Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Greg Pascucci
August is filled with several holidays to show our four-legged friends some extra-special love: National Spoil Your Dog Day on the 10th and National Dog Day on the 26th.
At The Carlisle Naples, prospective residents are often thrilled to learn our active retirement community is pet-friendly and celebrates the significant role pets play in our lives. A new study by researchers at the University of Florida, University of Michigan and Virginia Commonwealth University found that older adults over the age of 50 who had owned a pet for more than five years showed a slower decline in verbal memory. Statistics also prove older adults who own pets cope better with stress, participate in more physical activities and experience heightened levels of self-esteem.
Carlisle residents Richard and Lois McArdle found that while several retirement communities were pet-friendly, many lacked the outdoor spaces offered at The Carlisle. A dog park, for example, has become a great location for people and pooches to connect.
It’s also not uncommon to see residents enjoying a stroll along The Carlisle’s meandering walking paths with their dogs. Lois credits her dog, Millie, with keeping her active. And, the research concurs. A study published in the journal BMC Public Health reported dog owners walked 22 minutes more per day compared to non-pet owners.
Carlisle residents who don’t own a pet also benefit from being in a pet-friendly community. Everyone is invited to attend Yappy Hours planned by the Zest Department to see the dogs and their antics.
“A house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog,”
– Roger Caras
“Whether they bring back a loving memory of a former pet or bring a smile to the face of other residents, our pet population adds to the spirit of community found at The Carlisle Naples,” said Zest Director Marcia Aldana. “It’s heartwarming to see the smiles and laughter the approach of a friendly pooch brings.”
In addition to dogs, The Carlisle is home to several cats. Residents have also enjoyed onsite visits by pet therapy animals and even a petting zoo!
The staff at senior living communities such as The Carlisle understands the important role pets play in residents’ lives and encourages the bond between pets and their owners. They also realize the choice to move to a senior living community is made easier by knowing a beloved pet is welcome, too.
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-
prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
