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!
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
According to a study on pet ownership and brain health, pet owners:
Aging with animals could benefit your cognitive health. It may offer protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Aging with animals can also benefit your physical health. Here are a few ways you can keep each other happy and healthy.
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:
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.
According to the American Heart Association, pets can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. They could improve your health by:
Seniors are vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which may increase their risk of:
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:
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to discover more opportunities to socialize.
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.
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.