People of all ages can gain a lot from living with animals. Besides uplifting our moods, animals give us a stronger sense of well-being and purpose. Numerous retirement communities have begun to allow and encourage animal companionship after realizing the number of positive effects it has on older adults. Since many different types of animals can make excellent pets for you or your loved one, choose one based on your preference, and choose a pet-friendly assisted living in South Valley, NM, to enrich your golden years. Animals and older adults make a fantastic match; here are some reasons to choose a pet-friendly retirement community.
Pets Are Great Companions
Pets make great companions for the elderly because most pets give unconditional love. Specially trained dogs, or service dogs, know how to be gentle with fragile elderly, and they love to cuddle and snuggle up to their owners. Having pets provides lonely older adults with friendly company, making up a source of affection. They help to keep loneliness and depression at bay. The companionship they provide helps older adults to feel like they are not alone.
Pets Improve Social Interaction Between Residents
Pets relieve the stress of striking up a conversation, which helps residents make new friends. It can be challenging to start a friendly relationship with someone new, regardless of age. However, chatting with new people becomes much simpler when everyone’s attention diverts to the pets rather than the person themselves. Maintaining pets fosters friendship bonds as well. Residents can plan to walk their dogs together, or they can exchange information about caring for their pets. These are excellent ways to meet and bond with new people.
Pets Provide a Sense of Purpose
Most of the time, older adults can no longer provide nurturing care for others. They are now the primary recipients of nurturing care. When they are used to being the caregiver, they may lose their self-esteem when they need care. Having pets gives them a much-needed sense of purpose when they care for and pay attention to their pets. They also receive love and respect from their pets.
Pets Help Maintain Physical Health
Many studies show that spending time with a pet raises serotonin levels, a stress-relieving “feel good” hormone. Even a simple activity like “fish gazing” helps to lower blood pressure, anxiety, and stress. Fishes with vivid colors also make it easier for older adults to stay awake during the day to sleep better at night. Additionally, the physical contact that some pets offer can help to ease anxiety, for example, petting a fluffy cat or cuddling a dog. Besides providing stress relief and relieving anxiety and depression, pets help older adults stay active. Pets encourage older adults to engage with them by playing with them, taking them for walks, and taking care of them.
Pets Provide Cognitive Benefits
Pets can spur older adults to take an interest in the wide variety of information about their pets. They may even be interested in participating in educational workshops or other pet-related activities. For instance, painting classes with animal themes, sewing classes to make shelter cage comforters, or baking dog treats with friends. Some other residents may already have extensive knowledge and experience with pets, and they may enjoy rekindling their stories with pets.
