Top 12 Companion Pets for Seniors

As we age, the importance of companionship becomes more evident, making furry friends an excellent addition to the lives of older adults. Join us as we explore the benefits of pet ownership and discover the top 12 companion pets for seniors.

The Benefits of Pets for Seniors

Emotional Support

Many seniors find solace, affection and emotional support in the companionship of pets. Their unconditional love and nonjudgmental presence can significantly contribute to mental well-being, and studies show decreased loneliness for pet owners.

Routine and Purpose
Pets bring routine to daily life, offering a sense of purpose and responsibility. From scheduled feedings to leisurely walks, the companionship of a pet provides structure and meaning to each day.

Physical Health Boost

Studies show that pet ownership can have positive effects on physical health, including:

* Reduced stress
* Lower blood pressure
* Increased physical activity

All of this can lead to a healthier lifestyle for seniors.

The 12 Best Companion Pets for Seniors

Now that you know the benefits of pet ownership, you may be wondering what types of pets might be good for older adults. While you might be thinking that dogs and cats are the only option, there are actually far more than you likely expect. In fact, some of the best pets for seniors include:

1 | Small or Medium-Sized Dog Breeds

Small dogs or medium-sized dogs offer the perfect blend of companionship and manageable size. This makes them excellent options for seniors seeking a loyal and loving friend.

Some of the best dogs for seniors include:

* Bichon Frise
* Maltese
* Shih Tzu
* Pembroke Welsh Corgi
* Goldendoodle
* Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Before getting a dog, owners should be sure to take into account energy levels and exercise needs. This will allow them to help find the right dog breed for them.

2 | Cats

Thanks to their independent yet affectionate nature, cats are ideal companions for seniors looking for a low-maintenance pet.

3 | Birds

From cheerful chirps to their vibrant plumage, birds provide delightful companionship while being relatively low-maintenance. What kind of bird makes a great pet? Look into budgerigars (parakeets) and cockatiels!

4 | Fish

Fish create a serene and visually appealing environment, but their graceful movements are also relaxing, captivating and fun to watch.

5 | Hamsters

Small and entertaining, hamsters are perfect for seniors with limited space. Not only this, but they are low-maintenance and can easily make older adults and grandkids laugh with their playful antics.

6 | Guinea Pigs

Social, cuddly and gentle, guinea pigs form strong bonds with their owners, making them great companions.

7 | Geckos

Geckos’ fascinating behavior, manageable size and low-maintenance needs make them an interesting addition to older adults’ households.

8 | Rabbits

Rabbits, especially smaller breeds like Holland Lops, are affectionate and can be trained to use a litter box. They are soft and playful, bringing joy to seniors seeking a gentle companion.

9 | Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures that require minimal care.

10 | Frogs

Frogs, with their unique croaks and lively movements, are low-maintenance pets that can add a touch of nature to the home. Their simple care requirements make them suitable for seniors.

11 | Bearded Dragons

For seniors interested in reptiles, bearded dragons are docile and easy to handle. Their calm demeanor and distinct appearance make them intriguing companions.

12 | Butterflies

While not exactly traditional or longterm, if you have outdoor space you could consider planting bushes and plants that butterflies and caterpillars will enjoy, naturally supporting the environment. This butterfly sanctuary is a great way to get outside and enjoy the benefits of a pet without a long-term commitment.

Things To Keep in Mind Before Purchasing a Pet

While the companionship and joy that pets bring can be invaluable, it’s essential for older adults to consider a number of factors before bringing a new pet into their lives. These include:

* Dogs may require regular walks and playtime, and some sizes may also be harder to handle than others. Be sure to consider this before purchasing or adopting a dog.
* Be sure to choose a pet whose activity and energy levels closely resemble the person it’s intended for.
* Be sure that living arrangements are suitable for the chosen pet. If the older adult lives in a senior living community, it’s important to learn about pet restrictions and qualifications.
* Keep in mind the costs associated with pet ownership, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
* Seniors should be aware of any allergies they may have to specific animals. Individuals with certain health conditions should choose a pet that complements their lifestyles and medical needs.
* Consider the long-term commitment associated with the chosen pet. Some may prefer adopting pets that are older and may have a shorter lifespan. Older pets may also be a good choice because they are often calmer and require less training.
* Seniors who travel frequently or have an active social life should choose a pet that is adaptable to their lifestyles.
* Develop a plan for unexpected events, such as illness or emergencies. Consider who can provide care for the pet in such situations.

