According to a national poll conducted by Michigan Medicine, 55% of seniors aged 50 to 80 have a pet. Curling up with a furry friend may help older adults cope with mental and physical health issues. In fact, over 75% say their pets relieve stress and give them a sense of purpose.
Moving into pet friendly senior living with your furry companion may enhance your quality of life. What exactly are the benefits of aging with pets in Gahanna, OH? Read on to find out!
Emotional Support Animals
Having a pet can reduce negative feelings while boosting positive ones. Emotional support animals can help you feel loved and comforted. Their presence can promote emotional regulation as you age.
When you feel down or frustrated, spend time with your companion animal. Pet or talk to them, look them in the eye, or go for a walk. Their companionship will help you relax, which may improve your mood.
Improving your emotional regulation may enhance your outlook and quality of life.
Combat Loneliness
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of:
- Cognitive decline
- Heart disease
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Weakened immunity
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Death
Choosing cat- and dog-friendly senior housing can combat feelings of loneliness. Your pet will become an ongoing source of comfort and companionship.
Having a pet may encourage you to socialize with other seniors in Gahanna. They may see your furry friend before striking up a conversation.
Socializing more will give you a sense of belonging within your community. You can develop strong friendships.
If you don’t have a pet, explore your senior living community’s events calendar. You can discover fun activities that may encourage you to connect with other seniors.
Senior Companionship
According to a poll conducted by Pew Research Center, 51% of pet owners consider their pets a part of the family and say they’re as much a part of the family as a human member. Your furry friend can become an ongoing source of companionship after you retire.
Many seniors form strong emotional connections to their pets. This can give you a sense of purpose as your pet learns to rely on you. They may boost your self-esteem while offering a source of support.
Isolating yourself, however, can harm your mental and physical health. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about 35% of seniors aged 50 to 80 feel isolated. Nearly 40% lack companionship.
Social isolation and chronic loneliness can harm your emotional, mental, and physical health. It may even reduce your longevity.
Your pet will love you unconditionally. You’ll always feel needed, which can give you a sense of purpose in life.
The next time you feel lonely, take your pet for a walk and meet other seniors in Gahanna. Otherwise, explore your senior living community’s events and activities calendar.
Find fun, engaging opportunities to socialize and meet new friends. Your furry companion can even help you break the ice!
Establish a Routine
Pets thrive on routine. They need regular:
- Attention
- Care
- Exercise
- Feeding
- Grooming
Aging with pets can help you develop and maintain a routine. This can give you a sense of purpose while encouraging you to remain active. Developing a routine may boost mental alertness and cognitive function.
Caring for a furry friend may give you a new purpose in life. This sense of responsibility could improve your daily routine.
To develop a schedule that supports health and longevity, consider Gahanna retirement living. You can enjoy scheduled meals, engaging activities, and more alongside other local seniors.
Exercise Regularly
Having a pet may encourage you to exercise more often. Remember, pets require grooming and attention, which can help you remain active. Walking regularly can help:
- Improve blood pressure
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Improve sleep quality
- Have pro-aging effects at a cellular level
- Enhance longevity
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Strengthen bones, muscles, and joints
Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day. To hold yourself accountable, consider joining a walking or hiking group. You can explore your senior living community’s health and fitness program for other classes.
Physical Health Benefits
Exercising regularly with your pet can boost blood circulation. This helps nutrients reach organs, improving their functionality. Improving blood flow also reduces joint stiffness.
Exercising will help you maintain a healthy weight, which may reduce your risk of:
- Colon and breast cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Recovery
Having a pet may help you recover from an illness or injury. According to this poll, pets help seniors cope with physical and mental health issues. About 46% of owners say their pets help take their minds off pain symptoms.
Having a positive outlook may speed up the recovery process. Your pet will also offer comfort during this time.
Mental Health Benefits
Petting an animal can help lower cortisol, the stress hormone. Otherwise, chronic cortisol can increase inflammation, which is associated with:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- COPD
Having a pet may help relieve stress. Petting them may increase endorphin production, which is a natural mood booster. It also causes a surge of oxytocin, which relieves stress.
Gahanna Retirement Living
Aging with pets may enhance your Gahanna retirement living. They’ll become a source of senior companionship, encourage you to socialize, and boost your mood. Their presence may improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Choose a senior living community that offers a variety of lifestyle programs. Their dining program will give you access to nutritious, chef-prepared meals. A wellness program can help you prioritize your health and longevity alongside your furry friend.
Prioritize Pet Friendly Senior Living
You and your furry friend don’t have to part ways. Instead, prioritize finding pet friendly senior living in Gahanna. Moving into the right Gahanna retirement living community can make all the difference to your quality of life.
Look no further than Rittenhouse Village Gahanna. We offer Independent Living with Support Services, allowing you to enjoy a fulfilling, maintenance-free lifestyle.
Enhance your retirement with our exclusive lifestyle programs, including Sensations Dining, Dimensions Health & Fitness, and Celebrations Activities & Events. Contact us now to schedule your tour.
