While taking care of a pet requires time and effort, the benefits of owning one outweigh the cons. Pets have been a constant companion to us for as long as we can remember, and are known for improving our health and emotional well-being. Here at our independent living community, we understand that owning a pet can bring several health benefits to your loved ones, which is why we specifically formed a pet-friendly community. If your loved one has a furry or feathered friend, our community is more than welcoming.
Lead a Healthier Lifestyle
Owning a pet comes with the responsibility of walking and playing with them once a day. This provides a great opportunity for your loved ones to be more active. Walking a dog takes an average of 22 minutes per day, which can bring about positive health outcomes such as losing weight and reducing the risks for heart disease. In addition, walking the pets among greenery allows your loved ones to get some fresh air, thus making them feel more relaxed.
Improve Emotional Health
As mentioned above, people usually own pets to have a companion in their everyday lives. This can be particularly helpful for your loved ones if they’re dealing with loneliness. By encouraging human and animal interaction, psychological distress will be reduced, leading to an increase of positive emotions. It’s no secret that happy people tend to have a lesser chance of developing medical conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Encourage Social Interaction
If your loved one is shy and has a hard time striking up conversations with strangers, owning a pet will make the situation much easier. Pets are natural-born icebreakers, acting as a topic of discussion for other pet owners. While walking around our community, your loved one can form connections with residents and play with the other animals.
Be More Organized
Taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility that requires owners to plan a schedule and follow a structure. Tasks such as showering, feeding, and walking the pet have to occur at regular intervals. This keeps the mind focused and sharped. Constant stimulation of the brain, alongside social interaction, slows down memory decline and reduces the risk for dementia.
Boost Quality of Life
Aside from being a constant life companion, pets can become our eyes and ears. They are a source of support, not only emotionally, but physically as well. If your loved one is suffering from disabilities such as deafness or blindness, pets can look out for any dangers. What’s more, pets are not judgemental beings and are never critical, making for the perfect guard.
Why Choose Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh?
If your loved one is looking to own a pet or wishes to bring along a pet, Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh is the community for them. Being a pet-friendly community, we encourage pet interaction and engagement amongst our residents to improve their quality of life. To learn more about our independent living community, feel free to call us at 941-584-3170 today.
