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Win-Win: Uniting Seniors with Senior Pets

Win-Win: Uniting Seniors with Senior Pets

Tori and Ginny_1

Residents at Applewood, in Freehold New Jersey, are finding companions outside of just the usual community members. At our continuing care community, seniors are experiencing the first-hand benefits of a furry friend in their lives.

“Victoria was 14-years-old and unexpectedly homeless,” says Dr. Tracie Glicker of the Raintree Veterinary Hospital in Freehold, NJ. “On a whim, I called Applewood to see if anyone might be looking for a new friend.”

Resident Association President Virginia (Ginny) Allen and best friend Ruth Dowdell had lost their beloved border collie, Rob Roy, a year earlier. The women said, “Send her over and we’ll foster her for a few days.” And just like that, “Tori” found a new place to call home.

Pet Ownership is Good for Senior Wellness

Tori and Ruth

Studies have shown adults over 60 who have dogs as pets tend to spend an extra 22 minutes a day walking. This can cut down the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, feeling of loneliness, obesity, stress, type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions related to a sedentary lifestyle. In addition to helping owners to get moving, dog ownership can also help to protect against cardiovascular disease. In fact, studies on pet ownership indicate that people who own pets tend to live longer than those who don’t own them. And owners don’t just experience physical health benefits.

“From my perspective, I’ve observed that senior pet owners are also nudged into being more social, which can also help diminish depression symptoms,” says Keith Grady, executive director at Applewood.  “I’ve also seen pets serve as wonderful sources of comfort and therapy for people who have lost spouses or loved ones.” Ruth says just about everyone who sees Tori stops to pet her and have a chat. “It is amazing to see the positive reaction people have to her.”

The socialization that comes with owning a pet — both from the companionship provided by a furry friend and from the increased attention from the humans around you — has also been associated with lower rates of depression and stress, which seniors are particularly at risk for.

Formerly Homeless Senior Pup Becomes Belle of the Ball

With the exception of missing teeth, Tori is in good health and seems to love all the newfound attention. In her previous household, her owner was away at work much of the time, resulting in her spending long days alone.

“Tori has not only brightened our lives, but she is the talk of the town whenever we take her out,” Ginny says. “Our friends ask how Tori is doing before they ask about us!”

Tori and Two Ladies

Tori and lady in red pants

As our residents are finding out, owning a pet isn’t just about making new friends or walking more. Pet ownership can help seniors maintain a routine, which further helps reduce stress-providing structure to an otherwise perhaps unpredictable day. That unpredictability or uncertainty of what’s next can quickly turn into stress, and doubly so for seniors who may be cognitively impaired, who typically feel a constant stress and anxiety. The routine of pet ownership can help reduce stress and anxiety by ensuring that there is a predictable plan of how to approach the day, which eliminates the unknown — a leading factor in stress or anxiety. Routine actions also help to eliminate surprises by way of allowing seniors to predict and prepare for each day. This predictable pattern of life helps to create stability in a senior’s daily life, which can have a significant impact on other facets of a seniors living, including obtaining a good night’s sleep! In fact, one of the best drug-free solutions for seniors who have trouble sleeping is to establish even the simplest of routines, where individuals simply eat, dress, and bathe around the same time every day.

However, it’s not all snuggles and fun with owning a pet. One that thing seniors are encouraged to be careful of is the size, and energy levels, of their furry friends. For best results, owners should match their energy level and physical ability with a dog that complements both. A super-strong, high energy, Doberman or German Shepard may end up walking you, which can exposure seniors to a significant number of potential accidents waiting to happen. As such, it is best to avoid a pet that’ll topple you over.

 Exceptional Retirement Community Living in Monmouth County, New Jersey

Applewood is an active continuing care retirement community (CCRC) which welcomes residents with small pets.

Find out more about the wide range of apartment and residence options available at Applewood, located in Freehold, NJ, just minutes from the Jersey Shore and about 75 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia.

Join us at our next social event or call (732) 303-7416 to schedule your visit and personal tour.