Traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional and physical well-being. Though trauma can leave lasting effects, there are ways to deal with it. If you are looking for information on how to move on from a painful experience, here is a useful read. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful insights on dealing with traumatic events in life. Be patient with yourself: After experiencing a traumatic event, it is common to feel anxious and emotionally distressed. Recovery from trauma is a gradual process, and there is no set timeline for healing. Be kind to yourself as you analyse the situation and sort out your feelings. Stick to your routine: Try to maintain the routine you had before the traumatic event, even if that feels difficult. After the event, your eating and exercise habits might have changed and you might even find it hard to sleep. Make self-care a priority. Get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. You can also set small and achievable goals for yourself each day, such as completing a task or activity that you enjoy. Try self-care activities:  Regular exercise can improve your mood, lower stress, and anxiety levels, and enhance your overall well-being. Try to participate in activities that you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing. You can also try relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and aromatherapy to calm the mind, lower anxiety, and improve sleep. Participate in activities that let you express yourself such as drawing, journaling, or playing musical instruments. The creative expression might assist you in processing and letting go of difficult emotions. Spending time outdoors in nature can also reduce anxiety and improve emotional and physical health. Speak to others: You can speak to other people who have experienced similar traumatic events. However, it is important to note that people recover and react to the same events in different ways. So, try not to compare your own recovery to someone else’s. Read More – Positive ageing for senior citizens: How to make positive affirmations work for you? Ask for support: After a traumatic experience, you may find it easier to deal with your emotions if you ask for help from friends and family. They may be able to assist you with daily tasks, provide emotional support, or simply spend time with you doing things you enjoy. Consider seeking professional help: For the first few months following a traumatic event, you might want to pay attention to how you are feeling. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should speak to your doctor. Your doctor can assess your emotional needs and provide referrals to mental health professionals who specialise in trauma treatment. Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai? Explore our senior citizen homes in Chennai. Our senior living communities are designed to help you live the way you always have – with independence, meaning, purpose in life, and connection with others. You will find a wide range of community spaces, designed for you to gather and connect with other residents, your family, and friends. Also, you will find a variety of facilities, services, and activities to help you socialise in a way that works for you. To know more about our senior living communities in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

From improved physical and mental well-being to better cognitive function – there are numerous benefits of healthy habits for seniors. Leading senior citizen homes in Chennai promote healthy habits through various means. They have on-site facilities such as gyms, activity rooms, and hobby clubs which provide seniors with the opportunity to exercise regularly and maintain good mental health. As one of the leading retirement homes in Chennai, we share with you some useful tips  on starting a new healthy habit: Understand the components of habits: Some of the components of habits are: Cues: A trigger is the stimulus that initiates a behaviour or action. Creating a specific trigger or cue can help you start and maintain a habit. For instance, if you want to develop reading as your hobby, you can select a specific time each day to dedicate to reading, such as before bed or after your lunch. Action: Action is a specific activity you want to do, such as going to gym once a week or walking after breakfast. It is important to be realistic with your goals and start the habits small. For instance, if you are not physically active for a while, start with a 10-minute walk every day and slowly increase it. Reward: Identifying a reward that is meaningful to you is one of the best ways to stay motivated in forming and sticking to a habit. Rewards motivate you and they come in different forms: emotional, physical, social, or psychological. Start small: Starting a new habit can seem intimidating, but it does not have to be! When attempting to make changes, the best approach is to start small. Breaking down big goals into achievable steps makes them much more manageable. Make it specific: When it comes to forming and sticking with a new habit, it is important to make sure that it is as specific as possible. If you want to exercise more, try setting a goal such as “I will go for a 30-minute walk every morning after breakfast.” Track your progress: Keeping track of your progress is a great way to stay on top of your goals and keep yourself motivated. You can write down your progress each day in a physical or digital journal. You can also use habit-tracking apps to track your progress. It is important to reflect on your progress regularly to see how far you have come and identify any obstacles that you need to overcome. Be consistent: Habits are repeated behaviours – so the more consistently you perform a behaviour, the more likely it is to become a habit. To be consistent, it is important to make an action plan and stick to it – performing the habit every day or at a regular time during the day or week. Doing so will ensure that habits become stronger and harder to break. The longer you consistently perform an action, the stronger the habit becomes, and the harder it is to break it. Read More – Seeds and their health benefits for seniors: insights curated by one of the premium retirement Homes in Bangalore Are you looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai? Explore our senior citizen homes in Chennai to enjoy a positive retirement lifestyle. We have various on-site facilities such as indoor games rooms, clubhouse, library, and gym that help promote healthy habits. Also, we conduct many social activities such as music sessions, dance workshops, and art classes to help seniors socialise and explore new hobbies. To know more about our senior citizen homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

