ZIVA: The Retirement Home That Feels Like a Forever Vacation

When someone mentions a senior retirement home, most of us picture a quiet, distant place, which is exactly what I did. But what I experienced when I visited ZIVA was something entirely different. A warm, lively retirement community where every elder feels seen, hearts and minds filled with comfort, companionship, and care in a calm and composed place that’s beyond pretty.

1. Community Living: Together, Not Alone

The first thing I noticed was how connected everyone was. Elders weren’t sitting alone in corners or staring out of windows as I imagined. They were playing board games at the clubhouse, chatting over tea at the cafeteria, hanging out after a divine visit at the Shiva Vishnu temple, and walking around the safe gated community at all hours. In a world where loneliness is one of the biggest challenges for seniors, this place seemed to offer true, genuine companionship.

2. Shared Perspectives & Similar Life Stages

There’s something deeply comforting about being around people who “get it.” Being a reserved person myself, nothing gives me a strong emotional security the way a room full of people with the same perspective and principles as me does. Now imagine that, but in here it's an entire community. Being in the same or similar stage of life, the residents share similar experiences, humour, and most importantly, values. It made me realise how vital it is to be in a space where you’re not the odd one out.

3. A Lifestyle That Aligns

From food habits to sleep schedules, their daily routines are aligned. ZIVA follows a healthy, balanced diet, no spicy surprises or erratic meals, just good old tasty yet nutritious food. Everything there was designed to suit their age and comfort, which meant fewer adjustments and more living.

4. A Sense of Belonging

You could feel it in the air; ZIVA wasn’t just a place to stay; it was home. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, this place offered warmth, familiarity, and belonging. Attending one of their Carnatic music events was a heartwarming experience. It was truly touching to see everyone arrive and settle in with such patience and anticipation. When the clock struck 8, there was a lovely sense of unity as everyone gathered to walk together to the community dining area. It's like they had their own language and way of doing things that they all had unspokenly decided on, a complete sense of belonging.

5. Clubhouse Activities for Shared Interests

One of the highlights was the ZIVA clubhouse. From activities to devotional sessions, there was something for everyone. Billiards, a swimming pool, an outdoor seating area, and whatnot. And what’s more beautiful than doing what you love with people who love it too?

6. Calm Surroundings, Away from City Noise

Tucked away from the chaos of the city, located in Mahabalipuram, the community was surrounded by greenery, the prettiest open skies, and peaceful silence. The air was cleaner, the pace slower, and life felt gentler. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with a golden sunrise and end with golden sunsets.

7. Furry and Feathered Friends

One of the sweetest surprises? The farm animals! ZIVA has a designated area where gentle cows graze, ducks waddle carefree, and a few rabbits hop about as if they own the place. Just being around them, watching or helping care for them, felt unsurprisingly calming and therapeutic.

Seeing elders in a space where they are not just taken care of but truly thriving was incredibly moving. A senior retirement home like this is more than just a facility; it’s a sanctuary. 

ZIVA offers a second chapter of life filled with dignity, joy, and purpose. A whole new world. If you’ve ever wondered whether such a space is right for your parents or grandparents, I’d say, go see it for yourself. You might be as surprised as I was.