A lot has been written about good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. High levels of bad cholesterol can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. A good way to keep your bad cholesterol levels in check is through a well-balanced diet. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we share with you a few tips on healthy meal planning that can help lower cholesterol.  Eat a fibre-rich diet: You can lower the bad cholesterol levels by adding fibre, specifically soluble fibre, to your daily meals. Oats, barley, quinoa, apple, banana, strawberries, dried raisins, dried apricots, prunes, legumes, and whole grains are all good sources of soluble fibre. They slow down the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream.  Limit portions: An effective way of portion control is to eat slowly and mindfully. Use smaller plates. Avoid eating directly from the serving dish. Before having a meal, it is a good idea to drink a glass of water. Maintaining a food journal can also help you keep a track of your food intake.  Use healthier substitutes while cooking: Herbs and spices are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Instead of adding extra salt to make your food delicious, add herbs and spices such as oregano, pepper, basil, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and parsley. You can use unrefined butter or unrefined nut oils for cooking. Whenever possible, try to bake the food instead of frying.  Avoid artificial trans fats: Avoid fried and salted fried snacks such as french fries and fried chicken as they are high in saturated fat and salt. When shopping for groceries, read the nutrition labels. Buy low fat versions of dairy products and other food items. Also, note the number of servings per container.     Looking for senior living communities in Bangalore that ensure a healthy and happy retirement life?  Explore our retirement communities in Bangalore that will help seniors enjoy a fulfilling life as they age. From rooftop bistro and swimming pool to fitness centre and spa – there will be several opportunities for seniors to stay physically and socially active. To know more about our senior living communities in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554 or book a virtual tour.

The pandemic has been an unnerving and anxiety-ridden time for everyone, especially for seniors. In addition to being more vulnerable to the infection, they are also an easy target for scammers. Hence, it is important for seniors and their families to be more aware about the various coronavirus scams so they can guard against being duped. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we have curated useful insights on coronavirus scams targeting seniors:    Healthcare scams:  Seniors receive a call from someone pretending to be a health representative offering vaccines, test kits, or air filter systems. Seniors should not provide any information, such as their address or bank account details to any such caller.  Errand helper scam: A stranger approaches seniors to help with errands such as buying and delivering groceries or paying their phone bill. Seniors should avoid communicating with strangers pretending to offer help. Also, they should not share any sensitive information such as their address, phone number, and bank details with strangers.  Charity scam: Scamsters often approach seniors in person or over a telephone call and claim to be working with a charity that provides medical supplies or other items to those affected by coronavirus. They ask seniors to transfer money to help those in need. It is important that seniors check the credibility of the charity before transferring money.  Phishing scam:  This is one of the most common online scams. Seniors receive an email asking for money or bank information. These emails are designed to look as if they are sent from government agencies or reputed medical bodies. Seniors should be very careful when replying to any unsolicited emails.  Sanitisation Scam: In this scam, strangers offer seniors sanitisation services for their homes. Once allowed inside, they steal items from the home and may even physically harm the family members. Seniors must always book sanitisation services from reputed service providers and not allow strangers inside their homes.  As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we urge seniors to be wary of such scams. If you want to know more about our senior living communities and the services we provide, call us at +91 8884555554.

