Pros and Cons of my stay at Nana Nani

Ten months have flown by and it is time for me to renew the 11 months  Lease  Agreement with the owner of the apartment where I am staying now at Nana Nani- Phase 4, in  Coimbatore.

Though I have been sharing my experiences in Nana Nani from time to time, I would  like to sum up the observations- both positive and negative before I tell you about my decision

On the positive side

The weather in Coimbatore is very pleasant for ten months in a year, unlike Chennai, where it is hot and humid for ten months. Having lived close to the Sea ( Elliots Beach) in Chennai for 50 years, I am now able to have a lovely view of the Marudha Malai, part of the Western Ghats, every morning from the balcony attached to my bedroom. I love mountains more than the seas!

The infrastructure at Nana Nani is top class with all the facilities that senior citizens need available inside the campus. The ambience is beautiful and the entire property is maintained well giving you the feeling of living in a Resort. I am able to lead a very active life without going out, except for attending specific functions, visiting temples or for specialist medical consultations.

Phase 4 where I am staying is a vibrant community. Residents are friendly and helpful. With a good mixture of seniors and super seniors, the atmosphere is generally cheerful.  I have made some good friends here who ensure that I never feel lonely. It is like a big, happy family here.

I find more time to write and my articles are well appreciated by the residents here. The icing on the cake- I was conferred the `Inspiring Writer Award` at the Awards Nite held on 2^nd January as a part of the New Year Celebrations held here. As I was away in Chennai I was not there to collect the Award.

As for entertainment, there is enough to keep you engaged every other evening. The management arranges to show a Tamil,  Malayalam or  Hindi film every Saturday evening at the air-conditioned theatre located in the Club House. I have seen 30  films in 11 months as opposed to an average of two films in a year in Chennai. Many talented residents provide entertainment in the form of music and dance programmes, and plays besides other activities like quizzes, tombola, spiritual lectures, etc.  At least 10 to 12 programmes are conducted by the residents every month, many of them very professionally done.  Nanogenarian, Hariharan (94), popularly known as Hari Om Mama,  organizes music and dance festivals and spiritual sessions from time to time- all at his own cost.  An inspirational person much admired by everyone here. He is one of my role models!

The big Mahalaxmi temple, located adjacent to the entrance gate is a popular venue for many religious and spiritual activities. Though  I am not spiritually inclined I like the uplifting feeling I  get whenever  I visit the temple and occasionally meditate there.

The emergency medical service here works fairly efficiently. I am satisfied with the instant response I got on a couple of occasions when I needed help. I am also satisfied with the maintenance service. Just a telephone call and your problem is attended to.

On the negative side:

Though I enjoy my morning walks here, there are no post-walk group meetings like in Chennai. That happens only before or after each meal session outside the dining hall. I  miss the fun time I used to have with friends after my morning walks at Bessy in Chennai which would charge my battery for the day!

The escalating costs are a major issue here. Especially the Rs 400/-per day for all meals that the management charges are higher than any other Senior Citizen Homes in Coimbatore. Unlike the `pay for what you eat` system in other Homes, the condition that you have to pay for all meals even if you have a cup of coffee but do not want to partake in other meals,  is unfair.  However, the management allows you to opt out of taking your meals in the dining hall every day by giving advance notice about your meal breaks.  Whether  you take the meals or not, every resident has to pay a small fixed kitchen fee every month.

While most of the dishes served during meals are tasty, the choice of menu, unimaginative combination of items, and monotony of eating the same type of food, have begun to make me feel tired of the meals served here.  Many residents cook their meals or get food from outside caterers. For the last two months, I have also started using this facility when I find the menu not interesting, as we get the menu two days in advance. I cook items that I like, which are not part of the menu here. I find cooking therapeutic!

Having seen and experienced a few other Senior Citizen facilities in Coimbatore and Chennai, I can say with confidence that Nana Nani has by far one of the best infrastructure and services suited for senior citizens in Coimbatore.

Since the positive side far outweighs the negative side I have decided to continue my stay in Nana Nani, Phase 4.  Besides, I keep visiting Chennai often. Two months of a relaxed, carefree life in Coimbatore and two weeks of hectic activity in Chennai;  meeting old friends, attending important functions, and spending some time with my little grandchildren. Having the best of both worlds!  What more can I want in life?

I  pray to god to bestow good health on me so that I continue to enjoy this life.

PS: After some anxious moments regarding the extension of the lease agreement, I am happy to say that the owner of the apartment where I stay has agreed to extend the lease for two years – 11 months at a time. Om Sairam!