May is National Pet Month, and it’s the perfect time to recognize the profound impact pets can have on our lives. As the French writer Colette once said in The Cat, “Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” Any animal lover knows there’s some truth in that as there’s something truly special about the bond we share with our pets. Beyond simply bringing us joy, that connection offers incredible benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. That’s why pet-friendly senior living communities are such a great choice.
Pets Help Residents Stay More Active
Some pets, like dogs, require regular walks and outdoor breaks. For many adults, this comes with several benefits.
It helps avoid a stationary lifestyle, which is healthy for your body and mind. The World Health Organization's findings confirm that a stationary lifestyle is a leading cause of diseases and disability. According to a study published in the Journal BMC Public Health, people who own a dog walk about 22 minutes more per day than those who don't have a dog. Researchers at Michigan State University also found that dog walkers/owners are 34% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
An American Psychiatric Association Healthy Minds Poll revealed that 84% of pet owners in the U.S. believed that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health.
In pet-friendly senior living communities, pets help ease loneliness and reduce feelings of depression. A simple, soothing purr or wagging tail can brighten one’s day.
Age takes a toll on all of us, both mentally and physically. It is generally recognized that as we age our cognitive capabilities grow weaker, our memory is not as sharp, and our verbal fluency and overall mental processing abilities decline.
However, did you know that having a pet around you, especially for those in memory care homes, is good for your brain? In a study that involved around 8,000 seniors, researchers found that owning a pet can slow the rates of decline in verbal fluency, verbal memory, and composite verbal cognition among seniors. This is because the mental stimulation of fulfilling pet-related responsibilities and tasks could serve as a form of cognitive exercise, encouraging plasticity and resilience against cognitive decline.
Pet-friendly senior living facilities often promote a sense of community among residents. Pets are excellent social catalysts that can spark conversations between residents and create new friendships.
Community activities, such as pet-themed events or group dog walks, can promote social engagements.
Caring for a pet gives older adults a sense of purpose. The daily routines of feeding, walking, and grooming a pet provide a reason to get out of bed every morning. This sense of purpose and responsibility can be particularly beneficial to seniors struggling with the loss of previous roles and identities.
Pets are not just companions; they are also playmates. Below are some senior-friendly activities to enjoy with your furry friend:
As you tour and call senior living communities, consider asking the following questions to better understand their approach to owning pets:
Transitioning to senior living should be a joyful new chapter—full of fresh connections, meaningful experiences, and a sense of belonging. It should never come at the cost of leaving behind a cherished family member, especially a beloved pet. After all, home is wherever the ones we love are.