Most everyone can automatically lower blood pressure and smile in
delight when petting an animal. For some reason, that act just brings
on a happy feeling. Pets can help seniors in many physical and mental
ways by providing physical contact and unconditional love to their
lives.
Research from the American Geriatrics Society determined
that seniors who live independently and have a pet are much healthier
and mentally more acute than those who don't. Pets help lower blood
pressure and other physical benefits and also help seniors live longer,
healthier and more enjoyable lives in all areas.
Pets can get
seniors up and moving - going on walks, changing litter boxes, grooming
and providing food and water. They also bring happiness with their
constant antics, playing and petting. The cardiovascular system and
joints are benefited tremendously by these actions.
Having a pet
to take care of and love may also help the emotional well-being of
seniors. Some seniors don't have a support system in place and tend to
become socially isolated. Pets give seniors a chance to interact in a
way that helps relieve the depression and anxiety from living alone.
Elderly
care centers are beginning to realize the benefits from pet
companionship and there are many who now allow residents to interact
with either their own animals or pets from organizations like Therapy
dogs and Pets on Wheels. Some nursing homes are also allowing pets to
live with their owners in the residents.
Some other ways that pets may help enrich the lives of the elderly include:
Relieving the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
Makes it easier for the senior to make friends.
Becoming more active.
Prevents loneliness, depression and anxiety.
Helps the senior to feel more secure.
Prevents certain illnesses such as heart disease.
Studies
show that seniors who have pets visit the doctor 20% less than those
who don't. The benefits of seniors owning and caring for pets are
numerous and the benefits to the animals are obvious. Pet ownership
seems to truly help seniors overcome many problems associated with aging
and brings a greater appreciation of life and how they enjoy it.
Although
pets can't take the place of human relationships in seniors' lives,
they can certainly enrich their time and sense of well-being. Before
giving a pet to a senior, be sure and assess his or her means to take
care of it and speak to the senior before actually presenting the pet.
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