For seniors, soup is an ideal comfort food. It is delicious, filling, and easy to digest. When made in a healthy way, soups are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. If you are looking for healthy soup recipes, here is a useful read for you. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated a list of soup recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and ideal for seniors:    1. Butternut squash soup:    Ingredients:   2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)  1 onion, chopped ½ teaspoon pink salt 1 butternut squash, peeled, and chopped 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced  ½ tablespoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 3 to 4 cups of vegetable broth Freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon coriander, chopped     How to make it?     Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and ginger and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the squash and cook until it becomes soft. Add rosemary and salt. Stir and cook for one minute then add 3 cups of the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook it until the squash is soft. Put it in a blender after it cools down. Blend until smooth. If your soup is too thick, add 1 more cup of vegetable broth and blend. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with coriander.  2. Lentil soup    Ingredients:    2 to 3 tbsp oil  1 medium onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped  3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons cumin powder  1 teaspoon curry powder 2 to 3 diced tomatoes 1 cup lentils (of your choice)  4 cups vegetable broth 2 cups water Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoons lemon juice    How to make it?    Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook until they are soft. Add garlic, cumin and curry powder. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they are soft. Add lentils, vegetable broth, water and salt. Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer the flame and cool for 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft and cooked. Let the mixture cool down. Blend in a mixer grinder until smooth. Pour the blended soup back into the pot and cook for 5 more minutes. Before serving, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and season it with salt and pepper (if needed).  3. Mushroom soup    Ingredients:    Butter 1 onion, chopped 1-2 garlic cloves, minced  250 gm mushrooms, sliced 2 tbsp plain flour 400 ml milk  450 ml vegetable stock 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander    How to make it?    Melt the butter in a pot over a low flame. Add chopped onion and garlic cloves. After 2 to 3 minutes, add the mushrooms to the pot and stir well. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute. Remove the pot from the heat and add the stock a little at a time. Stir continuously. Add the stock and place the pot again on the stove. Bring it to a boil. Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chopped coriander and add freshly ground black pepper to taste.    Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai with dining facilities? Explore our retirement communities   At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we ensure that the food served is healthy and nutritious. The menu is designed by a team of nutritionists who keep the nutritional needs of our residents in mind.  Hygiene is maintained in the kitchen and food service area. The F&B team organises regular meetings with our residents to seek their feedback. To know more about the services and facilities offered at our senior citizen homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Valentine’s Day is not just for couples – it is for everyone to celebrate. For seniors, it is the perfect day to show love and affection to their spouses, family, and friends. We have rounded up a few fantastic Valentine’s Day ideas for seniors that are sure to fill their hearts with love and joy:   Celebrate with good food: Whether you are celebrating with your spouse or your family, cooking a heart-warming meal is a great way to get the celebration started. If you find cooking tiresome, take your loved ones on a gastronomic journey at your favourite restaurant. Kick off a movie marathon: Pick out your favourite movies that you know your spouse or your family would like, and have a movie marathon. Include classics such as Casablanca, When Harry Met Sally, Mughal-e-Azam, or Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Do not forget the popcorn to make the movie-watching experience extravagant. Make it a self-care evening: For some seniors, Valentine’s Day can be a perfect day for self- care. Meditation is a great way to start Valentine’s Day on a positive note. Seniors can take some quiet time to reflect and meditate in the morning. Arrange an at-home spa experience and complete it with candles and calming music. Follow it up with an extravagant dinner. Indulge in hobbies: Pursuing a hobby can give seniors immense pleasure and can make