Choose a Pet-Friendly Community

Whether it’s the gentle wag of a dog’s tail, the soothing purr of a cat, or the fascinating antics of a gecko, the right pet can enhance emotional well-being and create lasting memories. At The Village, residents are welcome to have a companion at their sides.

Call us today to schedule a tour of our pet-friendly community or to learn more about the pets welcome at The Village.

Are you wondering when is the right time to move to senior living? If you’re interested in leading a vibrant, active lifestyle where your days are full of activities, clubs, and services and amenities that all benefit your well-being, you may want to consider that the time is now.

“As a Life Plan Community, we often meet many older adults who ask when to move to senior living,” says Danai Vergara, Executive Director of The Village in California. “When you move into Independent Living at a Life Plan Community, you receive all the perks of the community’s amenities and services with the peace of mind that you can receive the higher levels of care you need in your community should you need them.”

Check out these three main reasons why you should move to a senior living community and live a retired lifestyle full of ease.

Home Maintenance

One of the biggest perks of living in a senior living community is the maintenance-free lifestyle. This means that tasks related to maintaining your apartment home are no longer your responsibility.

If you’re taking care of your own home, keeping up with the chores can be physically challenging and also weigh on your mind. In addition to the everyday chores you need to do regularly, you’re also responsible for repairs and upkeep of the appliances inside your house.

Mowing the lawn, cleaning gutters, and taking care of appliances are all tasks that you no longer have to worry about. Instead of getting up early to take care of home maintenance chores, you can get up early to go for a walk with friends, take an exercise class, or meet with your club for breakfast – which your community can provide.

Senior living communities offer dining options, so you always have options ready for mealtimes. When you want to set aside time for cooking in your apartment, you can, but it’s no longer something you have to do and plan for each day.

Security

Senior living communities often have several safety and security measures that keep the campus safe. Visitors will go through a sign-in process so the community knows who is on campus, and security guards patrol the community 24/7 so there’s always someone on site who can help. The campus also has surveillance cameras to ensure safety.

There’s also the security for residents in higher levels of care like Assisted Living, Memory Care, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing. If someone has an emergency or needs immediate medical attention, our staff is always available if a higher level of care is needed.

Socialization

Senior living communities provide endless opportunities for socialization, a significant aspect that contributes to a high quality of life.

Many seniors who live at home may have limited interaction with their friends and family. If they live far away, they may not have a lot of activities that get them out of the house. Without an active social life, an older adult’s world can get small.

The lack of connection to others can have detrimental effects on a senior’s health. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can cause depression and anxiety. They are also at an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, and stroke.

When you’re in a senior living community, you’re surrounded by friendly neighbors who are also enjoying the active retirement lifestyle. You can expand your social circle and engage in activities with people who share your interests.

Retire With Peace of Mind at The Village

Voted the Best Senior Living Community for 17 consecutive years winning The 2023 Best of Inland Empire Senior Living Award, The Village is excited to welcome you to our community.

Our Easy Monthly Residence Agreement simplifies making the move to senior living, and you can start enjoying a maintenance-free retirement.

Ready to make the move to senior living? We’re here to help. Give us a call to schedule a personalized tour and experience the community firsthand.

Staying active is one of the best things seniors can do for their health and well-being. Not only does regular physical activity help you feel ready to take on the day, but it can also help your mood. The benefits of an active lifestyle for seniors are numerous – but all total to helping you stay happy and healthy.

1. Strength and Balance

A regular exercise routine incorporating strength training will help promote bone, muscle, and balance. This can help with fall prevention and help you stay independent and mobile.

But this doesn’t mean you must spend three hours in the gym each morning alone. A group fitness class can motivate you because you’re working out with friends. You could also try working with a personal trainer to help you identify and achieve your fitness goals.

2. Boosts Energy

Engaging in regular exercise keeps your activity levels high and will help your overall fitness level. You’ll have more energy for anything planned that day – whether it’s playing pool, going to a club meeting, or going for a walk.