For seniors who love cooking and spending time in the kitchen, here is a useful read on making the space more accessible and senior friendly. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we have curated a list of simple and easy ways to transform a kitchen into a comfortable and safe space for seniors.   1. Fire safety: Kitchen fire is among the leading causes of home fires and, therefore, it is important to take steps to minimise the risk.  Here are some fire safety measures:  Keep the cooktop away from flammable items such as oil, dish towels, curtains and plastic utensils Seniors should not wear loose clothes while cooking Smoke alarms should be installed and maintained in the kitchen Exhaust fans and vents must be regularly checked and cleaned Senior-friendly fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible locations Buy senior-friendly appliances that come with built-in alarm systems.    2. Fall prevention: Falls are among the leading causes of injuries in seniors. They can result in minor scrapes to hip fractures. Here are a few ways to prevent falls in the kitchen:  Ensure adequate lighting in the kitchen Add non-slip mats near the sink Seniors should wear shoes with non-slip soles while working in the kitchen Spills must be wiped as quickly as possible Leaky taps or appliances must be fixed Install grab bars at different places in the kitchen   3. Organise and declutter the kitchen: The more organised the kitchen is, the safer it is for seniors to use.  Ensure countertops are not cluttered Knives and other sharp objects must be stored carefully Frequently used tools, ingredients, and appliances should be easily accessible Use low storage spaces to keep important items Make sure that the pantry handles open easily Label everything   Senior living in Bangalore: Check our independent senior living apartments At our senior living communities in Bangalore, we offer services and amenities designed to help seniors enjoy their golden years comfortably and safely. To know more about our retirement homes, call us at +91 88845 55554.

Tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches are some of the common headaches that seniors experience. These headaches are often accompanied by symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sound; nausea, and pain in the temples. However, headaches in older adults can often lead to far more serious consequences and, therefore, it is important that seniors know how to manage them. As one of the leading senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, we share some useful tips for seniors to manage headaches:    Maintain a headache journal: Seniors experiencing frequent headaches must maintain a journal and note down the frequency, duration, and severity of the headaches. Maintaining a journal will help seniors track possible triggers. Eating certain foods, stress, alcohol intake, or lack of sleep are some factors that can trigger frequent headaches.  Identify triggers: Instead of self-diagnosing the problem, seek a doctor’s help. Reviewing the journal with a doctor can help provide clues about what might be triggering the headaches.  Monitor the symptoms: Seniors must remember that headaches are often hard to diagnose. Monitoring the early symptoms can be helpful to seek timely medical assistance.  Follow the treatment plan: Managing headaches may require medication, lifestyle changes, or both. Seniors must follow the doctor’s recommendations. From taking medication on time to ensuring that they are getting enough rest and fluids, seniors can manage triggers and reduce, if not completely avoid, severe headaches.  Maintain a healthy routine: When it comes to managing headaches, sleep and diet also play an important role. Seniors must follow a good sleeping routine – they should avoid screen time before bed and sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Regular mealtimes can help keep headaches, especially migraines, at bay.  Some seniors also find having smaller, more frequent meals better for managing headaches.  Exercise regularly:  Seniors suffering from regular headaches must do some form of exercise, be it yoga, aerobics, or jogging. It has been found that exercise can help people manage migraines. As regular exercise can help regulate one’s sleeping and eating routines, it can be an important factor in managing headaches.    Choose a senior citizen home where you can focus on your well-being  Our senior citizen homes in Coimbatore are designed to ensure the overall well-being of our residents. The day starts with yoga, meditation sessions, and breathing exercises. Also, there are ample opportunities for our residents to unwind and relax. To book a tour of these senior citizen homes in Coimbatore, call us at +91 88845 55554. You can check the list of senior citizen homes in Coimbatore here.

Today’s seniors are not letting life pass by them. They live life to the fullest and do not let age come in their way of realising their dreams. Just like the real-life seniors, the portrayal of seniors on screen has also undergone a sea change. Studios are rethinking their outdated views on ageing and are making more films that show ageing in a positive light.    If you are looking for movies that capture the beauty in ageing, here is a list curated by one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore:   The Bucket List (English): The film captures the journey of two men suffering from cancer. Played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, the two terminally ill men embark on a road trip to fulfil their last wishes. The film shows that the best way to live life is to be grateful for it and make sure that you are living each day with a purpose.  102 Not Out (Hindi): Sentimental and funny, the film explores the relationship between a 102-year-old father and his 75-year-old son. While the father has a joie-de-vivre demeanour, the son is grumpy. The son believes that he is too old to enjoy life while the case with the father is totally opposite. To make his son value life, the father threatens the son to send him to an elderly care home unless he fulfils his certain conditions. The aim of these conditions was to encourage the son to embrace life in a positive way. The journey of fulfilling these conditions is hilarious and at the same time insightful.   KD (Tamil): As people grow old, they are expected to behave in certain ways by their children and society. However, this film presents a unique take on ageing and desires. 80-year-old Karuppu Durai (Mu Ramasamy) runs away from home when he discovers his family plans to get rid of him. With the help of an 8-year-old, whom he met after running, he tries to fulfil his child-like desires. The film creates an amazing contrast between KD and the child, KD always has a twinkle in his eyes while the child is too wise for his age.  The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (English): The film is about British retirees who come to India to take residence in a hotel, which, to their disappointment is not as luxurious as advertised. Though the retirees do not get what they had initially wished for, they embrace life and learn to adjust to the new realities with vigour.    Senior living in Bangalore: Explore India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards At Columbia Pacific Communities, we believe that age is just a number. Our independent senior living community in Bangalore is India’s first senior living community designed to international standards and is ideal for seniors who wish to spend their golden years in the lap of luxury and comfort while pursuing their passions. Book a virtual tour to know more.

