Living the long, high life
He says, “No matter how many friends you have, however much you wanted to meet up, distances and tra c made actually meeting up very infrequent.”
An added benet, according to Aftab Seth, ex-diplomat, former ambassador, and a resident at Antara, is
“not just socialising, but socialising with people of similar interests”. While Gupta swears by the refreshing change that “people here are beyond grandstanding”, Seth looks forward to “interacting with dierent kinds of accomplished people with whom you share interests”. Much in the same way, BG, a resident of Utsav, Lavasa, has made fantastic friends with whom she strolls by the stream, goes to the malls in
The builders make it their business to ensure ageing becomes easy, smooth and pleasurable rather than a drag. As Sanjay Vishwanathan, Senior VP, Sales and Marketing, CPC, says: “It isn’t just business for us; rather it is a combination of hospitality, wellness and real estate.” He adds, “Professionalism, passion and empathy form our cornerstone ensuring that our residents feel as if they are a part of a family.”
BG swears by the facilities as well as the e ciency “from changing a lightbulb to getting an urgent medicine, things are at your door-step in minutes”.
Seth wholeheartedly appreciates how e ciently Antara “smoothens all the wrinkles of home care. Which is a real luxury”. This is how the whole idea of ‘retirement resorts’ becomes completely dierent from a usual residential complex.
“I’d choose senior living every time,” says BG, “because no other place would oer the thoughtfulness and service like these, where sta members treat you like family.” n recent years, holistic healing spaces have gained prominence in healthcare design, reecting a broader recognition of the importance of patient-centred environments in promoting well-being and healing. These spaces prioritise comfort, empowerment, and support for patients, recognising that wellness extends beyond physical recovery.
In India, holistic centres have been prioritised through various government incentives aimed at promoting wellness, sustainability, and community engagement. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) oers grants and subsidies to support the development and operation of holistic centres that promote traditional Indian systems of medicine and holistic health practices. Some State governments provide tax incentives and subsidies for businesses focused on wellness and sustainability, which can benet holistic centres in India.
Healthcare facilities have traditionally evoked clinical coldness, sterile environments, and an undercurrent of anxiety.
However, hospital design is reshaping this perception. Let’s explore some of the key elements
Ithat make these transformative. spaces
In the lap of nature: Flexibility assured:
truly
Stepping into a hospital no longer means leaving greenery behind. Incorporating elements of nature, like hospital gardens, natural lighting, and views of green spaces, has a profound impact. Research shows reduced stress, improved mood, and even faster recovery when nature’s calming presence surrounds patients.
Gone are the days of conned, uniform rooms. Embrace exibility with adaptable spaces that cater to individual needs. Imagine personalised care environments, not just hospital rooms, oering patients a comfortable environment. This could include dedicated areas for relaxation, socialising, or even receiving specialised therapies.
Privacy and dignity Art as therapy: rst:
Respecting patient dignity and privacy is paramount. Private rooms, well-designed bathrooms, and dedicated family spaces provide a dignied experience. These elements foster autonomy and control, enhancing the overall journey towards healing.
Hospitals are no longer devoid of aesthetic beauty. Healing art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, is chosen to resonate with patients, oering visual appeal, a positive distraction, stress reduction, and a spark of hope.
Technology within reach:
Modern technology is crucial to patient empowerment. User-friendly bedside tablets provide communication, entertainment, and access to medical records, increasing patient agency and reducing feelings of isolation. Tele-health facilities further enhance accessibility, connecting patients with specialists remotely.
Healing Light beyond and the sound: patient:
Comfortable waiting areas, welcoming lobbies, and designated family spaces foster emotional support and better communication, reducing stress and anxiety for patients and their loved ones.
Light and acoustics can dramatically impact healing. Optimal lighting design regulates sleep patterns, improves mood, and supports circadian rhythms. Carefully managed acoustics minimise noise, creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere conducive to rest and recovery.
The writer is Founder and Design Head, Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio.