, making them a better option for your health and environment. Also, eating locally produced fruits and vegetables reduces food miles. The term ‘food miles’ refers to the distance between the place where the food is produced and the place where it is consumed. The more the food miles, the greater the carbon emissions due to storage, refrigeration, and transportation. Walk to run errands: When running short-distance errands, do not drive your car. Instead, walk your errands. It is good for the environment as well as your physical health. However, make sure that you do not overexert yourself. Reduce wastage: When buying fruits and vegetables, carry your own shopping bag to reduce the consumption of plastic. Buy sustainable products: Instead of buying products made of plastic, buy products in reusable steel bottles, bamboo straws, glass storage containers. Use reusable dishcloths instead of paper towels. Up your recycling game: Before throwing away things, ask yourself if they can be reused or recycled. Instead of throwing away old clothes and shoes, donate them to local charities. Send old electronic items to electronic shops that have recycling facilities. Adopt a paper-free lifestyle: Take printouts only when needed. Try paying bills online. Access bills and bank statements online. In case you need to file, either download it on your phone or take a screenshot of it. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use: Though it seems like the most basic advice, leaving your electrical appliances on standby can increase your electricity consumption. Unplug electrical devices when not in use. Also, insulate your home so that you can reduce your energy consumption on heating and cooling. Encourage composting: Composting is an easy process that takes plant and kitchen waste and turns them into food for plants. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill. Start a small garden: Start with a small garden, this way you can have home-grown vegetables and flowers. You can also make compost for them at home. Use eco-friendly personal care products: Cleansers, conditioners, soaps, and other personal care products contain various chemicals that are washed down the drain and end up in groundwater. Use eco-friendly products that do not contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Use water efficiently: Use highly efficient taps in the bathrooms and kitchens to reduce water waste. You can also use flow restrictors. Also, be mindful of turning off the tap water while shaving or brushing your teeth.    Seniors are paying more attention to green practices. This includes searching for senior living communities promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. For example, they prefer moving to retirement homes that have battery-operated cars for residents to travel easily within the community. Are you considering moving to a senior living community?  As India’s leading senior living community operator, we offer premium community living spaces for independent seniors. Our retirement homes have senior-friendly villas, apartments, and row houses across south India. To know more about our senior citizen homes and the services that we offer, call us at +91 8884555554.

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” ― Mason Cooley With people travelling less for different reasons, many are seeking different ways to experience faraway places. And reading travel books is a great way to scratch the travel itch while remaining indoors. As one of the leading  senior citizen homes in India, we share with you 5 armchair travel books that will set you around the world:    1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: The book has a shepherd as a protagonist who travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure. The book befittingly shows that the journey is more important than the destination.  It beautifully captures the journey of the protagonist and his realisation that the real treasure is all about pursuing one’s dreams. Filled with inspirational quotes such as “When you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” and “One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving” – the book is ideal for those who love travelling, adventure, and courage.    2. Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story by Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler: Whether you are planning to travel to London or a faraway exotic location, if there is one travel guide that helps you with useful information, it is a Lonely Planet Guide. This book tells you the story behind how Lonely Planet Publications became the world’s largest independent guidebook publisher. Authors share amusing and funny anecdotes from their travelling experience. Though it is not a conventional travel book, it is engaging and has a few interesting lessons on building a bootstrapped business.    3. Less  by Andrew Sean Greer: The Pulitzer Prize winning book, Less is a quirky and funny novel. The book’s eponymous protagonist, Arthur Less, goes on a madcap global adventure in a bid to avoid attending a wedding. This hilarious novel is not just a travelogue where you follow the character around the globe, but it is also an exploration of a myriad emotions.    4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert: The book will take you on a journey that you will never forget. Written in a delightfully witty manner, this book touches many emotions without going overboard. Though it is a memoir of travel and personal discovery in Italy, Indonesia, and India, the book has inspired many to travel and rediscover themselves. An enjoyable read, the travel memoir has some interesting quotes on life and spirituality.  Regarding spirituality, Gilbert writes, “We do not realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.” On life, she says, “You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.”    5. Vagabonding by Rolf Potts: A tad different from other travel books, this amazing book delves into long-term travel.  The author, who spent 10 years on the road, shares valuable insights and practical information on how to discover and experience the world. It has practical tips on planning life on the road and saving money while achieving the dream of travelling around the world.    For more book recommendations for seniors, watch this space.  People who read every day are constantly learning new things. As a leading senior living community operator, we understand the importance of reading for seniors. All our communities have a well-stocked library and our residents cherish the time they spend amidst books. To know more about our senior citizen homes and services, call us at +91 8884555554.