Stretching exercises offer a host of benefits: they help loosen stiff joints, improve flexibility and bone health, and increases blood circulation. Here we share with you a few stretching exercises for seniors that will improve their muscle strength and flexibility.    1. Neck side stretch:   It loosens tension in both your shoulders and neck. Tight neck muscles usually occur from sleeping in the wrong position, sitting for longer period, and looking at smartphones or any other object for long periods.     Steps:  Gently lean your head to the right and then left to warm up your neck.  Now lift your right arm up, over your head, and rest your right palm on the left side. Pull your head to the right side gently. Hold the position for 20-30 seconds and repeat the exercise on the left side.    2. Shoulder and upper back stretch:  Seniors often complain about shoulder and upper back pain. If not addressed immediately, it can worsen and make it harder for seniors to stand straight. Shoulder and upper back stretch help in loosening stiff muscles and improves spinal flexibility.  Steps:  Stand tall and keep your arms by your side. Now, pull both your hands behind you and clasp your fingers. Stretch your hands away from your lower back. When you feel the stretch, hold the position for 20-30 seconds and then come back to the starting position. Repeat again.   3. Tricep Stretch:  This stretching exercise improves flexibility of your upper back and arms. Seniors can do this exercise in sitting as well as standing position:  Steps: Stand tall or sit in a chair.  Lift your hand over your head, bending it at the elbow. Now, move your other hand towards the elbow and gently pull it towards your hand. Hold it for 20-30 seconds and repeat with the other hand.  Always keep your back straight and tighten your abdominal muscles while doing this exercise. Here are a few guidelines seniors should follow before starting a new exercise regimen: Before starting a new exercise regimen, ask your doctor.  Do warmup exercises to avoid muscle injuries. Do not force your body to stretch more. Breathe slowly. Do not hold your breath while exercising. Start slow. Do not overdo it. Senior Living in Bangalore: Explore our retirement communities The Virtuoso, India’s first independent senior living community designed to international standards, will have a clubhouse with indoor games , fitness centre, medical and wellness centre, rubberised jogging path, gym, and a swimming pool. The rooftop facilities will include a yoga deck, garden, and community planting patch. With easy access to all these amenities, residents can find new ways to stay active everyday.  Call us at +91 8884555554 to know more about our independent senior living apartments, monthly maintenance fees, facilities, and services offered.

