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Once you are in retirement, it can be very lonely and isolating. After all, the transition from working every day and meeting many people at work to being at home and having nothing to do can be a bit daunting. However, seniors can take up many hobbies and activities that would not only ensure that they go out and exercise, but also encourage them to socialize and have connections with other people.

Your Four-Legged Companion In Senior Living

One way to improve your life as a senior and make it more meaningful is through having and raising a four-legged companion—a pet that you can call your own. Having a pet can have so many benefits to a senior. Here are some of the many reasons why you should get a four-legged companion.

  1. It encourages physical activity.

In order to raise your pet in a healthy manner, you must make sure that your pet always gets what he or she needs. That means that you feed it, groom it, and walk it around your community. This might not sound so hard – and it isn’t. The good thing about having a pet is it is not entirely exhausting, but it can be very physically rewarding. When raising your pet, you also help yourself by keeping physically fit through walking and doing other activities related with having pets.

  1. It promotes good health.

According to studies, having pets has proven to increase survival rates in heart attacks, lowers one’s cholesterol, decreases blood pressure, and reduces anxiety. These scientifically proven benefits to health aren’t just because of the added exercise when having pets. Some people say that this is also due to the therapeutic effect of having a pet and developing your bond with it.

  1. It increases your social interactions.

Since pets are required to go out of the house when taking walks, accompanying your pet will encourage you to socialize with other people outside your world and talk about your pet as a starting point. Having pets is one of the easiest ways to make connections with other people and start conversations.

Of course, having a pet is a big responsibility. You will be in charge of the life of another being, and being fully committed to your pet is necessary in order for you to maximize the experience. You must be physically, emotionally, and financially ready for this adventure. While it can be very overwhelming at the beginning, you will soon be acclimatized with having a pet in your own home. This might be a challenging endeavor, especially for seniors, but it can be extremely worth it.

Written by The Village Of Bedford Walk, a senior living community in Columbia, MO.