The Purr-fect Companion: How Furry Friends Enhance the Lives of Older Adults

Pet ownership offers many health benefits that greatly improve quality of life. Caring for a pet not only encourages exercise – it reduces stress, provides companionship, and alleviates loneliness. Through their love, affection, and devotion, pets help us lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

Unconditional Companionship

As you get older, you may feel more isolated – especially if you’re retired or live alone. A pet provides constant companionship – a furry friend who is always by your side. The bond between a pet and its owner can be extremely valuable and enriching – studies show that nearly 95 percent of pet owners consider their animal companion part of their family.

“I adopted Trixie after I lost my cat,” said Valerie Hancock, a Siena Village resident. “I wasn’t going to get another one, but I found an 11-year-old cat who was blind in one eye and had no teeth. I said, ‘This is the cat for me – she and I can grow old together. She’s paid me back 100 times with affection and blossomed into the sweetest little thing.”

Improved Mood and Reduced Stress

Interacting with a pet triggers the release of oxytocin, which effectively reduces anxiety and depression and promotes well-being. Petting a dog or cat can also lower cortisol, which helps alleviate stress and bring comfort. This has long-term benefits for heart health, including lowered blood pressure.

A Sense of Purpose

Caring for a pet requires sticking to a structured daily routine, which is beneficial if you thrive on having responsibility. Regular feeding, grooming, and exercise will keep you engaged and focused, leading to a greater sense of purpose. The bond that comes from caring for another living being will stave off depression and make you feel more fulfilled in your life.

Activity and Social Interaction

Owning a pet, especially a dog, encourages you to get outside and be active, rain or shine. Your commitment to your dog’s daily walk or game of Frisbee will help you maintain mobility, increase your strength, and promote cardiovascular health. Pets also help you meet people in your neighborhood, start conversations, and build a larger social network, which is important for health and wellness.

Improved Healing and Recovery

Studies suggest that a positive mindset boosts healing after an illness or injury. Because pets are great at lifting our spirits, many hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and long-term care centers offer pet therapy services to help patients heal quickly. Having your own pet as a built-in wellness booster will effectively speed up your recovery from any health issues you may experience.

“Animals are great company,” said Valerie Hancock, a Siena Village resident. “They take away the loneliness. They’re really a gift."

Life with Pets at Christian Health

At our continuing care retirement community, The Vista, and independent-living communities Siena Village, Summer Hill, and Evergreen Court, pets such as birds, cats, and dogs under 30 pounds are welcomed with proof of required licenses and vaccinations. Pets must be registered with the community, leashed and cleaned up after at all times, and kept out of common gathering areas.

Residents in our other communities enjoy pet therapy and visitation programs where they can spend quality time with furry friends brought in by dedicated volunteers.

To learn more about our senior living communities, please call (201) 848-5200 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/SeniorLiving.