Why are pets so good for seniors? Animals have had an enormously positive impact in helping the physically or emotionally disabled.
People who for some reason have withdrawn into themselves naturally wish to reach out when introduced to a pet.
Seniors are reaping the benefits of owning a pet later in life. See what makes seniors and pets so good for each other.
Years after the kids leave the nest and retirement has settled in, the benefits of pets become clearer to many seniors.
Having a four-legged companion can help make every day more enjoyable! Here are just some of the benefits of pets for seniors:
Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Their study goes on to explain that people who own dogs get more exercise from walking their dogs, lowering their risk of high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure.
Both cats and dogs can have a soothing effect on their owners, lowering stress levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Increased Socialization
Because dogs need plenty of exercise, owning one is a great excuse to get out of the house and socialize.
Seniors have the opportunity to meet other dog owners at the local dog run, or join in events for dogs and their owners.
Finding the Perfect Dog
If you’re a senior looking for a companion, where do you start?
There are a variety of programs out there that help match seniors with dogs looking for homes. Many of them even waive the adoption fees.
Listen to your heart. Maybe that little dog doesn’t need you. Maybe you need him! Puppy love after all, can be the very best kind of medicine.This win-win situation is truly helping both pets and seniors enjoy longer and healthier lives.
While the primary benefits to animals are obvious – to place them in loving homes and keep them from being destroyed – the benefits to elderly persons are ten-fold (versus non-pet owners).
In a Nutshell, Here Are The TOP 10 Reasons
- Pets lower blood pressure and pulse rate
- 21% fewer visits to the doctor
- Less depression
- Easier to make friends (enhanced social opportunities)
- Seniors become more active
- Pets offer affection and unconditional love
- Pets ease loss of a loved one
- Pets fight loneliness
- Seniors take better care of themselves
- Sense of security
As part of the disease, Alzheimer’s patients may exhibit a variety of behavioral problems, many related to an inability to deal with stress.
Research at the University of California at Davis concluded that Alzheimer’s patients suffer less stress and have fewer anxious outbursts if there is a dog or cat in the home.
Dogs can provide a source of positive, nonverbal communication. The playful interaction and gentle touch from a well-trained, docile dog can help soothe an Alzheimer’s patient and decrease aggressive behavior.
In many cases a patient’s problem behavior is a reaction to the stressed response of the primary caretaker. Pets can help ease the stress of caregivers.
Surveyed Attitudes of the Elderly Regarding the Benefits of Pets
- Talk to their pet 95%
- Pet helps when they feel sad 82%
- Pet helps when they physically feel bad 71%
- Touching their pet makes them feel better 65%
- Confides in their pet 57%
“79% of pet owners find it comforting to be with their pet when things go wrong, and 91% feel very close to their pet.
58% of pet owners said they got to know people and made friends through having pets, with 62% saying that having a pet around when people visit makes it easier to get into conversation and create a friendly atmosphere.
- 4,000 to 6,000: The approximate number of animal shelters in the U.S.
- 5,000 to 7,000: The average number of animals handled by an animal shelter each year
- 8 to 12 million: The estimated number of animals entering shelters annually
- 4 to 6 million: The estimated number of animals euthanized annually because homes are not available (varies by geographic region – between 30-60% nationwide)
- reduced stress
- helped them deal with grief and loss
- kept them more active
- made depression less likely
- sometimes helped them live longer
- made them less vulnerable to suicide
- increased their feelings of personal security
“The treatment is available, and you do not even need a prescription.”
Pets for The Elderly Foundation Phone: (480)625-4679
PAWS’ PO Box 1037, Lynnwood, WA 98046 Telephone: (425)787-2500
Fax (425)742-5711 or (425)787-2500 x850
Due to a generous grant from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation, adoption fees are waived for the senior applicants, and the rescue league strives to match them with a senior pet that suits them best.
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