6 Arguments for Adopting a New Pet in Retirement

Though you may be hesitant to commit to a new pet during your retirement years due to physical limitations, adopting can be a significant boost in your everyday life. Though it may take a few weeks to settle into your new life as a pet parent, adopting a furry friend can enrich your life so profoundly that it’s worth addressing potential issues down the road. 

If you’re looking for companionship in your latter years, consider the benefits of adopting a new pet as you head into retirement.

Exercise

Whether you opt for a cat or kitten, an adult dog, or an energetic puppy like these, a new pet is a great way to get your body moving. Dogs need walks, of course, but all pets need playtime throughout the day to stay happy and healthy. Ultimately, you can stay active while giving your furry friend the mental and physical stimulation it needs to thrive.

Companionship

Unfortunately, retirement can be a lonely time for many elders— this is especially true if you tend to stay home most of the time or are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Thankfully, pets are excellent companions through good times and bad. Their love is unconditional, making them the perfect antidote for loneliness.

Community

​Pet owners are less socially isolated even beyond their animal’s companionship. Owning a pet provides you with common ground to share with others, creating a built-in conversation topic with any neighbors you see out and about while walking your furry friend.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the social connections your dog or cat could help you forge online. Between joining internet forums about pet parenthood and sharing pictures on social media, there’s always something new to talk about with a pet.

Health benefits

Retirees benefit physically from owning a pet, too. A 2017 study found that regularly walking your dog can stretch joints and keep muscles strong well into your retirement years, leaving you with fewer visits to the doctor for daily pains.

R​outine

Retirement can bring many positive changes, but losing an everyday routine may come as a challenge to fresh-faced retirees. Fortunately, a new pet can help tremendously with reestablishing a sense of rhythm in your day-to-day activities. Pets need consistent care and attention to thrive, so creating a routine around your new furry friend can keep you both on a regular schedule.

Help a senior pet

Plenty of dogs and cats require adoption, and senior pets are even less likely to be adopted, and opting to make the last few years of a pet’s life as pleasant as possible can be enriching. 

Who knows—the perfect dog breed for you might end up being the mutt at a nearby animal shelter. You could spare yourself the extensive puppy training period and gain a fulfilling purpose at the same time by choosing to adopt an adult dog.

​A final word

​Though a new pet is a commitment, you shouldn’t rush into, adopting a little friend can significantly improve your everyday life.