The Benefits Of Owning A Pet In Retirement

At Edgehill, we know pets are family. That is why our Independent Living community welcomes pets and offers spaces designed for residents and their four-legged companions to enjoy life together.

Pets bring love, affection and companionship to people of all ages. For older adults, they can also support physical activity, social interaction and overall well-being. Here are a few ways pets can enhance retirement.

Physical Fitness

Few motivations can get you up from the couch and out for a walk faster than a dog. Like many people, dogs are creatures of habit, and most will readily demand their daily exercise, rain or shine. Dogs also provide constant encouragement to spend some time outdoors. Research has found that dog owners walk for about an hour more each day compared to their peers who do not own pets.

At Edgehill, scenic walking trails and “Yappy Hours” at our community dog park make it easy for residents and their pets to spend time outside together.

Even when you are inside, you will move around more with a dog or cat in the house. Whether you are tossing a ball, playing with a cat toy or lifting bags of dog food, you will find yourself becoming more physically active thanks to your pet.

Each apartment home at Edgehill features a private balcony or patio, giving residents their own outdoor space to enjoy fresh air and the beautiful surroundings with their four-legged companions.

Companionship, Affection and Security

Dogs and humans have a long history together, and it shows. As the only animals besides humans known to interpret emotions by scanning the left side of the face, as humans do, dogs form close bonds with their two-legged companions.

Spending time with a doting pet unleashes a chemical reaction in the brain that can increase serotonin, which promotes good feelings and reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone that causes stress. Research has found that being with a pet can also promote wellness, reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and stress.

Dogs and cats can even serve as effective sentries, warning you when they detect a car pulling out of a parking spot or someone approaching your front door. In addition, they help many older adults remain independent and safe in their homes by alerting vision- or hearing-impaired owners to potential dangers.

Increased Social Interaction

Many pets serve as great icebreakers for meeting new people. In addition to making fantastic companions themselves, pets—especially dogs—encourage their owners to get out of their own residences and see the world.

Once you are out with your pet, you are likely to make new friends as people approach you to pet your dog or to ask questions. By learning more about your breed of dog, you can stimulate your brain and have conversation-starting material ready should an opportunity to chat arise.

The pet-friendly spirit comes to life at Edgehill with events like the annual Edgeminster Dog Show. This event brings residents, associates and beloved dogs together for an afternoon of fun, connection and philanthropy. From “Sweetest” and “Most Kissable” to “Sassiest” and “Best Dressed,” every four-legged participant has a moment to shine while helping raise funds for Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center Hope in Motion Walk.

How to Begin a Pet-Friendly Retirement

If you decide to bring a pet into your heart and home, do some research to ensure that you and your new friend will be a good match. Consider whether the dog’s size and exercise needs are appropriate for your home size and lifestyle, and make sure to understand any breed restrictions in your community. When you are ready to adopt, the Humane Society can point you to resources for finding your new best friend.