Valentine’s Day extra special. From creating heart-shaped wall hangings, beautiful cardboard photo frames, and knitting heart patterns to baking heart-shaped cakes, there are many hobbies that help seniors and their loved ones enjoy the day thoroughly. Love knows no age at our senior living homes in Chennai We, at Serene Adinath and Serene Pushkar by Columbia Pacific, celebrate love in all its myriad forms and glory. Valentine’s Day at our senior living homes in Chennai is filled with fun and joy. We organise different group activities and contests where residents get opportunities to express themselves through photos, sketches, painting, and writing. To know more about our senior living homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Home is where seniors feel the safest and yet most accidents that need medical assistance happen at home. Tripping hazards, mislabelled medications, and slippery floors are some of the threats. However, there are many unseen indoor threats inside the house that can make seniors sick. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share a few useful insights on household hazards that can cause health complications and what can be done to avoid them:  1. Radon: People across the world are vulnerable to adverse health effects of radon at home. The radioactive radon gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It cannot be detected by human senses. Radon enters living spaces through cracks and gaps. Increased concentration levels of these gases are dangerous for the health of the  seniors. Ensuring adequate ventilation and sealing cracks and gaps with plaster, caulk, or other materials can help reduce radon levels. Also, use a radon testing tool to check the levels after the changes have been made.  2. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is another invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be a health hazard. When exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide, people may experience weakness, headache, blurred vision, and confusion. It can also lead to loss of consciousness, brain damage, or death. You can install carbon monoxide detectors to check the levels in check.  3. Mould: The presence of mould can cause symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache, itchy skin, and difficulty in breathing. Long-term exposure to mould spores can have a serious impact on even healthy individuals, but elderly persons are among those who are most at risk.  4. Poor water quality: Drinking water that contains heavy metals, biological contaminants, and chemicals can lead to serious health problems among seniors. Installing water filters is the best way to ensure steady supply of safe drinking water.  5. Pests:Cockroaches, rats, mice, and other pests are not just unsightly but also unhygienic. Seniors who are unable to keep their homes clean on their own are often vulnerable to pest infestations.    Looking for a senior living community that promotes a safe and healthy environment for its residents?    If you are looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai, check out our retirement communities. Our dedicated team of staff members take care of daily and periodic cleaning. They also maintain common areas and offer preventive maintenance for electrical and plumbing work.  In addition to on-site support services,  we offer a wide range of community facilities and a varied social calendar to help our residents enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

A good post-retirement investment option should not only grow your savings but also give you a regular income during your golden years. While selecting the investment plans after retirement, consider the following factors: a. Retirement goals b. Regular expenses  c. Consider all your income sources (pension, FDs, and interests) As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few useful tips to invest money after retirement: Options:  1. Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme: As the  name suggests, this scheme is for senior citizens (above 60). A government plan, the scheme was launched with the main aim to provide senior citizens a regular income once they turn 60. The scheme has a 5 year tenure which can be extended by three years once the scheme matures. It is not eligible for tax benefits under Section 80c of the Income Tax Act, but it allows early withdrawals. 2. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): A number of saving schemes are offered by branches of the Post Office under the purview of the finance ministry. The lock-in period is 5 years for the scheme. Once the scheme matures, the money can be reinvested. As it is a fixed income scheme, the money invested is not subject to market risks. Seniors can open more than one account and can nominate a beneficiary (a family member).  3. Bank fixed deposits (FDs): Many senior citizens prefer investing in bank fixed deposits because of the flexibility they offer. Senior citizens can open various fixed deposits with different tenures. Once the FD with the shortest term matures, it can be reinvested for the longest period. In the financial world, this is called a laddering technique that offers ease of investment without forgoing liquidity. Note: This above information does not intend to be or constitute financial advice. Before taking any financial decision, it is important to educate yourself about your retirement and wealth-management options. Always consult a financial advisor for expert advice.    Looking for paid senior citizen homes in Chennai?  A very important part of your retirement plan is to buy a retirement home. Modern senior citizen homes make living for the elderly far more secure and comfortable. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai are designed in a manner that helps senior citizens lead an active and healthy life. To know more about our senior citizen homes, call us at  +91 8884555554.

