Priya Living: A Vibrant Elder-Living Community Fosters Indian Culture and Belonging

In the heart of the Bay Area, Arun Paul embarked on a mission to create a unique living experience for his aging parents while preserving their Indian heritage. This vision eventually led to the establishment of Priya Living, an elder-living community that now boasts multiple locations across California and is set to open its first-ever community in India near New Delhi on November 8th.

Paul\'s initial plan was to find a duplex for his parents to live in alongside another older Indian couple, allowing them to have a close-knit community of fellow Indians as they aged. However, as news of his plan spread among the Indian community, Paul realized that there was a much greater demand for such a community. He received calls from numerous individuals expressing their desire for a community that celebrated Indian culture and provided a sense of belonging.

Inspired by the overwhelming response, Paul founded Priya Living in 2012, focusing on creating a space that centered around Indian culture through its activities, design, food, and residents themselves. The community started with a single 26-unit location in Santa Clara, California, but has since expanded to three additional locations in the state. Furthermore, Priya Living has acquired land for future development in Michigan and Texas, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the growing demand for such communities across the United States.

Contrary to popular belief, Priya Living is not restricted to Indian individuals or those of a specific age. While its residents have an average age of 61, the community welcomes people from all walks of life, irrespective of their cultural background. The elder-living units at Priya Living are designed like condominium-style residences, featuring one or two bedrooms and offering rents ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per month. This affordable pricing makes it accessible to a diverse range of individuals, regardless of their financial means.

The establishment of Priya Living comes at a time when the Indian American population in the United States is rapidly growing. Census data shows that between 2010 and 2020, the Indian American population identifying solely as Indian expanded by over 50%, reaching nearly 4.4 million. Despite this significant growth, many members of the Indian community still struggle to find a sense of community and belonging, particularly as they age. Priya Living aims to bridge this gap by providing a solution for older immigrants who often face loneliness and a lack of social connections.

Geetha Iyengar, a resident of Priya Living, exemplifies the positive impact the community has had on its residents. After her husband passed away in 2020, Iyengar moved in with her son\'s family. However, she found herself limited by the hilly area they resided in, which made staying active difficult. Her son introduced her to Priya Living, but Iyengar initially hesitated to make the move, fearing starting life anew as an older individual. Nevertheless, she took the leap and now walks a mile every day within the community\'s courtyard. Living at Priya also reminds her of life in India, with residents from various regions coming together, and the scents of different spices permeating the air.

Priya Living offers a range of community-centered programming to keep its residents engaged and entertained. Mahesh Nihalani, the community director, organizes activities like laughter yoga, movie screenings featuring classic Bollywood films, and "chai and gupshup" sessions, where residents gather for gossip and conversation. The community also celebrates Indian festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri, fostering a festive atmosphere throughout the year.

The vibrant community at Priya Living has also thrived online, with an active presence on Instagram. The community shares photos of residents playing musical instruments, enjoying leisure activities, and promoting its motto, "Inspired not retired."

Amulya K. Saikia, another resident at Priya Living, moved to the United States from the Indian state of Assam in 1970. After the passing of his wife, Saikia\'s daughter helped him settle into Priya Living\'s Fremont location in 2017. Since then, he has formed meaningful connections through the community\'s book club, cooking club, and yoga classes. The affordability of Priya Living was especially appealing to Saikia, as he found other retirement communities to be financially restrictive. For him, Priya Living not only offers a sense of community but also financial stability in his later years.

Priya Living strives to create a sense of belonging and companionship among its residents, as expressed by Arun Paul. The community rejects the notion of loneliness, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive socially and emotionally. As Priya Living continues to expand and open its first location in India, it serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking connection and cultural preservation in their golden years.