Benefits of Pets for Seniors

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Pets for seniors

You’ve probably noticed that when you pet a soft, warm cat or play fetch with a dog whose tail won’t stop wagging, you relax and your heart feels a little warmer. Scientists have noticed the same thing, and they’ve started to explore the complex way animals can affect the emotions and physiology of humans.

The resulting studies have shown that owning and handling animals significantly benefits health, and not just for the young. In fact, pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives.

How do they do it?

There are a number of explanations for exactly how pets accomplish all these health benefits. First of all, pets need walking, feeding, grooming, fresh water, and fresh kitty litter, and they encourage lots of playing and petting. All of these activities require some action from owners. Even if it’s just getting up to let a dog out a few times a day or brushing a cat, any activity can benefit the cardiovascular system and help keep joints limber and flexible. Consistently performing this kind of minor exercise can keep pet owners able to carry out the normal activities of daily living. Pets may also aid seniors simply by providing some physical contact.

Studies have shown that when people pet animals, their blood pressure, heart rate and temperature decrease.

Many benefits of pet ownership are less tangible, though. Pets are an excellent source of companionship, for example. They can act as a support system for older people who don’t have any family or close friends nearby. Research has shown that people with pets were better able to remain emotionally stable during crises than those without. Pets can also work as a buffer against social isolation. Often the elderly have trouble leaving home, so they don’t have a chance to see many people. Having a pet gives them a chance to interact, which helps to combat depression, one of the most common medical problems facing seniors today. The responsibility of caring for an animal may also give the elderly a sense of purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. Pets also help seniors to stick to regular routines of getting up in the morning, buying groceries, and going outside, which helps motivate them to eat and sleep regularly and well.

If there are older people in your life that you think might benefit from having a pet at home, be sure to talk to them before you pick one out. Make sure that they want the responsibility of a new pet, as well as the noise and the mess that may come along with it. Talk to them about whether they feel capable of feeding, watering, grooming, exercising, and cleaning up after an animal. If they decide they’re willing to accept that responsibility, take your elderly friend or family member out with you to the humane society or the breeder to pick out a new furry friend. They may fall in love with a dog or cat that might never have caught your eye.

Finally, before you encourage an older person to adopt a pet, consider whether you could take care of the animal if its owner is no longer able to.

Pets and the elderly have a lot to give to each other. Though pets can’t replace human relationships for seniors, they can certainly augment them, and they can fill an older person’s life with years of companionship and unconditional love.

University Touts Benefits of Dogs for Seniors

Texas A&M says dogs and senior citizens can be a perfect match.

Posted: March 1, 2010, 2 a.m. EST

Dog and senior citizenThe Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences recently released a reminder of the benefits of pairing an elderly person with an appropriate pet.

"Humans and animals need love, companionship and activity," explained Kit Darling, MS, infection control coordinator at the college, and Aggieland Pets With A Purpose (APWAP) volunteer.

"The elderly who are in assisted-living and long-term care facilities enjoy visits from pets,” Darling said. “Animal-assisted therapy organizations such as APWAP provide visits. It is a very rewarding experience to see a person smile and enjoy time with Dexter and Daschle, my pet Dachshunds. Their presence causes residents to talk about pets they once had. One lady gets so excited when Dexter visits, she will invite him to ‘sit on Grandma's lap.’”

Just as elderly people in assisted living desire the companionship of animals, seniors living independently can benefit from a daily routine that includes a pet.

According to the Texas A&M release, recent studies have indicated that positive interaction with pets helps seniors overcome depression and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

"Pets keep seniors active both physically and mentally,” Darling said. “Walking the dog or going outside with the dog will increase one's activity. Fresh air and sunshine are good for both. Stroking or brushing the animal is good exercise for the hands and arms. Pets may motivate the elderly to do activities they might not do otherwise."

Despite all the benefits of dog ownership for seniors, choosing the right pet is absolutely essential.

"An animal such as a cat or small dog that can sit in a person's lap may be better for the elderly," Darling said. "Large dogs may be more difficult to control."

One also must consider the commitment involved, in both time and money.

"Food, grooming and veterinary expenses are some of the costs associated with having a pet,” Darling said. “These may be difficult for someone on a limited income. A smaller animal may help to decrease some of these costs."

Another consideration is lifestyle. If you are a senior who loves to travel, Darling says advanced planning is a must.

Dogs, Seniors Are a Healthy Combination

Seniors say dog ownership contributes to sharp minds and active lifestyles.

Seniors 60 years old and older say their pets help keep their minds active, memories sharp, and contribute to their overall happiness, according to a recent survey by Purina Pet Care.

“Research showing the physical benefits of pet ownership for seniors, which include lower systolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels, has been well-documented over the years,” says Steve Cohn, DVM, a Purina Pets for Seniors veterinarian. “However, seniors also benefit emotionally from pet ownership, which might not be as easily seen on the outside, but can greatly impact their quality of life and enable them to feel their best.”

The survey showed that 88 percent of senior respondents say constant companionship is the best part of owning a cat or dog, and 69 percent say their pets make them look forward to each day.

The results also revealed pet ownership may contribute to a more mobile lifestyle; 45 percent say they became more active after adopting a pet and 26 percent of the female respondents said they lost weight.

Dogs, Seniors Are a Healthy Combination

Seniors say dog ownership contributes to sharp minds and active lifestyles.

Seniors 60 years old and older say their pets help keep their minds active, memories sharp, and contribute to their overall happiness, according to a recent survey by Purina Pet Care.

The survey showed that 88 percent of senior respondents say constant companionship is the best part of owning a cat or dog, and 69 percent say their pets make them look forward to each day.