Pet Friendly Assisted Living in Sheboygan: Key Benefits
The prevalence of pet ownership peaks in mid-life, with nearly 70% of Americans aged 50 to 59 owning a pet, according to the National Library of Medicine. The majority of these pet owners view their pets as part of the family. If you have a pet, consider moving into pet friendly assisted living.
Your furry friend's companionship can benefit your emotional, mental, and physical health. On the fence about aging with pets in Sheboygan, WI? Read on to discover how they can enhance your golden years today!
Emotional Support Animals
Stress and burnout rates are on the rise, according to UC Davis Health. Pet companionship could enhance your mental and emotional health. Emotional support animals provide love and companionship, which may help:
- Create a calming environment
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Reduce feelings of loneliness
- Give you a greater sense of purpose
- Ease depression
- Encourage exercise
- Boost your mood
Seniors who maintain strong emotional connections with their pets report lower depression rates. A pet's ongoing social and emotional support may improve your mood and outlook on life.
According to The American Institute of Stress, nearly 45% of seniors aged 50 to 80 report feeling stressed. About 56% of these seniors say their pet is an ongoing source of joy. Choosing cat- or dog-friendly housing may reduce feelings of stress, which can benefit your overall health.
Chronic stress can cause inflammation, which is a component of chronic diseases, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weakened immunity
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- High blood sugar and pressure
- Arthritis
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
The next time you feel stressed, pet your furry companion. Stroking their fur may increase oxytocin production. This can lower your stress and blood pressure.
Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar for more relaxation methods. You can join a yoga class or hike with your dog to reduce stress and anxiety.
Pet Companionship Combats Loneliness
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 37% of seniors feel a lack of companionship. Another 34% feel isolated. This feeling is more common in seniors who reported fair or poor mental health.
Chronic loneliness could affect:
- Mental health
- Cognitive health
- Physical health
- General well-being
- Longevity
Engaging in meaningful activities with other seniors could improve your health and longevity. Consider exploring your senior living community's wellness program. You can find fun, engaging activities to enjoy alongside your pet and other residents.
Your pet can act as an icebreaker as you meet seniors in Sheboygan. You can connect with other seniors, which may improve your:
- General well-being
- Emotional regulation and mood
- Quality of life
If you don't have a pet, explore your Sheboygan senior living community's events calendar. They may offer pet visits and animal therapy sessions, which can help combat feelings of loneliness. Other potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy include:
- Lower blood pressure
- Enhanced motor skills and coordination
- Increased physical activity
- Increased social interaction
- Gaining a sense of community
- Improved focus and memory recall
- Decreased anxiety and depression
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Improved mood
- Reduced pain perception
Aging With Pets for Memory Care
Compared with their solitary peers, seniors who live alone but have pets experience fewer memory problems. According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, having a pet is associated with a lower decline in:
- Memory
- Verbal fluency
- Verbal cognition
Having a pet could help mitigate loneliness, which is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. Older adults who report feeling lonely have triple the risk of developing forms of dementia than their peers. Aging with pets may help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
Having a dog may lead you to exercise more often. Regular physical activity could further reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease.
According to a study on pet ownership and cognitive health, aging with pets may reduce a person's brain age by up to 15 years. Your pet's presence may protect you from age-related mental decline.
Physical Health Benefits
According to the American Heart Association, dog owners are 34% more likely to walk 150 minutes a week than non-owners. Pet companionship can help you remain physically active, which may help:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Lower your cholesterol
- Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
- You maintain a healthy weight
- Socialize more often
- Go outside more often
- Achieve fitness goals
- Lower your blood sugar
- Boost your overall happiness and well-being
Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. This may reduce your risk of health conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers
To stay physically active, explore your senior living community's fitness program. You can join a pet-friendly walking or hiking group, which can:
- Strengthen your joints, bones, and muscles
- Control weight gain
- Reduce blood sugar and pressure
- Improve your sleep quality
- Encourage you to socialize
- Improve your longevity
Enhanced Sheboygan Senior Living
Choosing between pet-friendly Sheboygan senior living options can enhance your overall lifestyle. Aging with pets can:
- Give your life meaning and purpose
- Enhance your social life
- Help you stick to a schedule
- Increase feelings of safety
- Provide a source of comfort
Moving into a senior living community can give your life structure. Following a routine can encourage feelings of stability and happiness. Your pet will appreciate regular walks, socializing with new friends, and spending time outside.
Explore your senior living community's exclusive lifestyle programs. You can discover fun, engaging ways to enhance your current routine.
A pet's ongoing presence can improve your mood, which may enhance your outlook on life. Maintaining a positive outlook can improve your mental and physical health.
Enjoy Pet Friendly Assisted Living
To recap, what are the benefits of pet friendly assisted living in Sheboygan, WI? Aging with pets can improve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Their ongoing presence may encourage you to socialize, which can further improve your mood, health, and quality of life.
Look no further for cat- and dog-friendly housing than LakeHouse Sheboygan. We ensure residents receive compassionate care in a pet-friendly community.
Enjoy our variety of floor plans and apartment sizes, fun and engaging amenities, chef-prepared meals, and compassionate staff. Contact us now to schedule your tour.