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.

The built environment has a powerful role to play in reversing the loneliness trend in seniors. Senior living communities are uniquely positioned to address this isolation epidemic through intentional design to foster connection rather than reinforce solitude.

At Pi, we’re dedicated to building communities that energize daily life, enrich meaningful connections, and empower every resident to live fully.

A friend once told me about visiting the Jersey Shore as a kid and seeing huge old mansions converted into retirement homes. Every summer, there would be dozens of residents sitting in rocking chairs on the porch, taking in the sites of the bustling beach community. These people, she estimated, were between 60 and 80 years old for the most part. Today, the statistics show that people of this age are doing anything but sitting on the porch; and senior communities need more rock and roll than rocking chairs to appeal to residents.

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.