Many Pacifica Senior Living communities are pet-friendly, welcoming residents to live with their beloved four-legged friends. Pets play an important role in our lives as friends and companions, but did you know that pets offer specific benefits to seniors that make them an even more valuable part of the family?
Pets offer companionship many of us won’t find from our human friends. Who else can spend every waking minute with us, comforting us in times of distress and sharing our highs and lows? With a cat or a dog around, it’s hard to feel lonely. Living with a pet can lift our spirits and give each day new meaning, as we strive to make their lives as bright as our own.
Alongside companionship, pets provide stress relief for their guardians. Studies show that spending time with our pets increases the levels of serotonin in our brain, helping us feel happier, more comfortable, and more relaxed. If you’re feeling distressed, spend some quality time with your cat or dog and feel it melt away!
A particular benefit of pets for seniors is the sense of purpose they provide. During retirement, caregiving activities are often absent from a person’s schedule, without children living at home for whom to provide. Having a pet creates a sense of purpose by giving seniors another being to be responsible for -- often creating better self-esteem in the process.
Residents with dogs will experience the physical benefits of owning their pet, as their canine friends will require exercise outdoors. Living with dogs gives us a reason to spend more time outdoors and can provide valuable exercise through walks and playtime.
While pets are a major commitment, they offer unconditional love and priceless companionship in return. Living with a pet can be one of the greatest decisions a person makes during retirement, bringing new meaning and joy into each day.
To learn more about the pet policies at Pacifica Senior Living communities, please chat with us below or call our friendly team for more information.
