Pets can be a huge part of people's lives. Of American households, about 68% have a furry family member under their roof, and about 55% of seniors report owning a pet themselves. There are many positive benefits to owning a pet, and they can be especially advantageous for seniors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s a cat or a dog, a pet can improve your quality of life and keep you involved in your local community. Here are some benefits to owning or adopting a pet as a senior.
Establishing a Routine
Keeping a routine is very important for both people and pets. As we age, structured days can be a great way to keep both your mind and body healthy. Seniors who keep to a daily schedule are less likely to develop memory issues and find that establishing a daily routine encourages the motivation to complete tasks and projects. Keeping a routine also helps reduce stress during the day and promotes a more restful sleep later in the evening. Additionally, pets need structure in their day. Creating a schedule that involves your pet can help keep you on track and focused during the day as you hit milestones with them. To support your schedule, you can plan a time every day to take your dog or cat for a walk, play with toys, or simply spend some quality time with them. Pets also benefit from set meal times and a consistent sleep schedule. You can keep your pet on the same schedule for eating and sleeping as you keep for yourself; ensuring you always make time for a meal and have a furry friend to remind you to go to bed at a reasonable time.
Keep Your Body Moving
Remaining physically active is extremely important as we age. Whether going for a walk, going to the gym, weight training, or simply stretching, your body will benefit from the exercise. Seniors who keep active tend to sleep better, have lower blood pressure, lower their chances of developing heart disease, and have better balance to reduce the risk of falling. Having a pet in your life can help you keep active and help you feel more energized. As we discussed, making time to take your pet for a walk is a great start, but it doesn’t have to be limited to just walking. Taking time to play fetch with your dog or using toys to play with your cat can help keep your joints mobile and reduce the chance of inflammation. You can also sign up to take Doga classes and have a fun time learning to do yoga with your pup. No matter what you choose to do, getting up and out with your pet for some fresh air gets your blood pumping and your body feeling young.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
One of the hardest subjects to talk about for people of all ages is mental health. There are so many wonderful changes and experiences later in life, but there are also struggles. Most people will experience anxiety and depression at some point in their life, and mental health can hugely impact seniors' lives. It is always important to talk to your doctor, or a trusted loved one if you are finding yourself having a hard time. While doctors can support you from the office, your pets can offer comfort and support when you get home too. It has been proven that pets help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in their owners. Both cats and dogs are extremely intuitive and can easily pick up on your mood, feelings, and body language. They can offer unconditional love at any time and can help reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.
A Constant Companion
Life changes a lot as a senior. People move away or travel, grandkids go off to college, and you yourself may be downsizing or moving to a new area. Joining a new community and making new connections can be daunting, but developing and maintaining meaningful connections with others is essential to a healthy life. Having a pet can offer companionship, especially during times of change or long spans of time when you cannot see friends or family. You can find joy in caring for them, and they will be by your side like a shadow. You can also take your pet out with you as you meet new people in your community. You can socialize at dog parks, nature trails, and community centers. Taking a pet on adventures with you is a great way to break the ice, and your pet will be there for you every step of the way.
Tools for a Long Life Together
Whether you already have a furry friend or are considering adopting, there are a few things to consider to make your life with your pet easier and more secure. The first step is to establish a relationship with a vet. Your pet will need care from time to time, and having a reliable doctor will help keep your pet healthy and happy. You can also look into your budget and consider if pet insurance is worth having for your circumstances. Depending on the health and age of your pet and your own personal finances, having pet insurance can ensure your pet gets the best care without putting a strain on your savings. While at the vet, you can ask what food is best for your pet. For convenience and safety, look for a site or service that can deliver your pet’s food to your door. Most pet food comes in large bags or boxes that can be hard for most people to lift or carry upfront steps. Having their food delivered right to your door will ensure that you do not injure or strain yourself. To help with safety outside, take time to research different types of leashes and harnesses that would work best for your pet type and your personal strength. Some dog leashes attach around the mussel to allow for better control, and others have better handle options if you’re struggling with arthritis or joint issues.
Pets can be a wonderful addition to the lives of seniors. They keep us active and engaged with our personal lives and our communities. There are so many options out there to help you and your pet live a long and safe life together, so don’t be afraid to do some research or ask your family and friends about what they love about being a pet owner. Once you find your perfect match, you will have years of love and bonding to look forward to together.
At Pines Villages, we promote the importance of keeping healthy and establishing a lifestyle that leads to wellness and happiness. Keeping your health a top priority allows you to enjoy all life offers, which is one of the reasons we allow pets at both campuses.
Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits.
At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today.