Natural and organic decor elements can turn your home into a peaceful haven. If you are looking for inspiring ways to add natural decor elements to your interiors, take a look at these ideas curated by one of the leading senior living homes in Bangalore:  1. Add warmth and texture with wooden decor elements    One of the easiest ways to make your home nature-inspired is to use wood for flooring and ceiling beams. You can also use room dividers and bookshelves made of reclaimed wood, driftwood, or distressed wood.  2. Add a touch of greenery with potted plants    Indoor plants with sculptural leaves add the right amount of visual intrigue to a room. Potted indoor plants are ideal decor elements for those who live in an apartment and do not have a private garden. Buy indoor plants that are low maintenance and require less pest control.  3. Mimic nature with eye-catching water decor items    The sound of water is relaxing and pleasing. Decorating your home with an indoor water fountain is a great way to bring the outdoors in. A small water fountain at the entrance of your apartment will delight you as well as your guests.  4. Use natural materials for accessories    To give your home an earthy look, pick furniture made of wicker or cane. You can also accessorise your home with rugs, baskets, woven table mats, and wall hangings made with sustainable material. Avoid the temptation of going overboard. Too many decorative items on the floor can be a falling hazard. Be selective when it comes to accessories.  5. Give your home a distinct look with natural stones    Rugged, rustic and eco-friendly stones exude a natural charm. When used in interiors, they lend a timeless appeal. If you are renovating your home, go for natural stone flooring. You can also use quartz, granite or marble countertops in the kitchen. Also, sculptures and lamps made from stone add a rustic charm to your home.    Explore our senior living homes in Bangalore Our senior living homes in Bangalore are ideal for those who are looking for serenity in a busy city.  To know more about our retirement communities, call us at +91 8884555554.

After retirement, seniors are usually excited to do things they have not done before or have not had time to do. However, many seniors do not have a bucket list and often find themselves wondering how to make the most of their newfound free time. If you can relate to this feeling, we have identified a few ideas for your retirement bucket list:  Explore new places    Travel to fascinating places around the world with your family, friends, or on your own! Explore places beyond the familiar path – it will make your trip truly special and unique.  Start writing    Many seniors have wanted to write but unfortunately could never find enough time for it. Retirement is an ideal time to nurture your passion for writing. You can write poems, essays, memoirs, or even blogs. There are many avenues for expressing yourself through written words.  Visit new restaurants    If you enjoy trying new cuisines, you should certainly add visiting new restaurants to your bucket list. You can even make your travel itinerary revolve around different cuisines that you wish to try. Whether it is escargot from France, sushi from Japan or patoleo from Goa, make a list and get started.  Start your own video channel   Setting up your own video channel is a great way to share your experiences with others. You can show your culinary skills, painting skills, or even share professional knowledge and wisdom.   Volunteer at a charity    Working with a non-profit organisation or working for a charity is a great way to give back to the community. You can volunteer at a local school, hospital, or food bank. You can also go on a volunteering vacation. This way you will add purpose to your travel and at the same time gain an immersive cultural experience. Grow a garden   If you have a green thumb, put on your gardening gloves. You can grow an herb garden, a flower garden, or a window garden. Also, gardening offers physiological and psychological benefits – it not only reduces stress but also gives you the opportunity to exercise in the fresh air.  Join a dance class    If you have a passion for dancing, join a local dance class or start learning online. Also, dancing is one of the best exercises for your body.  Run a marathon  Nothing can beat the joy of touching the finishing line after running a marathon. However, running a marathon needs months of preparation. If you are adding it to your bucket list, prepare yourself well.  Do stand-up comedy  If you love making people laugh, you can try performing a stand-up act for your friends and family.    Retirement can offer ample opportunities to engage in activities that you have never tried before. At our retirement homes in India, you will find numerous opportunities to tick off your bucket list.    Senior living in Bangalore: nurture and nourish your active lifestyle From laundry and housekeeping to 24/7 maintenance work, everything is taken care of at our senior living homes in Bangalore. Our independent senior living apartments are aesthetically pleasing. They are designed keeping the safety and accessibility needs of our residents in mind. To find out more about services and the average monthly cost, call us at +91 8884555554.

