Chattanooga, Tennessee, the birthplace of the tow truck and miniature golf, is also the city recognized as North America's first-ever "National Park City." As Chattanooga.gov points out, it's home to the award-winning green spaces Coolidge Park and TN Riverpark, and over 80 other parks and athletic spaces.
All those outdoor spaces and activities, plus the city's generally mild climate, make for an idyllic location for seniors to walk their dogs or enjoy the weather while exercising.
At the heart of this beautiful city that serves as the Hamilton County seat is our warm, welcoming, pet-friendly senior living community, Creekside at Shallowford. Here, we encourage aging with pets, as we recognize the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits of animals.
So, please join us today as we share valuable insights into the many perks that seniors can expect from leading a pet-friendly lifestyle in our loving and inclusive retirement village.
Cognitive impairment is one of the many potential problems that aging adults may experience. Some may only experience mild cognitive decline (e.g., slowed thinking speed), which is normal as people get older. However, others may experience more severe impediments, such as dementia and memory loss, which, although common, aren't an inevitable part of aging.
The good news is that, since severe cognition-related problems aren't inevitable, seniors can take proactive steps to minimize their risk of developing such issues. One of these strategies is having and lovingly caring for a pet. Many studies back this claim up.
For instance, according to Psychiatry.org, the findings of recent studies show that pet ownership benefits older adults by helping prevent dementia. Pets can also help slow cognitive decline. Dog ownership, specifically, can also bring the following perks to seniors:
So, Chattanooga seniors can keep their brains and memories sharp by choosing a senior living community specializing in pet-friendly or dog-friendly housing. Creekside at Shallowford is proud to be pet-inclusive. Here, we don't just "tolerate" or "allow" pets; we encourage and promote their ownership and care!
Seniors in Chattanooga, TN, can enjoy many health benefits of leading a highly active and engaged lifestyle, including:
Unfortunately, many seniors in Tennessee, including Chattanooga, don't move as much as they should. According to America's Health Rankings, only 25.2% of Tennesseans met the federal physical activity guidelines in the past 30 days! The rest don't get a weekly 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity plus two days of muscle training.
Some may even be completely sedentary!
Having a pet, particularly a dog, can change all that. According to a Frontiers article, researchers found that compared to non-dog-owners, dog-owning adults aged 50 and older were less likely to be sedentary. Folks who owned dogs were also more likely to meet the federal exercise guidelines.
So, for older adults out there who'd like to move more and maintain a high level of independence for as long as possible, consider pet ownership. Not only can having a furry family member encourage you to be more active. It can also help you find another meaning and purpose in life (i.e., to be a "fur parent").
A loving, affectionate, and loyal pet can give seniors many mental health perks, including:
Let's explore how these benefits give way to better senior mental and emotional health.
Interacting with pets, whether via petting, playing, grooming, or talking, can be an excellent stress-busting activity. For instance, an article published on Phys.org reports the findings of a new study, in which the researchers say playing with a dog for just 15 minutes can already lower stress levels! Dogs also benefit; they experience stress reduction when they hang out with humans, too.
The presence alone of a pet can already be calming and relaxing to owners. It can help seniors feel less anxious by providing them a sense of comfort and having family around.
Pets can be loving companions. Their presence can mitigate isolation and feelings of loneliness, especially for seniors who live alone or lack social connections.
The human-animal bond can create a sense of belonging, which is vital for older adults' optimal mental health.
Pets can encourage older adults to socialize more, especially during walks and outdoor time. They can serve as catalysts for owners to interact with other pet owners or members of the community.
From the unconditional love they provide to their unwavering loyalty and companionship, pets can make anyone feel loved and that they belong. Their wagging tails alone can already put a smile on anyone's face.
Pet ownership and care can also enhance self-esteem.
Think about it. The better pet owners look after and care for their furry family members, the healthier their pets can be. As a result, pet owners can feel they are responsible fur parents, and when they do, they're likely to experience a boost in their self-esteem.
From helping prevent dementia to slowing cognitive decline, encouraging physical activity, combating isolation, and boosting moods, these are just some of the many benefits of aging with pets. For the same reasons, we've made sure that the residents of Creekside at Shallowford can enjoy and feel nurtured by a pet-friendly senior living community where furry family members aren't just allowed or tolerated but loved and well-cared for.
So, are you (or an older loved one) ready to transition to a retirement village in Chattanooga, TN, where loving, affectionate pets are welcome and celebrated? If so, we invite you to contact Creekside at Shallowford today. We look forward to giving you a tour of our beautiful, caring, and pet-friendly community!