Do you remember the first time you held a kitten or a puppy? Petting the soft fur and feeling the purring rhythm under your fingers brings a smile to anyone’s face. That feeling never changes, no matter how old we get. In reality, this is probably more important for seniors. Growing old has its benefits like slowing down or discounts at your favorite eatery. It also has its downside including health issues, loneliness, and depression.
At Wesley Enhanced Living retirement communities, we help our seniors enjoy this season of life. We offer healthy meals, exercise classes, and various social activities. We strongly believe that Fluffy and Fido have a place in your life, bringing you comfort, joy and not to forget, entertainment!
Enjoy these Benefits of Pet Therapy:
Retirement is not for the faint of heart. Enjoy it with us and start living your life to its fullest. Want a fun way to improve your health and grab hold of your Golden Years? Take advantage of these benefits by participating in pet therapy:
- Physical Benefits –You might be surprised by the tangible benefits you can experience petting your furry friends, like:
- Improved Heart Health – Interacting with a pet can potentially lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Healthy Behaviors –Having a pet means another life is depending on you to take care of yourself so that you can take care of it. A pet encourages routines that keep you going.
- Social Benefits –Being social can help decrease loneliness, as well as:
- Conversation Starter – Meet new people as you walk your furry friend. Almost everyone loves to stop and pet a dog.
- Increased Opportunities to Interact –When you have to get out of the house, you open up additional chances to socialize.
- Emotional Benefits –Depression is commonly prevalent among seniors. Beat depression with the help of Rover. He can also help:
- Decrease Loneliness – What better companion do you have than your faithful dog or cat? They listen to every word you have to say.
- Relieve Stress –Hanging out with Fluffy can increase serotonin, a hormone that helps relieve stress and calm anxieties.
- Benefits for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients – A research study at Purdue University showed that Alzheimer’s patients living in special care units gained healthier appetites after their dining rooms were enhanced with aquariums. Several studies have observed the benefits of improved mood and more social interaction when seniors living with dementia have the company of pets. Because this helps reduce their risk of depression, it also notably improves their day to day functioning and quality of life.
Reap the Rewards of Living with a Pet – Wesley Enhanced Living Can Help
Gain back your sense of purpose with the help of a pet. Many retirement communities encourage pet ownership or have visiting pets for you to enjoy. The teams at our retirement communities understand the vital role a pet plays in their senior resident’s lives.
Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones. Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own, give you a tour and inform you of our range of services.