High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions among seniors. Poorly controlled blood pressure can cause heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems.  As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated ways to help seniors control their blood pressure:    1. Stay physically active: Light to moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, aerobics, yoga, and swimming can help seniors to have control over their blood pressure. Our senior citizen homes in Chennai have fully equipped gyms, jogging paths, and activity centres to help our residents lead a physically active lifestyle.  2. Reduce your daily salt intake: Over time, excessive salt intake can lead to hypertension. According to WHO, adults should consume less than 5 g of salt per day. Seniors should avoid processed foods and limit their intake of salty snacks. Also, they should avoid keeping a saltshaker on the table. When buying canned food items, seniors should buy items with ‘no-added salt’ labels. Also, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to daily meals can reduce their sodium intake.    At our senior retirement homes in Chennai, meals are prepared in accordance with the nutritional needs of residents. Prepared by expert chefs, the meals are delicious and cater to senior nutritional needs.   3. Get enough sleep: Getting less than six hours of sleep is known to be bad for health. It has been found that sleep deprivation and heart disease are closely linked. Here are some tips to get quality sleep:  Reduce blue light exposure in the evening Do not consume caffeine late in the day Try to sleep and wake up at the same time  Do not eat late in the evening Do not have heavy meals in the evening   Looking for senior citizen retirement homes in Chennai?   Check our senior retirement homes in Chennai where everything is designed keeping in mind your physical health and emotional well-being. From 24/7 security services and concierge services to in-house 24/7 staff available for breakdown or maintenance, we offer a wide range of senior-friendly amenities and facilities. To know more about our senior retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.

Retirement is the right time to learn to play a musical instrument. Learning to play an instrument is a constructive hobby for seniors, providing many physical and mental benefits such as –    It boosts mental health: It has been found that playing a musical instrument reduces the incidence of cognitive impairment. When seniors learn musical instruments, they have to remember the musical notes – which improves their memory skills. It acts as a stress reliever: Playing a musical instrument can alleviate stress.  It gives a sense of purpose: When seniors start learning to play a musical instrument, it gives them a direction or sense of purpose.  It offers an opportunity to socialise: Seniors who take part in group music sessions meet like-minded people and forge new friendships.    As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have curated a list of musical instruments that are great for senior citizens to learn:    1. Guitar: Seniors may face difficulties initially as they have to coordinate their fingers to create a firm grip on the strings. However, with practice, they will see improvement in their performance. One of the key benefits of learning guitar is improved fine motor skills. It is also good for mental health as it offers therapeutic benefits such as improved emotional strength and reduced stress.    2. Drums:  Drums are the right musical instrument for seniors who are looking for a musical instrument that helps them express their emotions and feelings. It has been found that drumming  that triggers a positive feeling in the body.    The physical stimulation of hitting the drums and the sound vibrations make people feel physically and mentally energetic. Also, drumming is a great workout for the body and brain.    3. Piano: A versatile instrument like piano stimulates the brain and improves the ability to recall information. Practicing piano boosts cognitive health and improves fine motor skills.    4. Harmonica: Though small, harmonica is a mighty instrument that produces melodious sounds. Seniors can benefit from playing a harmonica as it encourages the mind to remain active and alert. Also, it has been found that playing a harmonica can improve breathing control and is especially beneficial for those suffering from respiratory problems.    Music can be a powerful tool for seniors to connect with people having similar interests. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we host music sessions that provide our residents with opportunities to learn and socialise at the same time.    We encourage our residents to participate in activities that interest them, while our team handles the day-to-day chores like home maintenance, daily meals, and other time-consuming tasks. To know more about our senior citizen homes in Chennai, call us at +91 8884555554.

