Benefits of Pet Friendly Senior Living in Chelmsford, MA
According to a poll by the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, 59% of adults aged 50 to 80 are pet owners. About 75% of these seniors said having a pet helped them cope with physical or emotional symptoms. Others said their pets reduced stress, gave them a sense of purpose, and enhanced their quality of life.
Choosing pet friendly senior living can allow you to enjoy these benefits and more. On the fence about moving into a cat- and dog-friendly retirement community in Chelmsford, MA? Read on to discover how animal companionship for seniors can enhance your life today!
Emotional Support Animals
Having a companion animal could benefit your emotional well-being. According to a study on "the pet effect," having a pet present can generate positive feelings. It could help you better combat negative feelings.
Another study examined the association of pet ownership and well-being. Pet owners who participated in the study said they were more satisfied with their lives than non-owners.
Here are a few specific ways senior living with pets can enhance your emotional and mental well-being.
Stress Relief
According to the American Institute of Stress, 44% of seniors aged 50 to 80 feel stressed. Stress in seniors can contribute to health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Arthritis
- Dementia
- Type 2 diabetes
About 56% of the seniors surveyed said their main source of joy was their pets. During loving interactions with animals, your body may produce a surge of oxytocin, the bonding hormone. This hormone helps reduce stress.
Interacting with animals (having prolonged eye contact, petting, and talking to them) can reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that can cause:
- Depression
- Pounding heart
- Increased risk of heart attacks
- High blood pressure
- Stomach aches
- High blood sugar
- Weakened immune system
- Insomnia
- Rapid breathing
- Heartburn
- Tense muscles
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Chronic stress can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Over time, stress weakens the immune system, leaving you more susceptible to viral illnesses and other infections.
Interacting with animals can relieve your stress. Otherwise, explore your senior living community's wellness program. Yoga, meditation, and other classes can alleviate stress, which can benefit your mental and physical health.
Ease Depression and Anxiety
According to the World Health Organization, the most common mental health conditions for older adults are depression and anxiety. Around 14% of adults aged 60 and older live with a mental disorder. Symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent sadness
- Apethy
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Eating more or less than usual
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Ignoring important responsibilities
If these symptoms sound familiar, explore your senior living community for resources. Otherwise, consider pet therapy. Aging with pets may help ease depression and anxiety symptoms.
Pets can:
- Offer companionship, love, and comfort
- Keep you on a regular schedule
- Help ease anxiety and fear
- Improve your mood
Improved Cognitive Health
Choosing senior living with pets may benefit your brain health. According to a study on brain imaging and cognitive testing, pet owners:
- Focus their attention better
- Remember stories more accurately
- Have a higher processing speed
Pet ownership is associated with greater brain and cognitive health. In fact, it could reduce your brain age by up to 15 years. Pet ownership may even help offer protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Encourages Exercise
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28% of adults aged 50 and older aren't physically active. Four in five of the most costly chronic conditions in this age group can be managed or prevented with physical activity.
Having a pet may encourage you to exercise more often. For example, dog owners walk more often, which can help:
- Improve sleep
- Reduce stress
- Prevent age-related disease
- Offer pro-aging effects at a cellular level
- Reduce the risk of heart disease, dementia, and other conditions
- Increase mental well-being
- Foster creativity
- Increase longevity
Explore your senior living community's wellness or fitness program. They may offer hiking and walking groups or trips to local dog parks. Your furry friend will appreciate the time outside, which can further benefit your physical health.
Animal Companionship for Seniors
Many pet owners consider their furry companions part of the family. Developing a deep emotional attachment to your pet can offer mental and emotional health benefits.
Your pet will rely on you. This accountability can boost your self-esteem and sense of worth.
Avoid Social Isolation
Social isolation is linked to various mental and physical health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immunity
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer's disease
- Death
Having a pet can encourage you to socialize with other people. For example, someone may approach you if you have a pet. Talking to other seniors can lead to a longer, happier life.
Other benefits of socializing include:
- Improved sleep quality
- Better stress management
- Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
- Reduced risk of chronic disease (heart disease, stroke, and dementia)
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. You can discover fun opportunities to engage with other seniors.
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Remember, having a pet can lower the stress hormone cortisol. It can also lower your blood pressure. Otherwise, high blood pressure may lead to damage to blood vessels and essential organs.
This can increase your risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
Animal companionship for seniors could reduce the risk of developing heart disease. However, we need more research to better understand these effects.
Choose Pet Friendly Senior Living
Choosing pet friendly senior living could improve your mental and physical health. It could enhance your quality of life after you retire in Chelmsford, MA. Consider moving into a cat- and dog-friendly retirement community to experience these benefits firsthand.
Look no further than Summer Place, set in a beautiful, park-like community. We offer Senior Independent Living with Supportive Services, creating a seamless blend for a fulfilling lifestyle. Our supportive environment is tailored to meet your needs.
Discover our exclusive senior living programs, including chef-prepared homestyle meals and engaging social activities. Contact us now to schedule your tour.