According to the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 50% of older adults in the US have pets. Pets may fulfill some social and emotional needs for older adults, especially those feeling isolated and lonely. In addition to companionship and emotional support, pets may even offer physical health benefits.
Not convinced you should look into pet friendly senior living in Phoenixville, PA? Read on to discover how it could enhance your quality of life during retirement!
Emotional Benefits of Pets for Elderly Seniors
According to UC Davis Health, pet companionship may:
- Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
- Create a calming presence
- Give pet parents a sense of purpose
- Provide unconditional love and support
- Ease feelings of loneliness
Pet ownership offers social and emotional support. In fact, older adults with strong connections to their pets report lower rates of depression.
Over 50% of adults identify stress as the lifestyle factor having the biggest impact on their mental health. Of the adults aged 50 to 80 surveyed, 44% feel stressed. Despite increasing anxiety levels, only 24% of adults have spoken with a mental health care professional in the past year.
Stress affects the body’s ability to respond to inflammation that may contribute to age-related conditions. These include:
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure and sugar
- Weakened immunity
- Type 2 diabetes
Among these seniors, 56% said their pets were a source of joy. Spending time with animals may boost oxytocin production, which can combat stress. Petting them may lower your heart rate and blood pressure, easing stress symptoms.
According to this study, pet ownership may improve life satisfaction scores. Compared to non-owners, pet owners experience:
- A greater sense of purpose
- Higher levels of happiness
- Reduced loneliness
If you’re feeling lonely, spend time with your furry friend. Otherwise, explore your senior living community’s events and activities calendar. You can find pet-friendly events where you and your furry companion can make new friends.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Five years of poll data by the National Poll on Healthy Aging show a decline in loneliness. However, one in three older adults still reports feeling a lack of companionship.
Reports of feeling isolated were more common in seniors who reported fair or poor mental health and fair or poor physical health. Social isolation and loneliness could contribute to health problems like:
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- Weakened immune systems
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Death
Conversely, engaging in meaningful activities with others can boost your mood and longevity. Choosing cat- and dog-friendly senior housing in Phoenixville may help.
Having a pet will encourage you to leave your apartment. As you encounter other pet owners, you may feel encouraged to socialize. Socializing can benefit your cognitive function, well-being, and quality of life.
If you don’t have a pet, consider looking into animal therapy in senior communities. You can spend time with animals while meeting other seniors within your community. Animal therapy can improve your mental health, encourage socialization, and ease feelings of loneliness.
Pets in Memory Care
According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, seniors who live alone but have a pet have fewer memory problems than their peers. Having pets in memory care may help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Having a pet may mitigate loneliness, which is associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Lonely seniors have triple the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Having a companion animal may encourage you to exercise regularly. Physical activity is associated with a lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease.
While you’re out, you may interact with other pet owners. This social stimulation can help you maintain brain health.
Another study determined that owning a pet may reduce one’s brain age by up to 15 years. Pet ownership may enhance cognitive performance, which could offer protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Personal Care With Pets
Choosing dog-friendly senior housing in Phoenixville may benefit your physical health. It’s recommended that seniors get 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Having a dog may encourage you to exercise more.
Explore your senior living community’s wellness program. They may host a regular walking or hiking group. Walking with a pet can:
- Have pro-aging benefits
- Reduce cardiovascular disease risk
- Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
- Control weight gain
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce blood sugar levels
- Improve blood pressure levels
- Extend longevity
Exercising regularly will help you maintain a healthy weight. This may reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions.
According to the American Heart Association, pets can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Their companionship may:
- Encourage weight-loss habits
- Help you reach fitness goals
- Reduce stress
- Boost your mood
- Lower blood pressure and sugar
- Enhance your overall well-being
In fact, dog parents are 34% more likely to fit 150 minutes of walking into their week than non-dog owners. If you want to exercise more, look for a pet-friendly walking group. Having a pet will hold you accountable to participate regularly.
Enhanced Retirement
According to an interview-based study, pets can:
- Help you maintain a routine
- Offer ongoing comfort
- Increase feelings of safety
- Improve your social life
- Give your life new meaning
Following a structured routine can boost feelings of happiness and stability. You can further enhance your routine by exploring your senior living community’s exclusive lifestyle programs.
Having an animal companion may boost your mood, encourage you to socialize, and improve your health. Their presence could enhance your overall quality of life after you retire.
Enjoy Pet Friendly Senior Living
Choosing pet friendly senior living may enhance your social life, mood, and overall routine. Their presence may benefit your emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Consider moving into cat- and dog-friendly senior housing in Phoenixville today!
Look no further than Spring Mill Senior Living, the best senior community in Phoenixville. We offer exclusive lifestyle programs to promote enriched living and enhanced wellness for our residents.
Enjoy Sensations Dining, Celebrations Activities & Events, and Dimensions Health & Fitness for enhanced, resort-style living in a comfortable, home-like environment. Contact us now to schedule your tour.
