Emotional Support Dogs and Pet-Friendly Living for Active Seniors
Who doesn’t want to enjoy life, feel loved, reduce stress, feel a sense of purpose and improve their connection to others?
Yes, it is a rhetorical question.
Well, according to a study by the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, there is one addition to your life that could check all of those aspirational boxes. Here’s a hint: It’s furry, four-legged and it barks.
Even spending a few minutes interacting with a dog can produce positive biochemical changes that boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing. And that's just the tip of the tail. All you have to do is love and care for your pet to reap significant mental, physical and emotional rewards.
Mental Health
Pets are the antidote to the loneliness that is so prevalent among seniors. Not only do they jump for joy when you return home to them, they are also magnets for meeting and connecting with other people. That will be abundantly clear when you make the decision to rightsize into a pet-friendly Overture senior apartment community with your bundle of joy. You’ll easily find company and companionship – two and four legged - as you stroll the pristinely manicured walking paths. Or if you choose an Overture community with enhanced doggie accouterments, you will surely make friends hanging at the designated dog park or pooch bathing station.
Physical Wellbeing
When your dog’s gotta go, he or she’s gotta go. And you gotta get up and take ‘em. Nothing gets you up and moving like walking the dog. After a leisurely walk around your pet-friendly Overture property, you can head over to Yappy Hour where you can socialize with other humans while your pets get to know each other.
Sense of Purpose
Caring for a pet is a commitment that can give purpose and structure to your day. Focusing on the needs on another being can keep you looking outward instead of inward and instill both pleasure and pride.Once you decide to embark on this very special journey it’s important to find a dog that is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Whether you are working with a breeder or would like to adopt a rescue animal from one of the many shelters, you’ll need to consider breed, size, temperament and of course age. Young puppies are cute but require constant care. Older dogs that are calm and well trained are more likely to give you the kind of relationship you are looking for.Check out a few popular choices:
Shih Tzu
Adorable and perfectly sized for apartment living, Shi Tzus are bred to be companions and enjoy just hanging out with their owners. They do require routine exercise and regular grooming, but they are very adaptable and adjust easily to their environment.
Pomeranian
There is small and there is a Pomeranian. If you’re in the market for a dog that will grow to roughly 3-6 pounds, this is your guy. Affectionate and good natured, Pomeranians are easy to handle and enjoy attention from their owners. Be advised, they are teeny, but they have a long thick coat that will need regular brushing.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes Cavaliers as affectionate, gentle and graceful. They are great companions and typically about 12-18 pounds which makes them well suited for apartment living.
Cavapoo
Mix a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle and voila! You have an adorable and lovable Cavapoo. Cavapoos are a favorite of seniors for their temperaments as well as their hypoallergenic coats.
Goldendoodle
Another popular genetic combo is the Goldendoodle, a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle. These beloved curly haired cuties come in a variety of sizes from miniature to standard. Whether you want a dog weighing 15-30 pounds or are looking for a more substantial buddy of up to 100 pounds, you can take home a Goldendoodle and enjoy a pet that is loyal, affectionate, playful and a quick learner not to mention low shed.
Your Overture Apartment is Ready
Your pet-friendly Overture senior apartment community can’t wait to meet you and your four-legged friend. Book a tour today and prepare to experience an environment designed to enhance every aspect of your retirement lifestyle.No doubt you will be welcomed with open, um…paws...