According to a recent study, 86% of pet owners surveyed said their pets mostly have a positive impact on their mental health. The benefits of pet ownership have long been known. Researchers say that pet owners get a jolt of oxytocin from interacting with dogs, and some studies show that pet parents have healthier hearts, are less depressed, and get more exercise. So if you think pet owners will leave their furry buddies behind when they enter senior living, think again, which presents some exciting opportunities for senior living communities.

Ask someone with pets how they feel about them, and most would say, “They’re family.” In fact, about half of all adults aged 50 and older have at least one pet and about a third have multiple animals. Not surprisingly, dogs and cats are most popular.

So when it comes time to move into a senior living community, prospects are likely to want to bring their “family” with them. Communities that allow residents to share their homes and lives with their pets will appeal to these individuals and give them an advantage over other communities.

This year marks the 32nd World Senior Citizen Day, a time to celebrate the people, experiences, and perspectives that make every generation unique.

The way we think about senior living continues to evolve. Today’s residents want opportunities to stay active, pursue their passions, build meaningful connections, and live life on their own terms.

Santa Claus perfectly represents the ideal senior living resident. After polishing off his milk and cookies, he’s ready for health coaching, telehealth appointments, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with plenty of dining options to satisfy every craving. He also appreciates business and technology amenities to keep him connected to the North Pole and children around the world. Pi Architects can make sure your community stays on the “nice” list this year with our master planning, repositioning, and interior design services.

As people were isolated during the pandemic, many turned to pets for companionship and comfort. In fact, adoption rates surged in the past year. This presents some exciting opportunities for your senior living community.