Leisure World News

Leisure World News • Community • August 2022 A3 Administrative Announcements From the Community Manager’s Desk Pets are an important part of families and communities. People love their pets. Many consider them like a member of the family. They look forward to getting home and seeing their wagging tail, hearing them purr or holding their pet in their arms. Googlethe‘U.S.petpopulation’, and you’re quickly confronted with sources. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that 70 percent of U.S. households owned some sort of pet between 2021 – 2022. Among those pets were about 90 million dogs and 94 million cats, the group said. Personally, my family owns a zoo. Not really, but pretty close. We have an onslaught of animals that we care for and love. Everything from dogs, cats, birds, sugar gliders, bearded dragons, chickens, tarantulas, lizards, fish, turtles, rabbits, desert tortoise, and more. But personally, my favorite pet I’ve ever owned is my current, loyal, Austrian Cattle Dog, Angus. Without a doubt, he is the best pet I’ve owned. For me, nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion excited to see me and gazing up at me with the “happy you’re home” eyes. The times I come home from a long day can be altered by the unconditional love Angus gives. His head on my lap or my shoulder, playing ball, giving hima treat, training him to do something new, or just watching him run around can change my emotions. But the affective love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets have many benefits besides reducing the stress of a long day. Not only does my four-legged friend help me to keep cheerful, but he also helps me and my two-legged best buddy, my 11-year-old son, Matthew, to keep in better shape. For two years in a row, Matthew, Angus, and I have gone out and over a course of 70 days, successfully conducted over 110 miles of hikes as part of an area-wide “100 miles in a 100- day challenge”. Angus loves to go walking and has helped motivateme to get up and get out, evenwhen I don’t want to. Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals. However, many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to a furry friend. Studies show that the health benefits are even greater for heart health, and emotional health. There aremany health benefits of owning a pet. Pets come with some super-power health benefits. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. A 25- year study showed that dogs, cats, or other animals can help increase fitness, relieve depression and anxiety, lower stress, provide better cognitive function and improve overall health. Studies have shown that individuals with pets who have had heart attacks survive longer than those without. And pet owners over age 65make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets. A study conducted by AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) found that over 90% of the pet owners surveyed indicated their awareness of the health benefits of owning a pet and acknowledged it clearly affected the quality of their daily lives. 31% improved physical fitness, 76% reduced stress level, and 65% mental health improvement. Like Angus, who gets me up and about, regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, improve your cardiovascular health and boost your immunity. Studies have shown that dog owners are far more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements—and exercising every day is great for the animal as well. Pets can also help manage loneliness and weariness by giving us comradeship. Companionship can help prevent illness, increase physical condition, and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Caring for an animal can help make you feel a part of something greater, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone. Pets have developed to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Most dog and cat owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles. And nothing beats loneliness like coming home to a wagging tail or purring cat. Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps an animal balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. I know it does for me. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—one plaintive look from your pet and you’ll have to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for them. He or she can turn your entire mood and day around. Studies have shown that people with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s, when they have pets, there is a psychological benefit. Those who were over 75 that had a pet as part of theirmedical screening, often tipped the scales in their favor. It has shown that when someone with memory problems has a pet, they respond and function better. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners, helping you start andmaintain new friendships. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, hikes, or in a dog park. Pet owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes. Many times, on hikes or in the pet store, my family and I have struck up conversations with other pet owners and have befriended several. Having a pet can improve one’s life, wellbeing, and emotional outlook. This is why developing the dog park in Leisure World was so important – and has been so successful. It is a safe space for dog owners to allow their four-legged friends to run around securely and have fun in the community. Dog parks have many major benefits, which is why communities all over the country are implementing them. Communities have seen dog parks bring their neighborhoods closer and allow dog-friendly networks to develop. It has led to increased homebuyers and has proven to be an amenity that provides happier and healthier homeowners. Dog parks are among the fastest-growing amenities that city recreation agencies offer. And communities are embracing them – just as residents have with the Leisure World dog park. Here at Leisure World, our shaded, fenced-in, dog park is a great benefit for our dog owners and guests. Our dog park not only provides an open space for your furry family member to run and safely play, but it helps their physical health as well, lowering the dog’s health risks. Our Leisure World dog park also allows the owners to socialize with other pet owners, playwith their dogs, and promote active lifestyles and studies have shown it helps build a tight-knit community. While it’s true that people with pets often experience greater health benefits than those without, a pet doesn’t necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. A rabbit could be ideal if you’re allergic to other animals or have limited space but still want a furry friend to snuggle with. Birds can encourage social interaction and help keep your mind sharp. Snakes, lizards, and other reptiles can make for exotic companions. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate. In summary, owning a pet will change your life and bring you so much joy and love. Although owning a pet isn’t for everyone, it is clear to see that owning a pet is a positive, life-enriching experience for those who chose to make these wonderful creatures a part of their life. I love the fact that our community members embrace their pets. I personally appreciate each person who takes time to care and love on their pet. But perhaps most importantly, though, a pet adds real joy and unconditional love to your life and you to theirs. -Jason Doll, LWCA Community Manager CAUGHT ON CAMERA! Photo Credit: Linda Weinstock. CAUGHT ON CAMERA! Photo Credit: Linda Weinstock. Wednesday Coffee August 3rd at 8 a.m. August 10th at 8 a.m. August 17th at 8 a.m. August 24th at 8 a.m. August 31st at 8 a.m.