We know that social interaction can help seniors live fuller, longer lives, but there is one type of social connection that is similarly beneficial: pets. At Sorrento, a pet-friendly retirement home, we think that these furry friends are a wonderful addition to the lives of many retirees. Here are a few reasons why:
For much of our lives, our work, children, and other routines keep us active and focused from day to day. When these routines disappear, pets can be a wonderful way to establish new ones. Walks, feedings, and training done at regular intervals can help seniors stay alert and active, as can regular care like baths, food purchases, vet visits, and grooming.
Seeing your furry friends walking down the hall brightens the day of both our staff and our residents. It’s a great way to lift the mood of the entire retirement home. But don’t listen to us, science also agrees that cute pets are very important. According to the NIH, interacting with animals decreases stress-related hormones and lowers blood pressure. So that fuzzy feeling you get when you pet an animal isn’t just nice, it’s also good for you.
According to Mayo Clinic, just 30 minutes of dog walking a day reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, Type 2 Diabetes, and even gives us more restful sleep. Of course, you could just go for a walk on your own, but having a pet helps you stick to it.
For pet owners moving to a retirement residence, having to rehome your pet is a hassle. But by moving to a pet-friendly retirement home, you’ll cut out the extra work of finding them a new place, and you can instead focus on enjoying your new lifestyle.
For some seniors, the burden of taking care of the pet may be too great if they already need extra support for day-to-day tasks. In these cases, it may be wise to opt for a lower-maintenance pet, like a cat or a fish tank. This offers many of the benefits without more intensive care requirements.
Pet or no pet, Sorrento Retirement Residence offers a living experience that fits your ideal lifestyle. If you or your loved one is interested in visiting, contact us.