Pets are a source of comfort and enjoyment for many people, but this is especially true for older adults. Whether you already own a pet, or you have been wondering if having a pet is right for you, at Country Place Senior Living, we recognize that pet ownership offers significant health benefits for our residents. Here are some ways owning a pet can enhance your golden years.
Pets provide constant companionship.
One of the best things about owning a pet is that they are always around to offer companionship. For seniors, having a pet can help ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness that are often experienced when living alone.
Pets encourage physical activity.
Having a pet, particularly a dog, can help motivate older adults to spend more time outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and provide valuable, consistent exercise through daily walking. Grooming, playing with and cleaning up after your pet can also be a great source of physical activity. The benefits of consistent exercise over time can help seniors:
- Improve heart health.
- Reduce the risk of chronic disease.
- Improve mental health.
- Help maintain a healthy weight.
- Lower the risk of dementia.
Pets improve mood.
Alongside companionship, pets can improve mental health for the seniors that care for them. Studies show that spending time with pets increases the levels of serotonin in our brain, helping us feel happier, less stressed and more relaxed.
Pets provide a sense of purpose.
Whether it’s feeding and grooming them or taking them out for walks and exercise, owning a pet creates a sense of purpose and gives seniors something to look forward to. Maintaining a healthy routine and daily structure has been shown to improve health and wellness for older adults.
Pets encourage opportunities to socialize.
Many older adults find that their pet companion can be a great asset when it comes to helping them form new friendships at a senior living community. That’s because pets, especially dogs, inherently foster interaction with other pet owners and provide easy opportunities to strike up conversations with someone new. At Country Place, we bring our furry friends out to play on a regular basis and connect with other resident animal lovers.
Discover Pet-Friendly Senior Living
At Country Place Senior Living, we understand the important role pets play in our lives and welcome them into our senior living communities. Providing pet-friendly senior living is just one way we live into our motto of Care for your way of life. To learn more about our pet policies at Country Place Senior Living, or to schedule a tour, contact our team today.
