The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the Elderly

Science has proven something that pet lovers have always known to be true- having pets makes our lives better! Studies show that pet ownership has a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Research by American Psychiatric Association shows that our furry friends offer more than meets the eye, through their loyal companionship they provide owners with social and emotional support- two key pillars of mental health. The companionship offered by our fuzzy friends contributes to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Depending on what type of pet you have, they can even promote a more active lifestyle! According to The New York Times, dog owners see an increase in physical activity due to their pet's needs. People who walk their dog get an average of 200 more minutes of physical activity per week than non dog owners! Because our physical health can boost our mental health, this is another way that pet ownership can benefit mental health.

Seniors and Pets: A Special Bond

As adults age they often lose access to many of the hubs they had for socializing, such as work. Pet ownership can help to combat loneliness through companionship. Dog owners specifically have extra opportunities for socialization, either walking your dog or taking them to a dog park opens the door for conversations with others you pass by on the street or see at the dog park.

The human-animal bond positively contributes towards healthy aging in several areas, including:

• Fights against anxiety, stress, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Lower blood pressure

• Lower cholesterol

• Physical activity, obesity, cardiovascular health

• Improved quality of life

Barriers to Pet Ownership for Aging Seniors

We have already discussed the health benefits of pet ownership for seniors, but what happens if a senior can no longer care for their pet? The daily tasks of pet ownership can be difficult for seniors to keep up with if they lose mobility or are recovering from an injury or surgery. Tasks such as: walking your pet, feeding your pet, and transporting them to vet visits all require some level of physicality, and as such can become difficult at some point or another.

How Home Care Can Help

For any seniors who may be experiencing difficulties in managing household and personal care tasks due to age-related challenges or health issues, home care services can indeed be a vital part of the solution. These services are designed to provide assistance tailored to individual needs, ensuring that seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life while receiving the support they require. One area where home care can be particularly beneficial is in the realm of pet ownership. Many seniors cherish their pets and the companionship they provide, but certain responsibilities associated with pet care can become overwhelming as mobility decreases or health conditions arise. Home care aides are trained professionals who can step in to support you in various aspects of pet ownership, completing any task that may feel too demanding or strenuous.

Home Care Aides Can:

• Walk your dog

• Feed your pet

• Light cleaning up after your pet

• Transportation to vet and groomer

Conclusion

In conclusion, pet care can be incredibly beneficial for your health and the benefits for senior citizens specifically cannot be overstated! If the aging process makes pet ownership difficult, home care may be a great way to get some extra help with pet care.

For more information on home care, read our recent blog post Home Care 101: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions. If you are interested in home care for yourself or a loved one, please call Total at 219-937-2811.