Benefits Of Pets For Older Adults

Old age is the hardest stage of life and while we live our youthful days, we forget that our elders get lonely living a solitary life. However, with the company of a pet, they get the source of comfort and friendship that seemed to be missing from their life. With a pet, comes the feeling of joy, happiness, and renewed enthusiasm for life that can get your elderly energized with a new purpose i.e. caring for a furry buddy.

❤️ Provides companionship and emotional support

As people reach an age where they have to retire from work, they are then faced with boredom and loneliness. They need something to not only fend off the boredom but provide them with the sense of companionship. Pets are a great option for companions, especially for old individuals. With a pet, an elderly person will have someone to play with, someone to cuddle with and someone to talk to. WIth a pet, they can have a constant in their life who can erase the feeling of isolation and provide them with unconditional love.

💪 Improves physical health

With old age comes weaker bones and that is when you need to stay fit the most. Having a pet gives elderly people a chance to do activities that keep their physical health up and provides them with some necessary work out. For example, a pet, mainly a dog, needs to be taken out for a walk regularly which also allows the elderly to walk with their furry buddy and get some physical stimulation that keeps them healthier and fitter. Another activity to improve physical health is playing with the pet. They can play throw and fetch, tugging rope, chasing games, etc. Caring for a cat’s litter box is also an activity that helps older adults stay active and maintain mobility. Swimming is also a great option for a physical workout, especially if the older adult has a pet who is a decent swimmer. Other minor activities include taking their pet to the vet, picnic in the park, local events, gardening, etc.

🧠 Improves mental health

Pets help us live in the now and increase mindfulness which is exactly what our elderly needs. When older people have too much spare time, they often reminisce about past memories, good and bad. They also have lived through enough to recollect the losses they encountered in their lives. Such experiences create anxiety disorder, depression and stress. To avoid such occurrences, pets are best suited to accompany an elderly. Pets are excellent companions and can be highly interactive, which can help relieve anxiety. They also provide a source of comfort during times of distress. The presence of a pet can help distract from anxious thoughts and provide a sense of security. Simply spending time stroking, cuddling or playing with a pet has proven to reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. The interaction itself triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation, leading to a calmer state of mind.

👥 Social interaction

Activities with pets that lead you outdoors often pave the way for social interactions. For example, walking a pet allows your elderly to meet other pet parents, inciting topics of conversations related to their pets which can lead to speaking about other things they have in common. Additionally, visits to the vet or training classes can also increase the chances of interacting with other people. Social interactions not only provide your elderly with friends but also promote mental health like keeping them more cheerful, happier, more excited for the coming day, etc.

📅 Routine

The company of a pet gives your elderly a routine that structures their life. Instead of spending their days only watching tv or reading, they can engage in different activities with their pet. A pet requires to be fed multiple times a day therefore the older adult would need to come up with a consistent feeding schedule for the pet. If the senior has a dog, they would need to factor in regular walks, training and exercise sessions to keep the doggo healthy and happy. Although visits to the groomers or the vet won’t be regular, your elderly may need to plan for such occurrences when the need arises.

As senior adults grow older, they can begin to feel more and more disconnected from those around them. To keep their loneliness at bay, it is recommended for them to get a pet. The presence of a pet can have a profound impact on your elderly’s mental as well as physical health as mentioned above. At the end of the day, the only thing to keep in mind is the amount of happiness a pet can bring in a lonely senior’s life through their unwavering affection, companionship and support.

💕 Share the love for pets! Help other pet parents by sharing this blog 💕