3. Improve Immune System

Exercising works wonders for improving the immune system. When you work out, your immune system gets the following benefits:

• Slows the body’s release of stress hormones. Being stressed can increase your chances of developing an illness.
• Antibodies, or white blood cells, move through the body more quickly, leading to faster detection of illnesses.
• Flushes bacteria out of your lungs, which can prevent infections.

4. Promotes Fat Loss

When you’re moving your body regularly, it can help burn stored fat and lead to weight loss. This can ease the stress on your joints and make moving easier. If you make the change from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one, you may see your body weight start to change, as well as other benefits like no longer feeling dizziness or shortness of breath after walking a short distance.

5. Boosts Heart Health

Physical activity helps prevent high blood pressure and reduces the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

If you already have a heart condition, it’s important to know what kinds of exercises are safe to do. While maintaining physical activity may not be able to cure a heart issue, it can still benefit the heart and your overall well-being.

6. Better Sleep

Many older adults may have trouble sleeping. If you engage in physical activity on a regular basis, you’ll likely have an easier time getting sleepy at the end of the day and staying asleep through your sleep cycle. This will make you feel well-rested and ready for the morning.

7. Improves Brain Health

Physical activity provides multiple health benefits because it helps your brain and all of its functions, including thinking, problem-solving, and memory improvement.

8. Boosts Mental Health

Activity goes beyond physical benefits. Your mental health will reap the benefits of regular exercise, too. Exercise can lead to feelings of happiness, less stress, and improve your confidence.

Working out also prevents depression and anxiety or can help someone manage the symptoms of these mental illnesses.

9. Promotes Socialization

One of the best things about physical activity is that you can work out with a friend or with several friends. You can make the activity a fun, social time. For example, you go on a walk with your best friends every other morning.

While you’re racking up your step count, you’re discussing your favorite books and shows, or making plans for a fun weekend. You don’t even realize that you’re getting so much physical activity because you’re enjoying the time with friends. You’ll also look forward to these walks, and it’s more likely to become part of your routine.

Stay Active and Healthy at The Village

At The Village, residents have all kinds of exciting opportunities to stay active, social, and make each day their best one yet. Contact us to learn more about the active and engaging lifestyle at our beautiful senior living community.

As we age, health requirements change – at least, they change if you want to be able to age gracefully. This is where diet and exercise come into play. Today, we’ll be focusing specifically on why fiber is important for seniors.

When it comes to healthy eating, you probably think of adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily meals, or drinking plenty of water, right? While those are all impactful parts of a healthy diet, so is consuming fiber each day.

At The Village, we prioritize residents’ dietary preferences and restrictions throughout every level of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing. Our active lifestyle focuses on living well, and food plays a major role in doing so. Learn more about the importance of a high-fiber diet and the daily fiber requirement for seniors, below.

What is fiber?

Cleveland Clinic defines fiber in simple terms: “Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t break down.” But while this seems like a worrisome thing to happen in our digestive systems, it actually proves to be a positive thing because our bodies need fiber to function.

There are two categories of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber can be found in fruits and vegetables, dried kidney beans and other beans, oats, barley, and rice. Insoluble fiber can be found in foods that contain wheat flour like whole-grain breads, certain cereals, nuts, seeds, and fruit and vegetable skin. (Pro tip: Don’t peel your fruits and veggies! Keep the skin on, and just wash them thoroughly to get the most nutrients out of them.)

The importance of fiber for seniors

So, why do older adults need to pay close attention to their fiber intake? “Research shows that in countries where people consume high amounts of fiber in their diets, the overall rates of chronic disease are low,” notes registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, from Cleveland Clinic.

Additional benefits of fiber include:

• Improved blood sugar levels
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal and digestive tract issues
• Maintaining a healthy weight, because fiber helps keep you fuller longer
• Bowel regularity

How much fiber do seniors need?

First things first. Visit your physician to see how much fiber you need to start including in your daily meals and snacks. Usually, if you’re constipated, have hemorrhoids, rarely feel full after eating, or feel sluggish, these are signs that you need to up your fiber intake.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends women age 51 and older consume at least 22 grams of fiber daily, and men age 51 and older consume at least 28 grams of fiber daily. It’s important to note that these are baseline recommendations. Factors like body mass index (BMI), medications, and other health conditions can alter the fiber intake your doctor recommends.

