Pets bring about numerous benefits for seniors, such as reduced stress, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower risk of depression or loneliness, and improved physical and mental health. If you are a senior residing in a senior living community and are thinking of getting a pet, it should be able to complement your lifestyle.
Having a pet can enhance your quality of life and improve your overall well-being, provide companionship, and give you a sense of purpose and responsibility. Different pets have different characteristics and may require various resources, energy, and commitment. Some pets are more suited for seniors who enjoy an active lifestyle, while others are better for seniors who are more relaxed and do not wish to spend so much energy.
Ideally, if you stay in a senior living community, you may be looking for a pet that does well in smaller apartments and dwellings, doesn’t require a lot of cleaning and exercise, and will not affect your standard of living or be too costly. These factors can be adjusted accordingly depending on your preferences and needs. Before deciding which pet to get, it is important to do more research about the pet so that you are well-informed. Here are some of the best pets for seniors in senior living.
Dogs
Dogs make excellent pets for seniors and there are various breeds to suit your lifestyle. If you have been considering getting a dog but feel that you may not have enough energy to play and spend time with them, then you may consider opting for smaller breeds such as Shih Tzu, Maltese, or Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
Smaller breeds are great for smaller apartments as they don’t need a lot of space to run around, and are easy to carry. Do note that some smaller breeds are may require more physical exercise than others due to their active nature, which means that you may have to regularly bring it out to exercise or for a walk. Some breeds also require more personal care and grooming, and you should factor in all these costs before considering which breed is ideal for you.
Cats
Cats are a wonderful companion for seniors who may not have the energy or strength to regularly bring their dogs out for a walk. Cats are much less active than dogs, need less maintenance, are typically very independent and much quieter than dogs which makes them great for seniors who live in senior living communities and apartments. However, some cats which have longer hair may require more personal grooming. Cats are also easier to keep than dogs in general.
Rabbits
Rabbits are small animals and do very well indoors and in small apartments or homes, provided they get enough exercise and care. Rabbits are also soft and cuddly and are not noisy. Rabbits are low-maintenance pets and can be trained to use a litter box. Rabbits make great companions and do not require as much exercise as dogs. Rabbits also require social interaction and would make a good pet for seniors who live alone.
