Secrets of a Great Retirement: Let Pets Enhance Your Life

For people of all ages, pet ownership is an essential part of a gratifying lifestyle. The joy of a furry friend can provide many wonderful benefits, including daily companionship, stress reduction, and a loving bond. For senior citizens, owning a pet in retirement may present a few challenges, but the benefits of this beautiful relationship will easily outweigh most obstacles.

​The Challenges of Aging: Choose the Right Pet

Aging can often be complicated by painful knees, sore backs, and reduced stamina. Caring for a pet while coping with one’s own health concerns might seem like a difficult commitment. Lifting a heavy dog may not be possible during your retirement years, and long walks with a large, energetic dog might require more activity than is practical for your health. Animal lovers who feel unable to properly care for a pet can always choose to give to foundations that help animals for peace of mind. If opting to own a pet despite some physical impairments, choosing pets that match your lifestyle and activity limitations is essential. For example, small-breed dogs are easy to lift, and they are typically satisfied with short walks and limited activity; cats require little more than a warm lap and a window perch to watch the world go by.

Staying Social: Out and About

Pets can also help you form bonds with other pet owners in your neighborhood. For example, sharing tips for cat-safe plants or favorite toys is a great way to meet your pet-loving neighbors. Daily dog park adventures give you the opportunity to expand your circle of friends and stay active in your community. As a pet lover, you might even enjoy an opportunity to volunteer at your local animal shelter, which can be a meaningful and enjoyable way to transition out of the workplace without losing the benefit of frequent social connections.

The Cost and Convenience of Veterinary Care

​Another example of the challenges of pet ownership during retirement is the cost of veterinary care for dogs and cats. When living on a fixed income, a medical emergency for your pet can quickly drain your bank account. Pet health insurance is a simple solution for your concerns about the cost of owning a pet, and you will enjoy peace of mind about paying for your pet’s future medical needs. To make your pet’s veterinary care as easy as possible, consider the convenience of working with an in-home or traveling veterinarian for all of your pet’s medical care.

A Great Bond to Enhance Your Health

​Older folks can often lose relationships when friends move, pass away, or their ability to be social declines. This can often lead down a slippery slope into becoming and introvert, abusing alcohol, or experimenting with drug use to pass the time. Generally when seniors need a drug detox center it’s due to loneliness and inactivity. However, when you enjoy the company of a pet who is a good match for your lifestyle, you can focus on the mutual benefits of the human-pet partnership. The bond you have with your pet can prevent loneliness, and the other health benefits of owning a pet include lower blood pressure, reduced pain, and less stress. The tasks involved with caring for a pet can also improve mobility and help aging seniors remain independent. Above all else, the joy of watching a pet play with a toy or enthusiastically greet you when you arrive home is a priceless gift that only a furry friend can provide.
Although you should carefully consider the potential challenges of owning a pet in retirement, the benefits you will experience can improve your health and wellness. When you find the right pet for your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to start a loving relationship with a new furry friend.