Why Pet Friendly Senior Living Matters for Troy Residents
According to Michigan Medicine, 55% of American seniors aged 50 to 80 have pets. Over half have multiple pets.
Of these seniors with pets, over 70% say their pet helps them cope with physical and emotional symptoms, while 46% say a pet takes their mind off pain symptoms.
Choosing pet friendly senior living in Troy, NY, will allow you to enjoy these benefits and more. Still on the fence about exploring cat or dog-friendly communities? Read on to discover the additional benefits of having a pet!
Increased Emotional Health
Spending time with a furry companion could benefit your emotional well-being. According to this study on the effect of pets on our daily life, interacting with animals can have a complex influence on our emotions.
Having a pet present could ease negative feelings. Interacting with an animal (such as petting or talking to them) can increase positive feelings.
Another study on pet ownership and well-being indicated that pet owners are more satisfied with their lives than non-pet owners. Having emotional support pets around may benefit your quality of life.
Your pet may make you laugh, which may offer health benefits like:
- Strengthened immune systems
- Improved heart health
- Reduced metabolic syndrome risk
- Reduced pain
- Improved physical function
- Better core strength
- Lowered stress
- Reduced depression symptoms
- Helping us connect with others
Seniors With Pets Exercise
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults need about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly. However, many seniors aren't meeting these requirements.
Seniors with dogs often exercise more than others, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dog owners also report regular physical activity through other activities, like playing.
These activities can improve blood flow, which reduces joint stiffness and induces muscle contraction. During a walk, you may hike or run with your pet, which may:
- Reduce blood sugar levels
- Improve blood pressure
- Help you control your weight
- Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
- Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improve sleep
- Have pro-aging effects at a cellular level
- Improve your longevity
- Boost your mental well-being
Exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight. Walking with a dog for 30 minutes a day may reduce your risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Colon and breast cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Coronary heart disease
Explore your Troy senior living community's activities calendar or wellness program. You can join a walking group to stay physically active alongside your furry companion.
Pet Companionship
According to the Pew Research Center, 97% of US pet owners say their pets are a part of the family. Having a deep attachment to a pet can relieve loneliness.
Social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of physical and mental health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A weakened immune system
- Obesity
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cognitive decline
- Death
Cat and dog-friendly communities offer companionship and encourage socialization. Other seniors may approach you to meet your furry friend. You could have an easier time developing new friendships within your senior living community.
Dog owners have more social interactions with strangers during walks. Having regular social interactions may benefit your mental and physical health. Socializing can help you live a longer, more fulfilling life.
Improves Mental Health
Seniors with pets experience mental health benefits, including reduced stress. You may have a surge of oxytocin (the bonding hormone) when interacting with animals. Petting or maintaining eye contact with an animal boosts oxytocin, which can help ease stress symptoms.
Otherwise, excessive cortisol (the stress hormone) may increase your risk of:
- A weakened immune system
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Stomach aches
- Rapid breathing
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- High blood sugar
- Anxiety
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Petting an animal may reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. Even watching animal videos can reduce stress in the moment.
According to the National Council on Aging, about 21 million US adults struggle with depression. Symptoms include:
- Overeating or undereating
- Persistent sadness
- Apathy
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in activities
- Digestive problems
- Slower speech or movement
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Trouble concentrating and other cognitive changes
- A sense of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Physical pains
- Fatigue and low energy
Having a pet may decrease these symptoms. Remember, dog owners are also more physically active, which can further improve your mental health.
May Lower Blood Pressure
People with pets have lower blood pressure than those who don't. Long-term, having high blood pressure may lead to blood vessel and organ damage. This can increase your risk of:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Having a pet can help lower your stress, which may help lower your blood pressure. This could reduce your risk of associated health conditions.
People with pets have a greater chance of surviving heart-related emergencies, including heart attacks. This is more common in dog owners than cat owners.
Enhanced Troy Senior Lifestyle
Pet companionship may enhance your mental and physical health, improving your overall quality of life. Having a pet can encourage feelings of purpose and belonging. Gaining a sense of community can improve your mood and Troy senior lifestyle.
In an interview-based study, owners said their pets:
- Offered comfort
- Increased feelings of safety
- Improved their social lives
- Gave their lives new meaning
- Helped increase a structured daily routine
Having a structured, daily routine can enhance your mental and physical well-being. It may help you maintain healthy habits, such as exercising, eating regular meals, and getting enough sleep.
Being a responsible pet owner will encourage you to take care of yourself. Consider exploring your local senior living community for more ways to enhance your Troy senior lifestyle.
Choose Pet Friendly Senior Living
Pet friendly senior living can benefit your emotional, physical, and mental health. Consider exploring pet-friendly communities in Troy, like Diamond Ridge, to find a comfortable living space for you and your furry companion.
We help seniors maintain a fulfilling lifestyle with our Independent Living and Supportive Services. We'll support your holistic well-being while offering an enriching senior living experience.
Discover comfortable, pet-friendly apartments, engaging events and activities, and chef-prepared homestyle dining through our exclusive senior living programs. Contact us now to schedule your tour!