If you’re into yoga, you may be familiar with a new trend sweeping the country. It’s called “goat yoga”. “Why goats?” you may ask. Goats are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic qualities. These innately gentle creatures are known to be exceptionally even tempered. And, contrary to popular opinion, they are naturally clean animals. They are also easy to transport and manage. All this has made goats a popular addition to the peaceful, quiet yoga environment.

Residents at Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado, have been enjoying visits from goats for over two years. Their presence has proven to have a calming effect as well as adding an element of fun for residents. And, as it happens, Greenridge Place also holds regular yoga sessions. So, it wasn’t long before the staff got the idea to blend the two together and start their own “goat yoga” classes.

News of the unique Greenridge Place yoga sessions spread, eventually getting the attention of CBS local Denver affiliate, KCNC, who recently visited to film one of their sessions. Michelle Meyer, Life Engagement Director, explained to the reporters how the combination of yoga along with the presence of the goats creates a more enriched sensory experience for the residents. “Goats are amazing,” Michelle told the KCNC reporters. “They lift spirits. Especially for the elderly. It’s something that’s a sensory [experience] as well as something soft to touch,” she added.

For many residents, the presence of goats has helped bring back memories of their youth. According to Michelle Meyer, several of the residents have lived in the Midwest all their lives, some on farms with a variety of animals, including goats. Having the opportunity to interact with goats has proven to have a soothing, calming effect on the residents, which helps them to relax their muscles and, therefore, optimize their yoga experience.

In many ways, this isn’t surprising. We know that the presence of animals brings with it a special kind of therapeutic value. At Anthem Memory Care communities, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to have our residents interact with animals. We schedule regular visits from all kinds of animals, ranging from dogs and cats to exotic animals from local zoos and reserves. It never fails to bring smiles and laughter to our residents. And that’s the best part of all.

If you’re into yoga, you may be familiar with a new trend sweeping the country. It’s called “goat yoga”. “Why goats?” you may ask. Goats are increasingly being recognized for their therapeutic qualities. These innately gentle creatures are known to be exceptionally even tempered. And, contrary to popular opinion, they are naturally clean animals. They are also easy to transport and manage. All this has made goats a popular addition to the peaceful, quiet yoga environment.

Residents at Greenridge Place Memory Care in Westminster, Colorado, have been enjoying visits from goats for over two years. Their presence has proven to have a calming effect as well as adding an element of fun for residents. And, as it happens, Greenridge Place also holds regular yoga sessions. So, it wasn’t long before the staff got the idea to blend the two together and start their own “goat yoga” classes.

News of the unique Greenridge Place yoga sessions spread, eventually getting the attention of CBS local Denver affiliate, KCNC, who recently visited to film one of their sessions. Michelle Meyer, Life Engagement Director, explained to the reporters how the combination of yoga along with the presence of the goats creates a more enriched sensory experience for the residents. “Goats are amazing,” Michelle told the KCNC reporters. “They lift spirits. Especially for the elderly. It’s something that’s a sensory [experience] as well as something soft to touch,” she added.

For many residents, the presence of goats has helped bring back memories of their youth. According to Michelle Meyer, several of the residents have lived in the Midwest all their lives, some on farms with a variety of animals, including goats. Having the opportunity to interact with goats has proven to have a soothing, calming effect on the residents, which helps them to relax their muscles and, therefore, optimize their yoga experience.

In many ways, this isn’t surprising. We know that the presence of animals brings with it a special kind of therapeutic value. At Anthem Memory Care communities, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to have our residents interact with animals. We schedule regular visits from all kinds of animals, ranging from dogs and cats to exotic animals from local zoos and reserves. It never fails to bring smiles and laughter to our residents. And that’s the best part of all.