How Pets Help Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing in Retirement
Did you have a pet when you were young or when your children were young? Maybe you’ve always wanted to get a pet, but you worried that you weren’t going to have enough time. Now is a great time to get an animal companion as you’re settling into an amazing 55+ community just south of Houston in Manvel. Whether you prefer a pet with fur, feathers, or fins, having a pet is fun and can be remarkably good for your physical and mental wellbeing.
What are the Physical Benefits of Pets?
While having a pet certainly can’t replace your medicine, a pet may still provide some physical health benefits.
- Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rates - Interacting with a pet has been shown in many studies to help people have lower blood pressure, heart rates, and cholesterol.
- Physical exercise - If you have a pet such as a dog or a cat, if nothing else, they certainly guarantee that you get more physical exercise through play or simply taking it for a walk.
- Lower stress - Having daily interactions with a pet has been shown in a variety of studies to help lower your daily stress.
Serenity at Meridiana has incredible trails that are perfect for walking a dog. Your pet's enthusiasm can often encourage you to go just a little bit further and walk just a little bit longer.
What are the Mental Health Benefits of Pets?
If you’re feeling down, pets really can help lift your spirits.
- Decreased loneliness - Daily interaction with pets helps decrease the feeling of being alone, which can help with anxiety and depression.
- Less worry - Pets help you focus on the here and now, which keeps you focused on the present moment and reduce opportunities for unnecessary worry.
- Reduced stress and anxiety - Even watching a beautiful fish swimming provides you with something to focus on to help reduce your stress and anxiety.
- Added Peace of Mind- Living in a gated community such as Serenity at Meridiana has many benefits such as limited access to your property. However, having a furry friend gives you extra peace of mind, especially when you live alone.
Spending time with pets, laughing at their silly antics, cuddling, playing, walking, or just basking in their adoration and affection can often help improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
How do Pets Provide Routine in Retirement?
As well as benefiting your mental health, simply having a pet can help give you a new purpose. Following a schedule gets you up and moving for daily duties, including:
- Feeding
- Exercise
- Play
- Grooming
You’re more likely to spend time outside, especially when walking and visiting with other pet owners on the trails or at the Meridiana dog park. You can make new friends and walking partners. One look at your dog’s sweet face when they want to go for a walk, and you’ll have a hard time resisting.
How Pets Help Foster a Sense of Community?
Pets provide companionship, no matter the type of animal or the size. Pets become part of your family and are a constant source of entertainment and conversation, whether you live with your partner or you live alone. From guinea pigs to Mastiffs, pets enhance your retirement in so many ways. If you want to adjust to the idea, you could even volunteer at your local pet shelter; however, you’ll probably find yourself coming home with a new animal companion!
