Cuddling with a furry companion can make your day better, but it also has actual health benefits. Studies have shown that household pets can improve one’s mental health and can help with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and more. A person’s physical health can also be enhanced by the same stress-relieving mental health advantages. Hence, many retirement communities incorporate pet therapy into their offerings and offer pet-friendly apartments for seniors. Pet therapy brings a wide range of benefits to seniors, such as giving them something to be excited about every day. Read on to find out about the benefits of moving to pet-friendly retirement communities near Springmaid Beach, SC.
How Pet Therapy Works
If you’ve ever had a pet, you’re probably familiar with how human-pet bonds work. It is this human-pet bond that pet therapy uses. Pet therapy actually has a long history, despite the fact that animals seem to be a bigger part of families than ever before. More than a century ago, Florence Nightingale discovered that chronically ill individuals showed improvement when given the opportunity to engage with animals, which lead to the start of pet therapy.
When a healthcare provider offers pet therapy, a trained animal handler typically brings the animal to the agreed location and monitors the interactions. Before adoption, pets are thoroughly screened to make sure that they are well-trained and healthy, and they are typically certified by a sponsoring organization. Based on the stated requirements of the healthcare provider, animals are specially picked for the environment they will be entering.
Benefits to Mental Health
Interaction with pets has been shown to increase the release of endorphins, similar to that observed after a workout. Although some medicines can also release endorphins, they have a propensity for addiction and potentially harmful side effects. Studies have shown that simply petting an animal can help someone relax, which is why it is beneficial to those suffering from stress and anxiety.
Seniors can get many health benefits from the companionship and comfort a pet may provide. Even regular pet therapy sessions can act as an enjoyable activity that enhances their usual routine. Most significantly, pet therapy benefits in how it can help with memory recall and the sequencing of recalled events. In fact, spending time with pets can help improve the overall well-being of people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Benefits to Physical Health
Pet therapy has relaxation effects that can also help those suffering from physical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and pain. It can also help seniors who have trouble relaxing while exercising and becoming more active has numerous health advantages. In a group setting, it brings a community together and helps them in becoming more sociable, which also benefits physical and mental health.
Having a pet can have physical and mental health benefits for people of all ages. However, it can be particularly beneficial for seniors. If you’re looking for a retirement community to spend your golden years with your furry companion, do consider the pet-friendly senior apartments in Springmaid Beach, SC!
