What Are the Health Benefits of Pets for Older Adults?
As we embrace the journey of aging, maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes a rewarding endeavor. One delightful way to enrich holistic well-being is by welcoming pets into our lives. At The Davis Community, we celebrate the joys and benefits of pet-friendly senior living in Wilmington, NC. Let’s explore how pets can positively enhance the physical, emotional, mental and social aspects of life for older adults.
Physical Health Benefits
Encouraging Activity
Pets are wonderful companions that inspire gentle physical activity. According to a study conducted by the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan, 64% of pet owners feel that pet ownership helps keep them active. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely walk with a dog or engaging in playful moments with a cat, pets encourage us to be more active. This increased movement can contribute to improved flexibility and cardiovascular well-being.
Enhancing Balance and Coordination
Regular movement is important for maintaining balance and coordination, helping to prevent falls. Engaging in light exercise like walking or playing fetch offers enjoyable ways to integrate exercise into daily life.
Supporting an Active Community Lifestyle
In pet-friendly senior living communities, such as The Davis Community, residents can benefit from spaces designed for walking and interacting with their pets, promoting an active community lifestyle.
Emotional Benefits
Fostering Companionship and Affection
Pets offer a comforting and fulfilling form of companionship and affection. According to the same study, 88% of pet owners say their pets help them enjoy life and 86% of them say their pets make them feel loved. For individuals who live independently or away from family and friends, pets provide emotional support and ease feelings of loneliness. Whether it’s the gentle purring of a cat or the excited wagging tail of a dog, pets have an incredible ability to lift our spirits and offer genuine companionship.
Introducing Routine and Purpose
Caring for a pet introduces structure and routine into daily life, offering a consistent schedule that encourages us to stay active and engaged. This routine, whether it involves morning walks, feeding times or play sessions, provides something to look forward to each day. It fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can be profoundly beneficial for emotional well-being and overall happiness.
Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits
Reducing Stress and Promoting Calm
Interacting with pets has a positive impact on mental health. Simple actions, like petting an animal, can lower stress levels and uplift mood. Pets bring a calming presence that can alleviate feelings of anxiety.
Keeping the Mind Engaged
The routine and responsibility associated with caring for a pet can stimulate cognitive functions. Tasks like feeding, grooming or walking a pet help keep the mind engaged and active.
Supporting Cognitive Vitality
Caring for a pet can also encourage mental alertness and support cognitive vitality, as it involves actions that stimulate the brain. This active involvement can contribute to a more fulfilling and enriched life in senior living.
Social Engagement and Building Relationships
Encouraging Social Connections
Pets naturally encourage social interactions. According to the survey, 65% of pet owners say that pet ownership helps them stay connected with others. Pets provide opportunities for engagement with others, whether through community events, visits to the on-campus dog park or spontaneous conversations during walks.
Building Community Ties
Such interactions can significantly enhance social connections by providing opportunities for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, fostering friendships that grow over time and strengthening community bonds through mutual support.
Explore Pet-Friendly Retirement Living Today
At The Davis Community, we honor the many benefits that pets bring to life. Our pet-friendly environment is thoughtfully designed to enhance the quality of life for both residents and their cherished pets. If you or someone you know is contemplating a move, we invite you to schedule a tour and explore our welcoming amenities. Discover how pet-friendly senior living at The Davis Community can enrich your journey. Schedule a tour today!