Exercising doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as a daily walk can be quite beneficial. Walking is one of the least expensive and simple forms of exercise. People of all ages, including those who have never taken part in a physical activity can participate in walking. As the risk of injury is low, walking is ideal for seniors, even those with limited mobility. It is more convenient than other forms of exercise as it does not require any fitness level or skill. Walking in groups offers several advantages – such as motivation and support from other group members and opportunities to socialise. There are many benefits of starting a walking club in senior citizen housing projects: Beneficial for those with existing medical conditions: Walking in groups can be beneficial for older adults with chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. In several studies, it has been found that participants with health issues, have benefited from walking in groups as they have experienced a lower heart rate and cholesterol level. Banish boredom: Walking alone is indeed like meditation but at times it can get monotonous. Getting a few friends to walk with you can be more beneficial than you think. When you walk in groups, it gives you an opportunity to get to know new people. The camaraderie you experience in a walking club helps you stay on track with walking. You can also enter charity walking events as a group. Independent ageing: It can be difficult for some people to keep themselves motivated to walk alone. It could be because of limited mobility. Joining a walking club is a great idea for them. As people age, they may lose muscle and bone mass, causing them to be dependent on walking aids. Walking regularly can help them gain balance and reduce the risk of falls. How to get started? Identify 3-5 people who are interested in walking and can help promote and encourage the club. Ask the people you see walking every morning. Pick a time of the day and the specific days. Though it would be ideal for the club to meet every day, 2-3 times a week is also great. Pick a walking route or walk around a local park. Doing this is important as this would help you determine the amount of time spent walking. There are several health apps that help you keep track of steps walked or calories burnt. Keeping a track of daily progress can be quite motivating.

Mr. and Mrs. Nair were planning to move to a senior citizen community in Chennai. They had a big house in the city, but it was becoming increasingly difficult for them to manage it. With age, they were finding it difficult to maintain the house. They had a trustworthy maid who helped them with the household chores, but when she left for her village the couple was left scrambling to find a new maid. Their only son stayed in Delhi and wanted them to come and stay with him. But they didn’t want to leave the city and also lose their sense of freedom. After a lot of consideration, they planned to move to a senior citizen community in Chennai. But they were apprehensive about making new friends there. We understand that striking up friendships when you are moving to a new place can be tricky. But senior citizen housing communities like ours help you with an environment that fosters friendships. Be it our community spaces or barbeque area and lounge seating – our senior citizen housing communities are designed in a way to help people converse and get acquainted with like-minded people. If you are above 60 and are planning to move to a senior citizen housing community – but like the Nairs you are worried about making new friends at a new place, then read on. Meet your new neighbours – Start connecting with your neighbours. Smile at them whenever you see them, and you’ll soon find an opportunity to chat with them. Once you start getting to know them, meet them over a cup of tea or coffee. Our restaurant and bistro is very popular amongst our residents, as it offers the right ambience to strike up conversations over a cup of tea and delicious, freshly-baked confections. Follow passion – Whether it’s art, books or music, regularly participating in an activity that you enjoy allows you to be in contact with other like-minded people over and over. Meeting them regularly can be a great first step to connect with them. Our reading lounge and library is a great place to meet other book lovers. Our indoor games room is the ideal place to strike up conversations with other residents over a game of pool or carrom. Volunteer – Volunteering for a worthwhile cause is a great way to meet interesting people who care about the same things as you do. Keep an eye on local events – From walking tours and art classes to group exercise classes – find out about local events that might interest you. Usually the basis of making a friend is a shared experience. Learn new skills – When you move to a senior citizen housing community, you don’t have to worry about everyday household chores. Housekeeping and maintenance services, taken care of by an experienced team, gives you the freedom to lead a maintenance-free lifestyle. You can use the time on hand to learn new skills and meet new people. We understand that change isn’t easy and the decision to move to a new place and making new friends may be tough. But we are here to help you take that next step with confidence.

Exercising regularly has many physical and mental health benefits. It helps seniors increase strength, balance, and mobility. It also reduces the risk of falling by helping seniors improve their gait. The best way to get physically active is to go outside and get started. But before you do that, here are some tips that will help you stay safe: Think of your safety: While stepping out for a jog or a walk, carry your ID with emergency contact information, especially if you are walking alone. Stick to well-lit places where there are people around. If you are walking in the dark, wear brightly colored clothes to be seen easily and carry a flashlight. At our senior citizen homes in India, we have dedicated jogging and walking tracks which are well-lit. The communities, manned by security guards 24×7, are under CCTV surveillance. Listen to your body: Start your workout with proper warm-up exercises and end with cool-down exercises. Doing this reduces muscle soreness and reduces risk of injury. Always gauge your level of comfort. Do not exert yourself. If you are experiencing pain or exhaustion, take rest for a few days before resuming your workout. At our senior citizen housing communities, daily stretching exercises are conducted under the supervision of trained physiotherapists. This is to ensure that the residents get the technique right. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing: To avoid slipping, make sure you choose shoes that are right for the type of activity you are doing. Also, make sure you wear clothes suitable to the temperature outside. Wear sweat-wicking clothes that will help you stay comfortable and dry. In our communities, all the jogging and walking tracks, aerobics and yoga decks have anti-skid flooring to prevent falls. Stay hydrated: Keep yourself hydrated while exercising. The best option is to drink water. You can also drink freshly squeezed juice. It’s best to avoid caffeinated beverages. In case you suffer from a medical condition wherein your doctor has advised you to limit your liquid intake, then do consult your doctor before exercising outdoors. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we encourage our residents to be physically active. If you do not wish to exercise because of rain or any other reason, there are fully-equipped gyms on the premises. Indoor and outdoor games make exercising fun. We hope you will find these tips helpful the next time when you are exercising outdoors!