Visiting Why Not An American Ark in Monroe, NC: A Senior-Friendly Guide
University of Denver studies find that having pets is strongly associated with good mental health.
Animals are non-judgmental, steady sources of affection. Plus, the responsibility of caring for an animal provides people, especially seniors, with feelings of purpose.
However, many seniors in assisted living communities still don't have pets. Luckily, local attractions like Why Not an American Ark can help North Carolina seniors reap the benefits of animals. Read on to learn how.
About Why Not an American Ark
Why Not an American Ark is a rescue farm for North Carolina animals. It's in Whynot, a small town outside of Asheboro.
In their 25+ years of operations, they've gathered a lot of animals. From horses to goats, there's something every visitor will enjoy connecting with.
At the park, seniors can enjoy a wide range of activities. Photo sessions can help them remember the experience.
In some cases, assisted living communities organize group farm visits for older adults. While this isn't the only way that seniors can enjoy the farm, it's a great way to socialize and stay active.
Petting Zoo
Why Not an American Ark prides itself on their petting zoo. It's officially called the Two by Two Petting Zoo and is open to people of all ages
They have a wide variety of animals that visitors can interact with, including:
- Cows
- Chickens
- Horses
- Goats
- Monkeys
- Camels
- Zebras
- Porcupines
- Peacocks
Best of all, young and small animals are also included in the petting zoo. If you're an older adult who wants to interact with baby pigs or ponies, this is a great opportunity to do so!
Some community-dwelling seniors also may want to take advantage of the mobile petting zoo option. Professionals from the farm will bring some of their animals to you in a trailer. You can remain in the community and interact with the animals.
This makes the experience accessible for more seniors, especially those who face mobility-related challenges.
Guided Rides
One of the best things about Why Not an American Ark is their extensive grounds. The farm is 125 acres, which gives visitors a lot of ground to cover when exploring on horseback.
If you're in good shape and don't struggle with arthritis or trouble moving around, riding a horse is one of the best outdoor activities for seniors.
There are several reasons for this, including:
- Cognitive stimulation when learning new skills for interacting with horses
- Greater self-confidence due to autonomous riding
- A sense of freedom when moving around the farm
- Better balance and coordination since horseback riding requires constant physical adjustments for the rider
- More strength and mobility since riding engages many muscle groups
- Unique movements that help to maintain joint mobility and flexibility
The International Journal of Nursing Sciences also published research that suggests engaging with horses can help to nip health problems in the bud. Seniors can reap both physical and psychological benefits after engaging with the horses they ride.
All horses at WNAAA are gentle. This makes them easy to connect with and ride slowly.
Pony rides are also available for people under 80 pounds. While most seniors will be unable to ride, this makes Why Not an American Ark an exciting destination for assisted living residents to take their grandchildren.
It's perfect for a family fun day out!
Why Is This a Great Destination for Seniors?
Why Not an American Ark is a great place for seniors to connect with their families. However, it's also a great destination for groups of older adults who live in the same senior care community.
A 2017 study by Frontiers in Psychology assessed the impacts of animal engagement on seniors. They looked into animal-assisted therapy as well as pet ownership. Engaging with animals at attractions like WNAAA is a form of this therapy.
The study found that goal-oriented animal engagement improves health and well-being in many areas. They include:
- Better cardiovascular health
- A higher likelihood of physical activity
- Increased mobility in the long-term, which makes seniors more able to live autonomously and independently
- Lower risks of depression
- Fewer instances of anxiety
- Better overall life satisfaction
Staying active in nature by interacting with farm animals also offers unique opportunities for:
- Social interaction with other seniors visiting the farm
- Sensory stimulation caused by the sights and sounds of a petting zoo
- Further tactile stimulation because of the soft textures of animals
- Lower stress hormones
- Higher instances of relaxation
Going to destinations like WNAAA can bring these benefits to older adults. There are tons of ways to connect with animals, and none are better than the others!
Cultivating Senior-Friendly Outings: A Guide
Following accessibility tips for seniors increases the likelihood that you will enjoy your outing.
Bring all of your mobility aids. Even if you only use a cane or walker part-time, it's a good idea to have it with you. Of course, wheelchairs should always come along so you can get around the petting zoo seamlessly and painlessly.
Make sure to travel with a group of people. These may be visiting family members or friends within your assisted living community.
This won't just enrich your experience and help you build lasting memories. It also ensures that everyone has a safe experience when interacting with animals.
It's also important to listen to those who work at WNAAA. They are familiar with the specific animals and how to interact with them. They may also have mobility aids or other assistance for those who struggle to get around easily.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities for Seniors
Now that you know all about Why Not an American Ark and how visiting can benefit seniors, it's time to find an assisted living community in the area.
TerraBella Indian Trail is a short distance from the 150-acre farm. Our community offers tons of exciting events and activities within its walls, and outings are part of life as well.
We're excited to show your family the extensive amenities and beautiful apartments that we pride ourselves on. Contact us to schedule a tour and discuss creating a personalized care plan for your again loved one.