Retired? It’s Time to Adopt a Dog
by Kristopher Samuels WriterLoyal, caring, and
cute, man’s best friend has been at our side for thousands of years. That
shared history makes a dog one of the best pets to have, especially if you’re retired.
But a furry friend is more than a cuddling companion in retirement. They have a
profound effect on your health and mental well-being.
Want to learn more? Keep scrolling to uncover the benefits of adopting a dog.
A Dog is a Great Addition to Your Retirement
Plans
In retirement, you
have a lot more time to devote to a furry friend, but that barely scratches the
surface. Welcoming a dog into your home is a great idea from a health
standpoint, too.
A Dog Keeps You Active
A perfect day in a
dog’s life is exploring the trails in a nearby park, coming home to circle the
neighbourhood before playing fetch in the backyard. All this energy rubs off in
a way that improves your health.
Meeting your dog’s daily fitness needs gets you moving, whether it’s to explore the neighbourhood or play fetch in the dog park. Walking is a great way for seniors to stay active, and it comes with serious health benefits. Seniors who walk regularly reduce their risk of the following health concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
Keeping up with your
dog is also a great way to keep Father Time at bay. Regular exercise improves
your bone density and flexibility as you age.
They Ease Loneliness
On the one hand,
retirement can be a freeing experience. After decades of dreaming, you no
longer have to work. But on the other hand, it can be an isolating experience.
You have to say goodbye to the day-to-day social aspect of your job at a time
when your kids have flown the coop.
Having a dog in the
house helps to dispel these feelings of loneliness. Studies show pets improve their owners’ mental
health; you’ll have a reason
to get up in the morning, and a friend to cuddle at night.
Caring for your furry
friend adds routine to your day, and the certainty of a routine can help combat
stress and form healthier habits.
It also encourages you
to go out and meet people. Pet lovers will stop you on the street to talk about
your dog, and you’ll naturally strike up a conversation at a dog park.
Challenges to Caring for Pets
As you age, limited
mobility and your living arrangement may be holding you back from adopting, but
these aren’t good reasons to give up on your dreams. Even if you aren’t as
active as you used to be, you can be a great pet owner at any age. Let’s take a
look at those solutions below.
Finding the Right Home
It’s not always easy
bringing home a new pet. If you live in a condominium or apartment, you may
have signed a lease agreeing you won’t have pets. While it may be illegal for
landlords to ban animals in some places, it’s perfectly aboveboard in others.
The same goes for
retirement homes. Some may prohibit animals while other active senior housing
communities welcome a furry friend with open arms. Take, for example, an All Seniors Care living centre with pet-friendly suites. They understand how
important animals are in seniors’ lives, so they encourage residents to move in
with their pets at no extra charge.
Finding the Right Dog
Dogs up for adoption
run the gamut of behavioural and physical needs. Humane societies and rescues
share these needs to prospective adopters, so they can match up dogs with
owners who have the right capabilities and lifestyle to care for their new pet.
Smaller dogs on this list are a perfect fit for a retiree worried about
walking. They’re easier to control and less likely to take you off your feet
than powerful, large breeds. Senior dogs also make great companions in
retirement, as they don’t have the boundless energy of a puppy.
But don’t overlook leash training. A well-behaved dog that follows your commands
will walk calmly by your side, regardless of age, energy levels, or size.
Life is Better with a Dog
A furry friend gets you out of the house
and your blood pumping. They’ll brighten your day with their crazy antics, and
they might even help you find new human friends in your retirement community.
But don’t take our word for it. Speak with a trusted animal rescue or charity
to learn more about adoption.
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Created on May 20th 2020 15:47. Viewed 269 times.