Many seniors aspire to age positively. They wish to actively take part in the lives of their grandchildren, meet old friends, pursue new passions, and volunteer for a cause. Moving into an independent senior living community can make this possible. Senior living communities in India offer more than aesthetically designed apartments, they provide a vibrant community life that helps senior citizens make the most of their golden years.    Here we share with you some of the benefits of moving into a senior living community and how can you make the transition easy:     Some of the benefits of moving into a senior living community: No worry of property upkeep: Once you move into a senior living community, you don’t have to worry about home upkeep, garden maintenance, and laundry. For instance, in our senior living communities, the maintenance team takes care of individual living spaces and common areas. We also offer periodical housekeeping and 24×7 electrical and plumbing maintenance work.  New friends: Another great benefit of moving into a senior living community is finding new neighbours who can become good friends. Our senior living communities have an active social calendar. From yoga classes and music lessons to art workshops – you are sure to find a group of like-minded residents with whom you can enjoy these activities.    Check this useful read to understand the benefits of moving into a senior living community.                Making transitioning to senior living homes easier:  A senior living home is a great option for retirees looking for opportunities to socialise, make new friends, and explore new interests in a safe and protected environment. However, for some people the transition from their homes to a senior living community is not an easy one. They take time to get used to the new way of life. If you are planning to move into a senior living home in Bangalore, here are some tips to make your transition a little easier.   Create a routine: In new surroundings, sticking to a routine will give you a sense of normalcy. Senior living homes in India run a range of wellness activities for their residents. You can participate in these activities to socialise with like-minded residents.  Invite friends and family:  Ask family members and friends to visit your ‘new home’. At our retirement homes in India, you can host dinner parties for friends and family and invite them over for movie screenings.  Focus on health: Get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and schedule regular meals and snack times. To make the transition phase easy, you need to make healthy choices and stick to them.  Decorate your room: Your new home should be a reflection of who you are. Select a colour theme of your choice and then express it through painted walls, cushions, bed throws, and curtains. You can also keep photos of inspiring activities that you wish to do during your retirement years. Place personal items such as your favourite photos or artworks that evoke cherished memories.   If you are looking for a senior living community in Bangalore, call us at +91 8884555554.

Bangalore is considered to be one of the best retirement cities in India. The city is blessed with pleasant weather and a rich social and cultural heritage. There are many retirement homes in Bangalore and zeroing in on the right one can be a difficult decision.  Factors to consider when selecting a senior living community in Bangalore It is important to understand all the important factors, including the location and average cost of the retirement home, to find the right senior living community. As one of the leading senior living communities in Bangalore, we share with you a few important factors to consider when looking for a retirement home:  Mission and purpose: When searching for a retirement home, understand the purpose of the operators of the senior living community. At Columbia Pacific Communities, we aim to offer a combination of hospitality, real estate, and wellness.  Location: The choice of location depends on many factors. While some people want proximity to family, others look for serenity amidst city life. Prioritise your needs and then choose accordingly.  Access to entertainment: Watching the latest movies, meeting friends over lunch or dinner, are some of the many things that seniors love doing. Find a senior living community that is well-connected to the entertainment hubs in your city.  Amenities: The concept of retirement homes has taken on new dimensions with many senior living homes offering modern facilities. At our senior living homes, you will find a host of facilities such as a clubhouse with Wi-Fi, a library with computer and internet access, indoor games facility, a jogging track, an aerobics deck, a restaurant, a banquet hall, and a salon.  Senior-friendly rooms: Make sure that the senior living apartments have safety features such as panic buttons and handrails installed at the appropriate places.  Emergency response: Good retirement homes have 24X7 ambulances and on-site emergency medical facilities. Also, the staff members are well-trained to handle emergency situations. Security: At good senior living homes, you should expect the common areas to be monitored by CCTV cameras 24*7. Also, the exits and entrances are manned by trained security personnel.   Social activities: From cultural programmes and art workshops to festival celebrations, social activities help promote a sense of belongingness. It is important to check the social calendar of a senior living community before choosing one.  Average cost of retirement home: Many retirement homes offer services such as daily housekeeping, meals, maintenance of electrical and plumbing work, laundry service, and concierge. It is important for you to check the monthly average cost for these services.   Resident feedback: One of the best ways to evaluate a senior living community is by speaking directly with the residents themselves.  Senior living in Bangalore – finding the right community  Living in our retirement homes in Bangalore will give you the freedom to enjoy your retirement life the way you want. Housekeeping and maintenance services ensure that you spend your days doing things that you enjoy. To know more about our facilities, call us at +91 8884555554.