Pet Friendly Senior Living in Denton: Why It Matters
According to a poll conducted by Michigan Medicine, about 55% of seniors aged 50 to 80 have a pet. Over 75% say their pets alleviate stress, while nearly as many say pets give them a sense of purpose.
Aging with pets could benefit your emotional, mental, and physical health. Their companionship could improve your quality of life in Denton, TX.
On the fence about pet friendly senior living? Read on to discover the benefits you could experience alongside your furry friend!
Animal Companionship
According to the Pew Research Center, about half of US pet owners say their pets are a part of the family. Many people form strong emotional bonds with their pets. Your furry friend can be a constant companion as you age.
Living with a companion animal can boost your self-esteem. Their companionship can ease feelings of loneliness.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, nearly 35% of seniors aged 50 to 80 feel isolated from others. About 37% feel a lack of companionship.
Chronic loneliness can have implications on your mental, physical, and emotional health. It can affect your general well-being and longevity.
Having a furry companion can help you feel loved and needed. As they rely on you, it can give you a sense of purpose and relieve feelings of loneliness.
If you feel lonely, explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar. You can find opportunities to make new friends and socialize with other Denton seniors.
Develop a Routine
Aging with pets will help you establish and maintain a routine. Pets thrive on routine. They require regular:
- Exercise
- Care
- Feeding
- Attention
Having a structured routine can give you a sense of purpose. It can encourage mental alertness and help you maintain cognitive function.
Caring for a pet will help you feel needed. You'll maintain a sense of responsibility and purpose, which can improve your quality of life.
Consider moving into a Denton senior living community. You'll gain access to structured activities and programs, helping you maintain a routine.
Emotional Benefits of Pets
Interacting with pets creates "the pet effect." Their presence can ease negative feelings while promoting positive emotions.
Aging with pets can encourage emotional regulation. The next time you feel down, try talking to or petting your furry companion. Their presence can help you relax while improving your emotional state.
Many pet owners are more satisfied with their lives than non-pet owners. Their presence may improve your mood, outlook, and quality of life.
Socialize
Having senior pets in Denton may encourage you to socialize with other residents in your community. Neighbors and potential friends may approach you to meet your furry companion. This can encourage you to socialize and foster new friendships.
Otherwise, social isolation may increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Alzheimer's disease
- Obesity
- Weakened immunity
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Death
Engaging in meaningful activities with other seniors may boost your mood and give you a new sense of belonging. It could improve your longevity and quality of life.
If you don't have a pet, that's okay! Explore your senior living community's events calendar. You can engage in fun activities and meet new seniors in Denton.
Exercising Senior Pets Denton
Having a pet may encourage you to exercise more. The responsibility of grooming, feeding, and walking a dog can help you maintain an active lifestyle. The benefits of walking regularly include:
- Pro-aging effects at a cellular level
- Enhanced mental well-being
- Stronger muscles, joints, and bones
- Improved blood pressure
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- Better sleep
- Enhanced longevity
Explore your senior living community's wellness program to find a walking or hiking group. You and your furry friend can exercise regularly alongside other Denton residents.
Aim for 30 minutes a day. Regular exercise can improve blood circulation, allowing nutrients to reach organs. This also reduces joint stiffness and helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk of serious conditions, including:
- Coronary heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Colon and breast cancer
Your furry friend will appreciate the opportunity to spend time with you outside, too!
Recovery
Having a positive outlook on life may speed up recovery after an injury or illness. Having a pet can boost your mood and outlook on life.
According to this poll, pets help older adults cope with mental and physical health issues. About 70% of pet owners aged 50 to 80 say their pets help them cope with physical and emotional symptoms. Another 46% say their pets help take their mind off pain.
Mental Health Benefits
Interacting with animals can help ease stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Petting them can boost the release of endorphins. These natural mood boosters can improve your mental health and outlook on life.
Petting an animal causes a surge of oxytocin, the bonding hormone. This can further reduce stress levels.
Having a pet can also help you remain mindful. Your furry friend is focused on the present. They're not worried about the past or future.
Spending time with them can help you do the same, which may help you relax. If you struggle with anxiety, spending time with your pet may help you live in the moment and remain mindful.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Petting an animal can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term high blood pressure may cause damage to your organs and blood vessels. This is a contributing factor for:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
Remember, having a pet may help relieve stress. Keeping stress levels low may benefit your heart health.
Choose Pet Friendly Senior Living
To recap, what's the benefit of moving into pet-friendly apartments? Pet friendly senior living may enhance your mental, physical, and emotional health. Consider aging with pets in Denton to experience these benefits firsthand!
Look no further for pet-friendly apartments than Dogwood Estates Senior Living. We offer Independent Living with Supportive Services, allowing seniors to maintain their freedom and independence while enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle.
Enjoy our exciting calendar of social and wellness activities, chef-prepared meals, and comfortable apartments. Contact us now to schedule your tour.