Joyous Acres, a family-run animal rescue farm set on a historic Milton equine facility, has started senior therapy programs with a variety of animals. Several groups of seniors from retirement villages around north Fulton County have visited in recent weeks for therapeutic sessions with rescue horses, dogs, cats and even a pig.

Even more noteworthy, the rescue farm is run primarily by seniors, who want to share the therapeutic benefits of the rescue animals with other seniors.

The newly launched “Seniors for Seniors” program is by and for seniors. It has helped many suffering from cognitive and physical decline, even prompting seniors in memory care to recall past experiences with animals. The program has already shown benefits for their guests, say caregivers, who have noticed ordinarily withdrawn seniors becoming more talkative and lively after being around the animals.

But the rescue animals also appear to be benefiting as well. Many, including a once slaughter-bound former plow horse, appeared more attentive and confident with perked ears and widened eyes while nuzzling guests and being showered with human affection.

The outreach to seniors became a priority for the founding family after they noticed the elders among them becoming stronger, more mobile and more vibrant by interacting with the animals.
The founding family are 43-year old Joy Lim Nakrin, her 71-year old parents Teresita Lim King and Andrew Nakrin, and her 73-year old widowed aunt, Betty Lim King Cuyugan.
The family thought this reverse aging they experienced could work for other seniors as well.

“My parents and aunt help feed, groom and care for all of our rescue animals. While I am at work, the responsibility falls entirely on them. Despite the demanding work, they seem to be getting younger!” said Joy Lim Nakrin.

71 year old Teresita elaborates: “It is so fulfilling! The animals return all the love you give. We are excited to see them every day.”
71 year old Andrew adds: “I’ve become much stronger and more mobile. The physical labor of hauling water and muck buckets each morning has given me muscles I haven’t seen in twenty years! But we love the animals so much, it doesn’t feel like work.”
73 year old Betty shared “After my husband died, I fell into a deep depression. But the animals have given me a new purpose. Even though they are the rescues, I feel they saved my life. I wanted to share this with others.”

The program is currently being offered to select retirement centers throughout north Fulton County.