Seniors and Their Pets
When you think of family, you might think of grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and maybe even aunts, uncles, and cousins. But in reality, families come in all different sizes and shapes. One of the most common shapes, if you will, is a family that includes a pet or several pets. When you become a pet owner, you open your home up to a wonderful relationship!
The joy you will receive and benefit from can be rewarding
Pets rely on their human for food, shelter, and love. Receiving unconditional love back is the ultimate price for bringing a pet into your home. If you don’t make your pet a family member, you are truly missing out! There are many seniors that depend on their pet to help keep them from becoming lonely. As we age, many may find themselves the last one in their family or many friends have passed on. This is where a pet can be a bright spot in a senior’s life.
Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies become weaker and slower
There can be other changes that may affect our lifestyle and the things we used to do. Because of this, it can be quite difficult to maintain the level of care an individual gave to their pet. Likewise, pets become older and weaker just like their owners. This combination makes it harder and harder to take care of the beloved pet or pets.
Taking care of and loving a pet can greatly enhance an individual’s health
According to the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, a pet can: “buffer stress, lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, give social support, help you stay in shape, and prevent certain sicknesses”. A pet can be a wonderful provider of love and joy for almost anybody, but this is an actual reality specifically for senior citizens. The reason is, “pets help promote the mental and physical well-being of the older adults who interact with them”.
Before anyone considers bringing a pet into their lives, they should consider all aspects. A good way to do this is to make a PROS and CONS list. Here’s what should be on those lists:
Pros
- Pets can prevent social loneliness
- Pets help to fulfill a caregiving role
- They can give happiness and lessen stress
- Pets may help them keep a routine
Cons
- Owning pets can cost a lot of money
- Pets do not live forever
- A pet’s needs may become too demanding
A potential pet owner may have other points to add to their Pros and Cons list, but this is a general idea of where to start. But the main point is, there are so many positives to having a pet or pets.
There are even health benefits for residents in assisted living communities
When a person brings their pet to the community, this is considered, Visitation Therapy. These animals are sometimes certified for this kind of visitation or maybe animals living in a shelter that needs attention just as much as the residents. The visits can also help residents with their confidence and their major motor skills. There are so many ways for our older adults to connect with animals. They may be able to spend time with a family member’s pet, contemplate a dog that was in the service like a retired K9 dog, or volunteer at an animal shelter if they are mobile.
We as a society must remember that pets are friends. They bring a smile to those who come in contact with them. They are fiercely loyal and can feel the emotions their owner is experiencing. HelpGuide.org states, “dogs help the elderly fight off loneliness and soothe Alzheimer’s”. WOW! The research shows that seniors with dementia/Alzheimer’s perceive being independent. This raises the caliber of their life. Cats have the ability to help their owners relax. When a cat climbs into its owner’s lap and snuggles, this will deliver chemicals that help relax the owner’s body. Another reason for owning a cat, they do not require as much care as a dog.
One major advantage to owning pets
For senior citizens, their cognitive functions become better. They help increase mindfulness. The definition of mindfulness by the Webster Dictionary is: The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis”. As people grow older, being mindful of one’s surroundings becomes less and less. Interacting with a pet helps preserve mindfulness. A pet comes with the reliability of being taken care of by the owner which in turn forces the older adult owner to be more aware and focused. Mindfulness is then improved. This is such great news!
With age, loneliness is often hand in hand with growing older
A pet offers companionship, something to talk to and concentrate on besides one’s self. There can be feeling of isolation The CDC published an article that talks about the health socially being lonely and socially isolated. “Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) were associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke” and “Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide”. They go on to list a few more risk factors, but this should paint a good picture of just how unhealthy it can be to be lonely.
Having said all of the above, there are resources out there to help seniors keep their pets at home and healthy. This link has a list of those resources: https://beingstray.com/veterinary-assistance-for-seniors-with-pets/.
For more information on the services Visiting Angels Dearborn has to offer please call 313-466-5514.