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If you want to see someone at their happiest, watch them play with their dog! Sometimes, it feels like people love their pets as much or possibly even more than their own children. In a very real sense, a person’s dog is part of the family, too.
This doesn’t change as people get older. There’s a reason that people refer to dogs as “man’s best friend.” In fact, there are at least four.
1. Mood Improvement
Seniors love being around their dogs because, on a very basic level, they make them happy. Seeing their playful nature as they run around, fetch sticks, or roll in the dirt is to see them enjoy life. Such pleasure is contagious.
The best senior living options in London and Southern Ontario allow dogs in the home and don’t charge an extra fee, either. They recognize that dogs play a vital role in people’s lives and are an essential part of the family.
Caring for older adults means providing them with what they need and what makes them happy. Plus, they’re fun to be around.
2. Perfect Ice Breaker
When people walk around a city or town by themselves, they probably don’t have strangers approaching them to say hi and stop to chat. When they walk with a dog in tow, how the story changes!
It’s common for people stop to pet your adorable pet, so you’ll inevitably have many little chit-chats with your neighbours and fellow community members.
Older adults love meeting people and feeling connected to their local community. It’s much easier having a friend at hand who excels at breaking the ice.
3. Unconditional Love
When a pet owner has a bad day, either because they’ve done something wrong or something bad has happened to them, their dog is blissfully unaware. No matter how low a person is feeling, their pet dog remains positive and loving always.
All you need to do is open the door, and your dog will be there, barking in happiness and excited to see you. No wonder studies repeatedly show that dog owners are less likely to feel lonely or anxious. Imagine having a relationship that was so positive that it actually improves your health!
4. Encourage an Active Lifestyle
Dogs need daily exercise, even on days you don’t feel like walking. Owning a dog can hold you accountable for getting your daily steps in on days when you’re not in the mood or the weather isn’t great.
Everybody benefits from a daily walk, especially older adults. It may make the most sense for a person to get a dog whose energy levels match theirs. For example, puppies need a lot of walking. Older dogs need to get outside, too, but they’re calmer and less frenetic.
Not everybody is a “dog person.” Some find the idea of living with a creature they can’t communicate with verbally strange, maybe because they didn’t grow up with a dog. For others, dogs are friendly, reliable, and trustworthy, and they can’t imagine life without them. Seniors looking for a friend at home and in the local community should spend more time with dogs.
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