ATLANTA — In the heart of metro Atlanta, where over 1.2 million seniors reside, Magnolia Place is creating a haven for its elderly residents and their special four-legged and feathered friends.
Magnolia Place is one of few senior residences in metro Atlanta that welcomes pets, recognizing their role in keeping seniors connected to the world around them.
Ray and Alice Zwaagstra, a couple celebrating 58 years of marriage, share their days at Magnolia Place with their beloved 12-year-old labradoodle, Buffy.
The two are looking to embrace the simplicity of life.
"I can sit out in this courtyard and enjoy a beautiful day," Ray Zwaagstra said. "Hearing a bird or, you know, seeing a butterfly, just relaxing."
In an effort to marry her love of animals and people, Alicia Ayer, the Life Enrichment Director at Magnolia Place, has hosted petting zoo events.
“We had so many people loving on them and having a great time," she said.
Residents like 90-year-old Theresa enjoyed the experience, surrounded by sheep, chickens and even a pig, stating that she'd never encountered such animals up close, and the joy was palpable as they interacted and held the animals.
"It was very nice to have all these little animals come, and they come up to you," she said.
It's just one of the ways community leaders said helps to keep seniors connected as the world rolls by.
"They are people, too," Ayer said. They want to be heard. They want to be loved."