Considering senior living? You might be surprised to learn that many senior living communities are pet friendly! Pets can be a source of joy, companionship, and stability for many senior citizens. If you have a pet (or want to have a pet) and are considering senior living, a pet-friendly community might be a good choice. Pet-friendly senior living communities have many advantages, including more emotional support, opportunities for exercise, and social interaction. Read on to discover few of the benefits of pet-friendly senior living communities to consider when choosing a community or considering senior living.
Psychological & Emotional Support Benefits of Pets for Seniors
Pets are incredibly helpful and therapeutic for many seniors. Studies have shown that pets can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation (1), which can in turn lead to better physical and mental health (2). This is a great benefit for senior citizens, who often find themselves spending more time alone than they used to. Retirement may lead to less social interaction, as can becoming an “empty nester.” Pets can help fill in this gap.
Owning a pet may also reduce your risk or experience of anxiety and depression (3). This may depend on your personal experience of owning a pet–not everyone is an animal person, and caring for an additional living being can be stressful in other ways. However, if you do enjoy animals, owning a pet could be a great advantage to your mental and emotional health.
Physical & Social Benefits of Pets for Seniors
In addition to having many psychological and emotional benefits, many pets are a great way to increase your physical activity. Almost anyone who owns a dog finds themselves outside more and taking more walks than they would otherwise. Spending time outdoors has tons of health benefits, including better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced stress (4). Walking in green spaces also has a positive impact on your physical and mental health (5). So, if dog ownership encourages you to go walking outside, it’s likely to have beneficial effects.
As you’re walking outside, you are more likely to interact with neighbors and friends in your senior living community. This encourages social interactions that will help you feel more connected to others, and less alone. Some research has even shown that walking a dog creates social bonds that you don’t get from walking alone (6).
Pet-Friendly Senior Living Communities
Since we’ve established that owning a pet is likely to have a good impact on health for many seniors, choosing a pet-friendly senior living community is even more important. If you already have a pet, ask your local community what their pet policy is. Most Stellar Living Communities are pet-friendly, especially in independent or assisted living communities. It’s important to remember that most communities have rules and regulations when it comes to pets. For example, most don’t allow exotic animals. There may also be height, weight, and/or breed restrictions, and you’ll likely be required to care for your pet yourself. Additionally, pets that are aggressive, loud, or unfriendly are unlikely to be a good fit in a senior living community. These limitations aside, a pet-friendly senior living community could be the way to your happiest golden years.
However, owning a pet isn’t the right choice for everyone. While pets are beneficial for most seniors, if you or your loved one requires memory care or skilled nursing care, a pet may not be the best choice. Pets have many needs, including not just cleanup and feeding but also social interaction and medical care. They can also be expensive, which might strain a tight budget. Some people find pet care more stressful than helpful, so it’s truly a personal choice. These are important considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to get or keep a pet as you move to a senior living community.
There are many benefits of pet-friendly senior living communities, including mental, physical, and social advantages. Call a community near you today to see what their pet policy is, and start living a life that’s not just good–it’s Stellar.
