With 52 per cent of all UK adults owning at least one pet (PDSA), it’s safe to say that Britain is firmly holding onto its reputation as a nation of animal lovers. Certainly, questions about our pet-friendly policy at Blue Cedar Homes are always top of the list for those pet owners who are looking to downsize or ‘rightsize’ into one of our properties. But if it has been some time since you had a pet in your life, or you might be considering it for the first time, here is a quick recap on the benefits pets bring, particularly to those aged over 55.

Pets offer unmatched companionship, as well as various mental and physical health benefits for people of all ages, but particularly so for those approaching or enjoying retirement.

With much more time to devote to furry, feathered, or scaly friends, those aged 55 and over often reap many more of the benefits pets offer as they are able to spend more time with them.

In our latest blog, we share just some of the benefits owning a pet could offer you, particularly if you’re looking to relocate to a Blue Cedar Homes property.

Enjoy fresh air and exercise

Whatever the weather, pets are often a great way to get you out and about, exercising, socialising and exploring with them. If you own a dog, you will know that walking them soon becomes integral in your daily routine. What you may not have realised is that all those daily steps can add up to play a significant part in keeping you fit and healthy. In fact, recent studies from the American Heart Association have shown that both dog and cat owners benefit from a lower risk in developing cardiovascular disease, compared to their non-pet-owning peers.

After all, let’s not forget that both cats and dogs require regular playtimes in their schedules which helps get the blood pumping around your body, particularly at times you may have otherwise spent idle on the sofa.

At Blue Cedar Homes, we know just how much our homeowners and their pets enjoy spending time outside, which is why all our developments are perfectly positioned in highly desirable, locations with plenty of surrounding countryside, woodlands, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for you to explore.

  Mental health boost

According to a PDSA’s 2021 PAW report, 63 per cent of owners agreed that having a pet made them physically healthier, but what is most interesting is that a much higher 87 per cent of owners agreed that having a pet makes them mentally healthier.

Snuggles with your pet on the sofa or simply petting them has been proven to reduce blood pressure, helping you feel calmer, more relaxed, and less anxious.  

Sense of purpose

As you enter retirement, it is not uncommon to feel like you have lost your sense of routine. Pets work wonders for routine as they provide their owners with that fulfilling sense of purpose and give them another reason to get up in the morning.

With regular daily walks, mealtimes, and playtimes to factor into your schedule, looking after a pet can add more structure to your day, reaffirm your sense of value and boost self-esteem as you know your pet depends on you.

Combat loneliness

It’s true what they say – pets really do make the best of friends! Their affectionate, consistent, and loyal nature has been shown to ease feelings of isolation and loneliness in their owners, boosting the happy hormones, serotonin, and dopamine. 

Owning a pet can also help you to build a wider social network. How? Well, have you noticed you are much more likely to strike up a conversation with someone that has a dog? Having a pet is not only an easy icebreaker for a conversation but can open opportunities to socialise with people you might never have normally spoken to in your local community.

Not only could you find yourself chatting to more people around the local area, but having a pet also offers the chance for you to find new friendships in places you may have never expected such as pet shops, training classes or online pet groups.

Our pet policy

Although owning a pet is not for everyone, we’ve seen first-hand how pets can make houses feel like home for Blue Cedar Homes homeowners, which is why well-behaved pets are most welcome at all our properties.

We only ask that you respect your fellow residents by keeping them suitably under control (as we are sure you do anyway!).

For further information about pets at Blue Cedar Homes properties, head to the FAQs section of our website here. You can also get in touch with our helpful team today on 01392 369704.

With 52 per cent of all UK adults owning at least one pet (PDSA), it’s safe to say that Britain is firmly holding onto its reputation as a nation of animal lovers. Certainly, questions about our pet-friendly policy at Blue Cedar Homes are always top of the list for those pet owners who are looking to downsize or ‘rightsize’ into one of our properties. But if it has been some time since you had a pet in your life, or you might be considering it for the first time, here is a quick recap on the benefits pets bring, particularly to those aged over 55.

Pets offer unmatched companionship, as well as various mental and physical health benefits for people of all ages, but particularly so for those approaching or enjoying retirement.

With much more time to devote to furry, feathered, or scaly friends, those aged 55 and over often reap many more of the benefits pets offer as they are able to spend more time with them.

In our latest blog, we share just some of the benefits owning a pet could offer you, particularly if you’re looking to relocate to a Blue Cedar Homes property.

Enjoy fresh air and exercise

Whatever the weather, pets are often a great way to get you out and about, exercising, socialising and exploring with them. If you own a dog, you will know that walking them soon becomes integral in your daily routine. What you may not have realised is that all those daily steps can add up to play a significant part in keeping you fit and healthy. In fact, recent studies from the American Heart Association have shown that both dog and cat owners benefit from a lower risk in developing cardiovascular disease, compared to their non-pet-owning peers.

After all, let’s not forget that both cats and dogs require regular playtimes in their schedules which helps get the blood pumping around your body, particularly at times you may have otherwise spent idle on the sofa.

At Blue Cedar Homes, we know just how much our homeowners and their pets enjoy spending time outside, which is why all our developments are perfectly positioned in highly desirable, locations with plenty of surrounding countryside, woodlands, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for you to explore.

  Mental health boost

According to a PDSA’s 2021 PAW report, 63 per cent of owners agreed that having a pet made them physically healthier, but what is most interesting is that a much higher 87 per cent of owners agreed that having a pet makes them mentally healthier.

Snuggles with your pet on the sofa or simply petting them has been proven to reduce blood pressure, helping you feel calmer, more relaxed, and less anxious.  

Sense of purpose

As you enter retirement, it is not uncommon to feel like you have lost your sense of routine. Pets work wonders for routine as they provide their owners with that fulfilling sense of purpose and give them another reason to get up in the morning.

With regular daily walks, mealtimes, and playtimes to factor into your schedule, looking after a pet can add more structure to your day, reaffirm your sense of value and boost self-esteem as you know your pet depends on you.

Combat loneliness

It’s true what they say – pets really do make the best of friends! Their affectionate, consistent, and loyal nature has been shown to ease feelings of isolation and loneliness in their owners, boosting the happy hormones, serotonin, and dopamine. 

Owning a pet can also help you to build a wider social network. How? Well, have you noticed you are much more likely to strike up a conversation with someone that has a dog? Having a pet is not only an easy icebreaker for a conversation but can open opportunities to socialise with people you might never have normally spoken to in your local community.

Not only could you find yourself chatting to more people around the local area, but having a pet also offers the chance for you to find new friendships in places you may have never expected such as pet shops, training classes or online pet groups.

Our pet policy

Although owning a pet is not for everyone, we’ve seen first-hand how pets can make houses feel like home for Blue Cedar Homes homeowners, which is why well-behaved pets are most welcome at all our properties.

We only ask that you respect your fellow residents by keeping them suitably under control (as we are sure you do anyway!).

For further information about pets at Blue Cedar Homes properties, head to the FAQs section of our website here. You can also get in touch with our helpful team today on 01392 369704.