According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, about 50% of Americans over age 50 are pet owners. This research links pet ownership with better health outcomes in older adults, namely those with chronic health conditions.
Are you considering pet friendly senior living in Bethel Park, PA? It could benefit your quality of life more than you realize! Read on to discover the benefits of choosing cat- and pet-friendly housing today!
Spending time with animals could enhance your emotional well-being. Benefits of the presence of companion animals (the "pet effect") may generate positive feelings while helping you combat negative emotions.
Spend time petting, talking to, and walking with your pet. They can help you relax, which can improve your emotional regulation.
According to a study on pets and happiness, pet owners are more satisfied with their lives than non-pet owners. Dog owners scored higher on all aspects of well-being compared with cat owners.
The effect of having a pet may vary based on your:
If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or loneliness, look into emotional support animals. They can:
Otherwise, explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. They may offer pet therapy sessions.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, about 34% of adults aged 50 to 80 feel isolated. Another 37% report a lack of companionship.
Social isolation and loneliness are linked to physical and mental health conditions, including:
Pet ownership in retirement offers a source of companionship. You can develop a deep attachment to your pet, which can combat loneliness.
Having a pet can help boost your self-esteem. Your furry friend will love you unconditionally. Their companionship can be a source of comfort when you feel alone.
Seniors with pets often socialize with other pet owners. For example, you may have a daily chat with another owner at your local dog park. These social interactions can offer mental and physical health benefits.
Choosing cat- and dog-friendly housing can help you connect with other seniors, even if you don't have a pet of your own. You can ask the owner about their furry friend and experience these benefits by interacting with an animal in your Bethel Park senior living community.
Socializing regularly can help:
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the percentage of seniors 65 and older who met guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities decreases with age.
In 2022, only 13.9% of adults aged 65 and older met these guidelines. This includes 16.8% of adults ages 65-74 and 6.2% of adults ages 75 to 84.
Exercising regularly can:
Having a dog may encourage you to exercise more. According to the National Library of Medicine, walking may help:
Explore your senior living community's wellness program to discover walking and hiking groups. You and your furry companions can walk alongside other seniors and pets, which encourages socialization. Socializing can further benefit your mental and physical health.
The National Council on Aging estimates that 21 million US adults struggle with depression. Symptoms include:
If these symptoms sound familiar, reach out for help. You can find resources through your senior living community.
Having a pet may ease feelings of depression and anxiety. Interacting with animals could help ease stress symptoms, too.
Petting or maintaining prolonged eye contact with animals can boost oxytocin levels, the bonding hormone. Oxytocin helps reduce stress.
Petting an animal can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. It may help reduce stress hormone levels.
Being a pet owner may benefit your brain health. Pet owners focus their attention better and remember stories more accurately than non-pet owners. Having a pet could reduce your cognitive age by 15 years.
Having a pet may lower your blood pressure levels. High blood pressure can cause blood vessel and organ damage. These are contributing factors for:
If you feel stressed, try spending time with a furry friend. A companion animal could help you relax, which may benefit your heart health. In fact, people with pets have a greater chance of surviving heart-related emergencies than those without.
Having a companion animal may enhance your Bethel Park senior lifestyle. Pets foster feelings of purpose and belonging. Their presence can become a source of comfort, improving your quality of life.
In an interview-based study, older adults said that their pets:
Seniors with pets have a higher quality of life. They experience mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. Consider choosing pet friendly senior living to experience these benefits firsthand.
Look no further for senior living in Bethel Park, PA, than Provincial Bethel Park. Our senior living community offers Independent Living with Supportive Services, including a full calendar of enriching activities and homestyle, chef-prepared meals.
Discover senior living tailored to your unique needs. Contact us now to schedule your tour.