Quick tips for incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet

• When baking, use whole-grain or wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace white rice with brown rice.
• Add fruit to your morning cereal.
• Replace potato chips with popcorn.
• Replace iceberg lettuce with romaine lettuce or spinach.

Many individuals struggle with maintaining healthy levels of fiber. If that’s the case, some of the best fiber supplements for seniors include Metamucil and Benefiber, among these others recommended by Forbes Health.

Enjoy nutritious meals every day at The Village.

Our senior living community in Hemet, CA, takes dining to a whole new level, with fresh, chef-curated meals served each day in a variety of venues. Get a taste of our lifestyle for yourself when you call to schedule a personal tour today.

One of the reasons why seniors may move into a retirement community is because of the community’s safety measures. Seniors have peace of mind that there are protocols in place to make sure they’re safe when it comes to security, health care, and in case of natural emergencies.

The Village has a number of safety measures and emergency protocols specifically designed to ensure residents are protected and safe. These include fire safety for seniors, campus security, and individual safety measures that address the needs of each resident.

No matter what residence type you move into or what level of care you need, The Village provides the safest environment so you can enjoy your retirement and focus on making the most of what The Village has to offer residents.

Security at The Village

The Village takes several measures to make sure everyone on campus is safe. As a gated community, there’s one entrance to The Village. When entering The Village, there is security and reception at the campus’ main entrance. Anyone who visits needs to go through the check-in procedure. The following steps will occur:

The visitor will sign in and write down whom they are visiting.
The staff will check in with the person or resident the visitor is seeing.
The visitor is given a badge to wear so other personnel know they are visiting.

“We take careful measures to ensure that everyone who is on campus is accounted for,” said Corey Matteson, Director of Security.

In addition to security measures at the main entrance, there is also security staff who patrol the campus and monitor the 24-hour surveillance cameras. All security personnel are CPR and first aid certified so they can help residents if an emergency occurs after hours. Additionally, security personnel are trained on what measures to take if there’s an intruder on campus.

What If a Resident Has an Emergency?

If a resident is alone and has an emergency and can’t get to a phone, we have a system to ensure they get the help they need. Residents wear an emergency device, where they press a button and it notifies the front desk of their need for help.

“We understand the concern if an emergency occurs and a resident needs to reach out immediately. With the emergency device, they can alert the front desk, where there will always be someone to help,” said Yolanda Chandler, Resident Services Director.

When a resident alerts the front desk during business hours, a nurse will respond to this call. If the alert happens after-hours, then an EMT from the security department will respond to the call. Residents can rest assured that they are one click away from help at all times.

What Are Other Safety Protocols at The Village?

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to resident safety includes preventing falls. If a resident may become a fall risk, staff at The Village will do safety or wellness checks throughout the day. If a resident needs mobility assistance, the staff can accommodate them to make sure they can get where they need to go safely.

Other safety concerns include mitigating the spread of illness. Practices like washing hands frequently are encouraged, and our cleaning staff keeps public areas disinfected and sanitized to kill germs.

If a resident becomes ill, we recommend they stay in their apartment. We perform regular checks on the resident for doctor visits and food delivery.

Fire Safety for Seniors at The Village

Here in California, wildfires have become more common in recent years. Fortunately, much is being done throughout the state to mitigate the risks. Should there be a fire of any kind at The Village, the emergency fire system will detect it and sound an alarm. Then, security staff will respond to see if it’s a false alarm or if they need to call 911.

There are smoke alarms in all bedrooms and main areas, and our staff makes sure they’re functioning properly. Fire extinguishers and exit signs are also clearly marked should someone need to use an extinguisher or find a safe route away from the fire.

Natural Disaster Safety Measures

The Village follows best practices and safety procedures for any kind of natural disaster. Ensuring residents and staff are safe in the event of an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane is of the utmost importance to The Village.

In case of a natural disaster, there are protocols for evacuation plans and remaining on campus.

Feel Safe and Secure at The Village

At The Village, our priorities are all our residents’ happiness, health, and safety. We have strict safety protocols and procedures to ensure you can enjoy your active lifestyle worry-free. Call us today to learn more about our community and our support and services.