Inflammation is your body’s response towards an injury or infection.  It is a necessary part of the body’s immune system. But when inflammation is out of control, it can damage the healthy tissues. To keep inflammation under control, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, shed excess pounds, and control high blood pressure.   The first step to begin a healthy lifestyle is to start following an anti-inflammatory diet. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Chennai, we share with you a few insights on anti-inflammatory diet: 1. Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits If you are eating canned, packaged or preserved food, switch to fresh vegetables and fruits. Add salads and lightly steamed vegetables (you can season them with pepper, salt, and olive oil) to your daily meals. For desserts, switch from pastries, cakes, and gulab jamuns to fresh fruits.  Try to add antioxidant rich vegetables, fruits, and spices to your diet. For instance, turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and they are used generously in Indian recipes. You can also make lattes using turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk or add them to your juices and smoothies.  Also, berries, avocados, whole grains, and beans have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.     Note: Antioxidants protect your body against any harmful effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants come in many forms such as teas, foods, and vitamin supplements.  2. Try to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements Omega-3 fatty acids have enormous health benefits – they are good for cardiovascular health and can reduce inflammatory processes. Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Also, freshly ground flaxseeds contain omega-3 fats and a healthy dose of dietary fibre.  3. Drink more water  Your body needs enough water to detoxify. If your body is dehydrated, it cannot release harmful toxins and cellular waste products – which can cause inflammation. It is important to note that consumption of liquids such as soda, juices, tea and coffee cannot help your body to cleanse itself and they do not count towards your daily intake of water as they act as diuretics.  Note: In addition to drinking water, having broth and soups on a regular basis can hydrate your body.  4. Identify foods that are not good for your body  Avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, and deep-fried food as they all contain unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation. While preparing a diet plan, identify foods that make you uncomfortable or cause indigestion. Your body communicates with you through various symptoms, pay attention to them. Some of the common food triggers include: Dairy  Eggs Soya Peanuts Wheat  In addition to following an anti-inflammatory diet, seniors should lead an active lifestyle. It has been reported that adults aged 65 and over are the most sedentary age group – they spend 10 hours a day lying down or sitting. At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we provide a supportive and welcoming environment to our residents who want to improve their fitness levels.  If you are looking for senior citizen homes in Chennai, explore our retirement communities to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Call us at +91 8884555554 to know important details such as retirement home monthly cost, maintenance fees, facilities, and services offered.

Regular exercise offers a host of physical and psychological benefits to people of all ages. Those who make exercising a regular part of their daily routine live a healthy life. However, many people still wrongly believe in myths surrounding seniors and exercising.  As a leading senior citizen home in Chennai, we debunk some of the common myths here:  Myth 1: Exercise is pointless since a decline in old age is inevitable Though ageing is a natural process, symptoms such as weakness and loss of balance get worse because of inactivity rather  ageing. Staying active can improve blood pressure and reduce stress levels. One of the main benefits of exercising for seniors is that it helps improve gait and balance. This reduces the risk of falling.   Myth 2: Seniors are too old to work out It is never too late to start exercising and reap the benefits of it. Lack of activity puts seniors at a higher risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Those who have not exercised in a long time, don’t have to worry. Walking, yoga or simple stretching exercises are perfect for beginners.  Myth 3: Avoiding activity is the best way to prevent falling Contrary to popular belief, it is inactivity that increases the risk of falling. If you reduce your level of activity, it will impact your reserve of energy, muscle tone, and alertness. Exercise makes your bones stronger and builds strength and balance, which reduces the risk of falling.  Myth 4: Exercising will leave seniors exhausted  It is commonly believed that seniors should avoid exercise because they will be exhausted and lose their much-required energy reserve. In reality, exercise helps seniors boost their energy levels. Practising yoga and doing aerobics make the heart go up which in turn helps seniors feel more energetic.  Myth 5: Exercise will cause joint pain Chronic pain from arthritis may make exercising too painful. But it has been found that moderate exercise helps in alleviating arthritis pain. Regular exercising can help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis.  Exercising helps improve the range of motion.   Myth 6: Seniors will hurt themselves while exercising People of all ages are at the risk of getting injured while exercising. However, by not exercising seniors put themselves at the risk of unhealthy weight gain, stiff joints, and immobility. When done correctly, exercising helps seniors gain strength and flexibility. Those who are new to exercise should consult their doctors to plan an age-appropriate exercise regimen.  At our senior citizen homes in Chennai, we have a clubhouse with facilities for indoor games and a fully equipped gym. The mornings at our senior citizen homes start with yoga and aerobics classes. There are several workshops that are held round the year to spread awareness about various health-related issues. To know the monthly cost of the retirement homes, call us at +91 8884555554.