Pet Friendly Senior Living in San Antonio: Top Benefits
According to the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, 59% of seniors aged 50 to 80 are pet owners. Pets can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, and improve symptoms of depression. They're also a source of companionship and comfort.
What are the remaining benefits of pet friendly senior living in San Antonio, TX? Read on to discover how they can enhance your San Antonio senior lifestyle!
Emotional Support
According to a study on the "pet effect" in daily life, pets can promote better emotional well-being. Their presence may foster positive feelings while helping you navigate negative emotions.
In another study on pets and happiness, pet owners claimed they were more satisfied with their lives than non-pet owners.
Pets and seniors can provide emotional support to each other. Here are a few ways aging with animals can benefit your emotional health.
Stress Relief
According to the American Institute of Stress, about 44% of seniors aged 50 to 80 report feeling stressed. Another 28% feel depressed or hopeless.
Stress harms the body's ability to respond to inflammation, which can lead to age-related conditions like:
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Certain cancers
- Insomnia
- COPD
- Mood disorders
- Type 2 diabetes
- Alzheimer's disease
According to the survey, 56% of people said their pets are a source of joy. Spending time with animals can trigger a surge of oxytocin. Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, can ease stress symptoms.
Interactions with a beloved pet, including petting or talking to them, can lower cortisol production. Cortisol is the stress hormone. Chronic stress may cause:
- Weakened immunity
- Rapid breathing
- Depression
- Increased risk of heart attacks
- Pounding heart
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Tense muscles
- Heartburn
- Insomnia
- High blood sugar
- Stomach aches
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor. Otherwise, chronic stress may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Stress can also weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness or infection.
Spending time with a beloved pet can ease your stress, potentially reducing your risk of these symptoms. Explore your senior living community's wellness program for yoga, meditation, and other stress relief techniques.
Alleviate Depression and Anxiety
According to the World Health Organization, about 14% of adults aged 60 and older live with a mental disorder. The most common disorders for older adults are depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of depression include:
- Fatigue
- Ignoring important responsibilities
- Persistent sadness
- Apathy
- Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Eating more or less than usual
- Talking or moving slowly
- Difficulty remembering or concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Loss of interest in activities.
Talk to a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Otherwise, consider pet therapy. Aging with animals may offer emotional support and help relieve your depression symptoms.
Your furry friend can offer compassion and support. They may ease your anxiety or fear, which could improve your mood and outlook on life.
Improved Cognitive Health
According to a study on pet ownership and brain health, pet owners:
- Have a higher processing speed
- Focus their attention better
- Remember stories more accurately
Aging with animals could benefit your cognitive health. It may offer protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Healthy Aging With Animals
Aging with animals can also benefit your physical health. Here are a few ways you can keep each other happy and healthy.
Pets and Seniors Exercise
Having a furry friend may encourage you to get outside and exercise more. Your pet will want to play, run, and walk with you. Dog owners walk more often, which offers benefits like:
- Stress relief
- Improved sleep
- Creativity boosts
- Reduced risk of heart disease and dementia
- Pro-aging effects on a cellular level
- Age-related disease prevention
- Improved mental well-being
- Increased longevity
If you have a dog (or a cat that doesn't mind a long walk), explore your senior living community's wellness program. They may offer hiking or walking groups specifically for pet owners.
Use these sessions as an opportunity to exercise and socialize. Both can improve your mood and outlook on life.
Better Heart Health
According to the American Heart Association, pets can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. They could improve your health by:
- Lowering stress
- Boosting overall happiness
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing cholesterol
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Improving your overall well-being
Avoid Social Isolation
Seniors are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which may increase their risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Depresion
- Anxiety
- Obesity
- Weakened immunity
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's disease
- Death
Having an animal companion can help you avoid social isolation. You'll always have their unconditional love and support.
Your furry friend can also help you meet new people in your San Antonio community. Someone may approach you when they see your pet, which can help you initiate a conversation. Making new friends with other seniors can help you build a community, which may help:
- Boost your mood
- You live longer
- Foster a greater sense of purpose
- Improve your cognitive function
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to discover more opportunities to socialize.
Enhanced San Antonio Senior Lifestyle
Moving into cat- or dog-friendly apartments can enhance your San Antonio senior lifestyle. You can live alongside other pet owners, forge new connections, and enjoy your retirement.
Look for communities that offer a range of senior lifestyle programs. These may include chef-prepared meals, fun activities, and fitness programs. Engaging in these programs with other seniors can help you forge strong social connections.
Making new friendships can boost your mood, outlook, and quality of life. Your furry friend will enjoy being surrounded by people, too. You can maintain your independence while simultaneously receiving support when needed.
Benefit From Pet Friendly Senior Living
To recap, what's the benefit of aging with animals? Moving into pet friendly senior living can improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. It can also improve your quality of life and longevity.
Look no further for the best senior living community in San Antonio, TX: Madison Estates Senior Living. Located in the Medical Center district, we offer Independent Living with Supportive Services, allowing residents to live independently while ensuring they have ongoing support.
Enjoy our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including engaging activities, chef-prepared meals, and apartment-style living. Contact us now to schedule your tour.