Owning a pet can be both a healthy and enjoyable experience. For older adults, the unwavering companionship they provide is especially appreciated as a way to combat loneliness. In fact, a 2020 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine cited the health risks associated with social isolation and loneliness. It found that the former significantly increased the risk of premature death and dementia while the latter was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
If you’ve ever had a pet, then you can identify with the fact that no matter the time, place, or day, they always make the world a little brighter. Retirement is a time to enjoy what you love most, and for some, that includes having their pet by their side. That’s why at Falcons Landing, we ensure that our campus offers a safe and suitable pet-friendly environment.
It’s amazing to witness the healing power of pets when it comes to our health and wellbeing. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our furry, feathered, or finned friends by considering the top 5 benefits of pet ownership:
- Companionship: Pets offer a sense of unmatched companionship by always being there to provide comfort, sympathy, and unquestioned understanding when we need it most. This helps to combat loneliness which can often lead to depression and anxiety.
- Increased opportunities for exercise: Pets such as dogs require frequent walks or breaks outdoors. As a result, you have more opportunities to get moving on a daily basis. Spending more time outdoors and staying active help to improve your overall health.
- Improved heart health: Having a pet to care for, cuddle and play with lowers your stress and anxiety levels. As a result, you will tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. This all means better overall cardiovascular health in the long run.
- More opportunities to socialize: Pets often require you to be outdoors more often than you regularly would. As a result, you have more opportunities to socialize with others whether on or off campus. You find yourself talking with other pet owners or you may consider joining a group of other pet owners to receive advice or plan pet playdates.
- Boost mood: Looking forward to seeing your pet every day as you wake up or when returning home after a full day is a mood booster in itself. Additionally, as compared to any activity that brings us joy, playing with your pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine. These feel-good hormones boost your mood by helping you feel more calm, happy, and relaxed. Even with fishes, just watching them for a few minutes at a time has been proven to have the same effect.
Falcons Landing is the ideal place for you to retire with your pet by your side. Schedule a tour to discover all that we have to offer.
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