Pet-Friendly Senior Living in The Woodlands, TX
According to the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, nearly 60% of adults aged 50 to 80 are pet owners. Among older adults who lived alone or were in fair or poor health, nearly 75% said their pet helped them cope with emotional or physical symptoms.
Choosing pet friendly senior living in Woodlands, TX could benefit your physical, emotional, and mental health. Not convinced it's time to look into cat- and dog-friendly senior communities? Read on to discover how they can enhance your quality of life today!
Aging With Pets Woodlands, TX
For some seniors, living at home can feel isolating. Consider senior independent living at the Conservatory at Alden Bridge for you and your furry friend.
These independent living homes are ideal for seniors who prefer an affordable, maintenance-free lifestyle. You'll have the reassuring presence of a professional staff nearby if you need support.
Independent living allows you to enjoy the comfort of a retirement community as you maintain your independence. You and your furry companion can enjoy:
- Exciting events and activities
- Resort-style amenities
- Delicious, chef-prepared meals
- Exclusive lifestyle programs
Some communities offer on-site pet care and partnerships with local pet services. You can discover community events and activities that include pets, too.
With a wide range of amenities, every day will feel special. These include:
- Lush, landscaped gardens
- Walking paths
- A game room
- Senior-equipped fitness and wellness center
- A heated swimming pool and spa
- Inviting living rooms and common areas
You and your furry companion can enjoy one another's company in the great outdoors or these comfortable indoor spaces. Consult a member of your senior living community's staff to discuss their pet policies in retirement living.
Benefits of Aging With Pets
According to News in Health, pets can decrease stress, improve your heart health, and boost your mood. Here are a few ways aging with benefits may enhance your overall well-being.
Emotional Support Animals for Seniors
According to a study on happiness and pets, pet owners are more satisfied with their lives than non-owners. Choosing independent living with pets may boost your mood and promote better emotional well-being.
Emotional support animals for seniors are sources of companionship and comfort. Their presence may encourage positive emotions, which can improve your outlook on life.
According to research at Harvard University, optimists tend to live an average of 11 to 15% longer than pessimists. They achieve "exceptional longevity" (an age of over 85 years).
Living with a pet may improve your emotional health and mindset. Their presence may improve your quality of life, outlook, and longevity.
Stress Relief
According to the American Institute of Stress, nearly 45% of seniors aged 50 to 80 feel stressed. Stress can increase inflammation, which can boost your risk of age-related conditions like:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Dementia
- Mood disorders
- Certain cancers
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Insomnia
- COPD
Among participants in the same study, over 55% said their pets were a source of joy. Emotional support animals for seniors can boost oxytocin production. This hormone reduces stress and cortisol.
Excessive cortisol and chronic stress may increase your risk of:
- Pounding heart
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Tense muscles
- High blood sugar and pressure
- Pounding heart
- Heart attacks
- Rapid breathing
- Stomach aches
- Insomnia
- Heartburn
- Irritability
Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Otherwise, stress may weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to illness or infection.
The next time you feel stressed, spend time with your furry companion. You can also discover relaxation techniques through your senior living community's wellness program. Consider giving yoga alongside your furry companion a try!
Cognitive Health Benefits
According to a study on pet ownership and brain health, when compared with non-owners, pet owners:
- Have a higher mental processing speed
- Remember stories with better detail
- Have an easier time staying focused
Choosing independent living with pets may protect you against age-related cognitive decline. Maintaining your cognitive health can benefit your ability to function, independence, and quality of life.
Physical Health
Aging with pets in Woodlands, TX, may enhance your physical health. For example, your pet will want to play with you. They may encourage you to stay physically active.
Seniors should get 150 minutes of physical activity weekly (30 minutes a day). Staying physically active can benefit your health and mood. It promotes blood flow, ensuring nutrients reach essential organs.
If you're a dog owner, your furry friend will want to go outside for a walk. Benefits of walking include:
- Improved sleep
- Increased creativity
- Stress relief
- Age-related disease prevention
- Pro-aging effects
- Reduced risk of dementia
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Enhanced mental well-being
- Increased longevity
According to the American Heart Association, dog parents are 34% more likely to fit 150 minutes of walking into their week than non-dog owners. Exercising more can lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It may reduce your risk of heart disease while promoting better overall well-being.
Explore your senior living community's wellness program for pet-friendly walking or hiking groups. Participating alongside friends will encourage you to socialize, which can reduce feelings of loneliness.
Avoid Social Isolation
Isolating yourself may increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Weakened immunity
- Alzheimer's disease
- Depression
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive decline
Spending time with a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness. Your companion animal may even help you meet other seniors in Woodlands, TX.
Engaging in meaningful activities alongside other people can boost your mood and give you a sense of purpose. It could help you maintain your well-being while improving your cognitive function. Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to find pet-friendly socializing opportunities.
Choose Pet Friendly Senior Living
To recap, what are the benefits of choosing pet friendly senior living in Woodlands, TX? Aging with pets can benefit your emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Their presence in your life can reduce feelings of loneliness, improve your quality of life, and extend your longevity.
Look no further for the best senior living community in Woodlands: Conservatory at Alden Bridge. We offer exclusive lifestyle programs designed to reduce stress, improve health, and enhance your lifestyle.
Enjoy Sensations Dining, Celebrations, Activities & Events, and more! Contact us now to schedule your tour.