There are multiple reasons why pets are often referred to as a man’s best friend. These four-legged creatures are usually depicted as figures embodying the values of loyalty and companionship. But for seniors, they are extraordinary. They help seniors elevate their health and happiness in multiple ways. They help them reduce loneliness and stress, foster a sense of purpose and routine, encourage physical activity, and boost cardiovascular health, too.
At Vista at Simi Valley, a well-known pet-friendly assisted living community, we understand the importance of pets for seniors in their golden years. Here, we’re sharing a blog on how pet companionship improves seniors’ health and happiness.
Mental And Emotional Benefits
As people age, seniors face challenges such as loneliness, isolation, and emotional stress. Pet companionship is what can help them mitigate these probable challenges. Their mutual support helps seniors lead a more balanced life with a positive outlook. Pets offer unconditional support and a sense of comfort that significantly impacts their mental well-being. Here’s how it happens.
Reduces Loneliness And Isolation
Even in the engaging environment of assisted living studio apartments, seniors often feel lonely and isolated. Pets provide a solution by offering a constant, loving presence that helps them counter feelings of loneliness and isolation. It might be a dog that greets them at the door or a cat that cuddles up beside them, offering the much-needed companionship and emotional support that makes them feel less isolated and more connected to life.
Alleviates Stress And Anxiety
An article published by NIH News in Health stated that spending time with pets has been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol, i.e., the stress hormone. Moreover, it also helps you increase the production of oxytocin, which is linked to promoting feelings of calm and happiness. Whether seniors pet a dog or have one around them, their comforting presence helps alleviate anxiety. This calming effect can be particularly beneficial for seniors who face constant stress or conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Fosters A Sense Of Purpose
Yes, caring for a pet can also provide a senior with a sense of purpose. They would have a responsibility to feed, groom, and walk their pets, which helps them create a daily routine. Starting the day with these responsibilities can be incredibly helpful for seniors who feel like they lack direction in their later years.
Boosts Mood And Self-Esteem
Pets can do wonders for elevating seniors’ moods. Just seeing a dog or a cat can provide them with a more positive outlook. Pets offer unconditional love and support that make seniors feel wanted and needed. Caring for a pet, whether by feeding, exercising, or playing with them, makes seniors’ lives more enjoyable and purposeful.
Physical Health Benefits
In addition to helping seniors combat mental and emotional challenges, pets also aid in addressing various physical health challenges. They promote physical activity, improve cardiovascular health, and even support their immune system. Here’s an overview of what physical benefits pet ownership offers.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
An article based on research written by Harvard Health Publishing suggests that having a dog can help you lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. For instance, take the activity of walking a dog; that’s a moderate form of exercise that helps you strengthen your heart and reduce the stress on the cardiovascular system. Walking with a pet can also help seniors regulate their blood pressure, again benefiting seniors with heart concerns.
Increased Physical Activity
It’s seen that seniors with pets are more active than those without them. Even if it’s an activity as simple as engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, playing, or grooming, it will benefit them at various levels. This increased activity helps seniors maintain mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength, all of which are important for seniors looking to stay fit and active.
Supports A Healthier Immune System
A lot of studies have shown that the presence of pets can boost one’s immune system, which helps them stay safe from common illnesses like the flu and cold. Interacting with pets, you are most likely to get exposure to natural elements that help your body build immunity over time. Additionally, the joy and comfort that pets bring are beneficial for seniors’ overall health, helping them recover more quickly from illnesses.
Social Benefits
Pet companionship also provides seniors with an excellent opportunity to socialize with peers. With pets, seniors can often form new friendships and improve their relationships with others. Here’s how pets make a difference socially:
Encourages Social Interaction
Pets are a great icebreaker, especially for seniors who struggle to form new friendships by communicating with people. Seniors are most likely to engage in spontaneous conversations with others, which makes it easier for them to form bonds with others.
Enhances Overall Quality Of Life
Pets are much more than companions. They bring joy, fun, and a sense of connection that enhances seniors’ quality of life. Taking care of a pet requires the senior to engage in various meaningful activities. Pets’ unconditional love and companionship help seniors reduce feelings of boredom or disconnection, which provides seniors with a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
Vista at Simi Valley—A Pet-Friendly Community For Seniors
At Vista at Simi Valley, we recognize that having pets can be miraculously beneficial for seniors who often struggle with both physical and mental challenges in their golden years. Their companionship has a profound impact on seniors’ lives, offering them mental, physical, and social benefits that foster a healthier, happier lifestyle. Whether it’s reducing loneliness, improving cardiovascular health, or providing a sense of purpose, the benefits that pets offer are numerous.
If you’re looking for an assisted living studio apartment for your later years, consider joining our community at Vista at Simi Valley. Here, companionship and care go hand in hand. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today and find out how our care plans can help you.
