SENIORS AND THEIR PETS

Program 8 

“When Pets Are Family” 

 “The ability to interact with animals should be preserved throughout the course of life for those who enjoy interacting with animals, whether through pet ownership or other forms of human-animal interaction.” 

While any pet owner can certainly attest to the many benefits of living with a furry friend, research confirming the health benefits of senior pet ownership have appeared in many well-respected publications and medical journals.  

Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include: decrease in blood pressure, decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decrease in feeling lonely and an increase in opportunities for socialization. 

How Do Pets Affect the Elderly? 

Having a pet helps older people get out of the house, exercise, meet new people, reduce stress, etc. For elderly pet owners, who often live alone or in group facilities, pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction and physical activity.    

10 Reasons Why Older People Need Pets 

1) Companionship  

Loneliness can become an unwelcome companion as we get older and can lead to depression as well as physical problems. Dogs mold their schedule and personality to you. They are never unavailable or off duty. Smaller dogs, in particular, can easily travel with you wherever you go.  

2) Having A Routine 

Although having a pet is a responsibility it needn’t be taxing. The routine of caring for a pet can give structure and purpose to daily life. Maybe you don’t always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to, and isn’t that a good thing? 

3) Exercise   

People benefit from regular physical exercise regardless of their age. But it is hard to get into a regular exercise routine and so easy to skip it. Having a dog can be a great way to make walking a regular part of your permanent daily plans. 

4) Stress 

Most older people with pets will exhibit less stress than their pet-less counterparts. Maybe it’s those regular walks or the sense that you have a friend to share life’s challenges. Or maybe it’s that cute little tail wagging every day when you wake up. 

5) Getting Out 

Having a pet that needs regular outdoor activity, helps you stay connected to life. You have to go to the vet, your friend needs to be groomed and washed, you both need to be involved in social activities. Having a pet keeps you connected. 

6) Making New Friends 

Pets are a great icebreaker. You can share a lot of activities, from communal walks, charitable events, and walking clubs.  

7) New interests 

Having a pet can expose you to a lot of new interests and activities. Like cleaning up the parks where you take you pet or maybe taking it to the hospital to visit with the sick or to a retirement home.  

8) Protection 

Having a dog can provide significant security. Most thieves will stay away from a house with a barking dog. The good thing is that the person on the outside of the door doesn’t know how big the dog is by his bark.     

9) Taking Care of Something 

It’s true you need your pet. But your pet also needs you, too. The desire to be useful and of value doesn’t stop when you retire or your kids leave home. It is very satisfying to take care of another living thing. 

10) Investing in Life 

At the end of the day, having a pet means that you have made a promise to continue being involved in another life. This commitment is one of the most positive decisions you can make as you grow older. 

For pet products, services, and health and wellness: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

The Best Pets for Seniors 

Different pets have different qualities and require varying degrees of commitment, energy, and resources. Some pets are ideal for active individuals, while other pets are better for people who may not have as much energy, a smaller living space or financial constraints.  

Most senior citizens are looking for a pet that allows them to maintain their current standard of living on a fixed income. Thankfully there are all kinds of pets available to all kinds of people. 

1. A) Dogs for Seniors

Many seniors like the idea of having a smaller dog, such as a Shih Tzu or Maltese, because they need less activities outside and can be picked up and safely transported by most seniors. 

1. B) Cats for Seniors

Cats make wonderful companions for seniors who don’t necessarily have the strength or energy to take a dog for a walk but still want a companion. Short-haired cats are the best choice for seniors since they are typically very independent, clean themselves, and are quieter than a dog. 

Cats have unique personalities, make soft noises, and don’t need a backyard for exercise or go to the bathroom.     

1. C) Fish for Seniors

Seniors don’t need a large aquarium that require a lot of maintenance. Just a small bowl or aquarium is easy for most people to manage. Although they will need a little lighting, filters, and regular feeding they are very soothing, peaceful, colourful and fun to look.   

1. D) Rabbits

There are nearly 50 breeds of rabbits that people like to keep as pets. Most are social animals that want to keep you company. Rabbits are a suitable option for apartment living since they can be letter-box trained, groom themselves, and are relatively quiet.  

For pet products, services, and health and wellness: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Seniors and Pet Care 

There are many ways to make caring for a pet easier for seniors! Here are just a few: 

• Look for automatic feeders and water dispensers. These gadgets can reduce the number of times they have to refill dishes. 
• Find a vet that does house calls. Having a vet come to you is a lot easier than you having to take your pet to them. 
• Check to see if your area has a Meals-on-Wheels program that will also feed your pet. The Humane Society has a program called Protect Animal Life (PAL). They usually pay for grooming, dental care, temporary boarding, and fostering for seniors’ pets.  
• Don’t be embarrassed to reach out to neighbors, family and friends to give you a hand with walking or feeding of your pet.  

• If you can’t take your dog for a walk or clean the fish tank, hire someone to do it for you.  

For Pet Products, Services, and Health and Wellness 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

 For pet products, services, and health and wellness: 

“Click here for Professional Help and support” 

Conclusion: 

Pets can ease pain. Two in five seniors who live alone and have poor physical health problems say that their pets help them take their minds off the pain. 

Many studies found that therapy dogs provided “significant reduction in pain and emotional distress among those with chronic pain. After all, pet owners who look into a dog’s eyes for at least five minutes get a boost of the feel-good oxytocin hormone in the brain”.  

THE SOSOPWORLD TEAM