Discover how pets can boost healthy aging

Having a pet can be a big commitment, but it can also bring immeasurable joy, comfort, and love to our lives as well. Clearly, many older adults feel the benefits of having a furry friend far outweigh the drawbacks: In a national poll on healthy aging from the University of Michigan, 55 percent of adults ages 50 to 80 reported having a pet.

There is no question that pets can have a positive impact on physical and emotional well-being. In the UM poll, pet owners said their pets help them enjoy life (88 percent), make them feel loved (86 percent), and provide a sense of purpose (73 percent). And that’s not all—they also reported that their pets helped them reduce stress (79 percent), connect with others (65 percent), and be more physically active (64 percent). More than a third (34 percent) even said their pets help take their mind off pain.

At The Landing, we make pets feel right at home, because we know they’re members of the family. And even if your loved one isn’t prepared to take on the responsibility that comes with having their own pet, they might just find themselves making new furry friends here in our community.