For many seniors, retirement represents an opportunity to pursue long-held hobbies they never had time to fully explore. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in India, we have curated a list of 10 fun classes that seniors can take after retirement. All these classes can be taken in person or online.   Learn a foreign language: Learning a new language is fun at any age. Attending language classes can help you meet new people and learn about new cultures and customs.  Dance class: Dance classes are a great way to get your daily dose of cardio workout while you move and groove to your favourite music. From Classical, Ballet and Kathak, to Zumba —- there is a wide range of dance forms that you can start learning.  Gardening classes: Whether you want to start your own kitchen garden or have a few pots on the balcony, learning gardening can be fun. There are many online gardening classes that help you understand the basics of gardening techniques and garden layout.  Painting classes: Do you like to paint or want to take up painting as a hobby? You can enroll in painting classes to learn fabric painting, glass painting, freehand sketching, and block painting.   Learn photography: Whether you want to learn the fundamentals of photography or want to hone your existing skills, there are several online and offline classes you can take. These classes can help you learn useful tips and tricks to make your photos stand out.  Writing class: Writing can be a great creative outlet for seniors. Whether you want to start a blog or write a novel, a writing class is a great place to start with.  Learn a craft: Whether it’s knitting, woodwork, pottery or quilting, learning a new craft can help you find a hidden talent.  Music lessons: There is no age to learn music. Whether you want to take up vocal music or learn to play a musical instrument, it is never too late either to pick up the thread where you left or start all over again.  Acting lessons: If you love to act, taking an acting lesson is a great opportunity to learn from experienced actors.  Computer classes: Whether you want to stay in touch with your family and friends via social media or just want to learn how to navigate your laptop or computer for day-to-day activities, a computer class is a great way to keep abreast with the latest technologies.  As a leading senior living community operator, we make sure that our retirement homes in India are perfect for seniors who are looking to make the most of their retirement years. Daily chores of our residents are handled by a team of professionals, so our residents can do more of what they love. It could be arts and crafts, playing or attending morning yoga classes, or going on excursions. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

Congratulations! Finally, you are entering the phase of your life that you have been working hard for and looking forward to. However, with no professional commitment, you may be wondering what to do after retirement. Well, new retirees, fret not. As a leading senior living operator, we share with you 15 retirement ideas that are fun and meaningful:  Spend quality time with friends and family: Plan for dinner parties with your friends, schedule weekend outings with your grandkids and catch up with school and college friends over a cup of coffee. When you are retired, there are ample opportunities to have fun with your near and dear ones.  Volunteer in the community: Volunteering is a great way to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Not just that, it is a great way to meet new people and increase social interactions after retirement.  Start a business: Why not work for yourself? Use your years of experience and wisdom to start your own business. From financial consultation to starting your own baking business, there are immense opportunities to pursue after retirement.  Learn a new language: Learning a new language is not just good for your cognitive development but also helps you make friends from different cultures. Join a photography class: If you love getting behind the lens, joining a photography class can be a good idea to learn new techniques.  Travel near and far: This is something that all retirees wish to do after retirement. When you have all the time, you can explore new destinations. You can live in a foreign country for a while or visit places nearby.  Connect with your spiritual self: Including some spiritual activities in your day can deepen your sense of meaning and purpose. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, being part of a spiritual community or simply getting out in nature can help you appreciate the small moments of joy and happiness. Find your inner artist: Tap into your creative side through drawing, painting, sculpting, and woodworking.  Start gardening: Gardening is a great way to get some exercise and connect with nature. Start with low-maintenance plants and then up your game.  Start a blog: Writing can be quite therapeutic. If you enjoy writing, start writing a blog and share your thoughts with others.  Write a book: If you love putting your thoughts into words, write a book. You never know, you could be the next best-selling author! Participate in sports: Participate in swimming, cycling, table tennis, badminton, squash or any other sport activity that interests you. It is a great way to remain active and have fun with friends.  Sign up for a dance class: Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways of moving around and keeping fit. Kathak, Salsa, Ballet, and Jazz are some of the great dance forms to learn. Dancing also helps you stay fit.  Mentor students: With the wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained over your lifetime, mentoring less-privileged students can be a great use of your time.  Start a hobby group on social media channels:  Whether you love quilting or collecting stamps, starting a hobby on social media is a great way to meet people who share similar interests. You can share your work with others and get inspired by others.  If you are looking for independent senior citizen apartments, explore our retirement communities in India. At our retirement communities, you will get to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle as daily and periodic cleaning, maintenance of individual living spaces and common areas daily housekeeping, and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance are all taken care of. Our retirement communities give you the perfect opportunity to enjoy your retirement years the way you wish to.