According to the Pew Research Center, about half of US pet owners say their pets are as much a part of the family as a human member. If you consider your pet part of the family, you likely won't want to part ways. Instead, consider pet friendly senior living.
Living with a furry companion can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical senior wellness. What's the connection between pets and aging? Read on to discover how pet companionship can enhance your Flower Mound senior lifestyle today!
Pets thrive on having a structured, consistent routine. After all, they need regular:
Moving into cat- and dog-friendly apartments with your furry friend can help you maintain your routine. Choose a senior living community that allows you to maintain your independence while offering support.
Adding structure to your life can give you a newfound sense of purpose. This can help you maintain cognitive function while encouraging you to remain alert. Your pet will need your attention and care to live a happy, healthy life.
As they rely on you, you'll gain a sense of purpose. Being responsible for them may encourage you to remain responsible for yourself.
To add more structure to your routine, explore your senior living community's lifestyle programs. You can enjoy regular activities that may enhance your quality of life.
Having a pet involves feeding, grooming, and playing daily, which can keep you physically active. Dog owners often go out for walks twice a day, which produces health benefits such as:
Check your senior living community's wellness program. They may offer a regular hiking or walking group that's ideal for dog owners. Participating alongside your Flower Mound friends may help you stay accountable to attend regularly.
Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day (150 minutes a week). Regular exercise will promote blood flow, helping nutrients reach organs to improve their functionality.
Exercising can help you maintain a healthy weight, which may reduce your risk of:
According to a poll conducted by Michigan Medicine, pets help seniors cope with physical and mental health issues. About 46% of seniors aged 50 to 80 say their pet helped them cope with pain. Another 70% said their pet helped them cope with physical and emotional symptoms.
Your pet may offer a healthy distraction as you heal. Maintaining a positive outlook can speed up the recovery process after you sustain an injury or are sick.
The next time you feel stressed, try petting your furry companion. They could help lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Otherwise, having high blood pressure long-term may increase your risk of blood vessel or organ damage. This may contribute to:
Pet companionship can benefit your mental health and outlook on life. The next time you feel stressed, stroke their fur. Petting them may promote the production of oxytocin and endorphins.
Oxytocin is the bonding hormone. It helps lower stress.
Endorphins are natural mood boosters. They can improve your mood and outlook on life.
Taking care of a pet will encourage you to remain mindful. Your furry friend doesn't care about the past or future; they're focused on the now. Focusing on them in the present moment can help relieve any anxiety you have about the future.
If you still feel stressed, explore resources through your senior living community. You can speak to a therapist or join a support group for additional help.
About one in three seniors aged 50 to 80 report feeling isolated from others in the past year. Over one in three say they lack companionship.
Your furry friend will become an ongoing source of companionship. They'll depend on you, which can give you a sense of purpose in life.
Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are associated with heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline. Both can increase your risk of physical and mental health conditions, including:
Engaging in productive, meaningful activities with other seniors may help you live longer. It can improve your mood and give you a sense of purpose in life. Socializing may improve your cognitive function, which can help you maintain your independence.
Having a furry friend can help you break the ice as you meet other seniors. People may approach you when they see you have a cat or dog in your lap. As you meet new friends, you can avoid social isolation, which can benefit your health and longevity.
Pet companionship can enhance your Flower Mound senior lifestyle. Remember, your pet could help you make new friends. Socializing can give you a sense of community and belonging.
Your pet will give you a sense of purpose while helping you stay active. Remaining physically active will benefit your mental and physical health.
Choose cat- and dog-friendly apartments in a senior living community that offers lifestyle programs. These programs can help you live a lively, engaging life.
For example, a dining program will ensure you eat nutritious meals. A fitness program can help you remain healthy and active. Look for fun, engaging activities you can do alongside your pet, too!
Living with a pet companion can enhance your overall senior wellness. Consider looking into pet friendly senior living in Flower Mound, TX to experience these benefits firsthand!
Look no further than Pinewood Hills Senior Living, where we offer Independent Living with Supportive Services tailored to meet your unique needs! Enjoy our recently renovated living spaces, chef-prepared meals, and rich array of activities.
Our exclusive senior living programs can enhance your quality of life. Contact us now to schedule your tour!