| Unconditional affection and loyalty, companionship, | | | | increase mental alertness. Seniors with pets tend to |
| reasons to live and love... these are the essence of | | | | be more engaged in reality and feel more secure. |
| pet ownership. Many studies have proven the value | | | | Most of all, a pet is a huge ego boost for any owner; |
| of pet ownership for senior citizens. The findings | | | | to be so loved is a great antidote to all the stress of |
| underscore that an older person with a pet is | | | | life. The love of a pet is summed up by the saying: |
| ALMOST a match made in heaven. | | | | "God, help me be the person my dog thinks I am!" |
| | | | | |
| As one ages, new experiences occur which are not | | | | Despite the amazing aspects of pet ownership, a |
| always welcome: loss of independence, moving to | | | | few disadvantages must also be noted. Before |
| new surroundings, loss of a spouse, loss of friends, | | | | investing in a pet, people should review their budgets |
| changes in physical health. These changes can | | | | and activity levels. Make sure that the care and |
| create a time of increased loneliness, loss of interest | | | | feeding of the pet is affordable and the animal is not |
| in hobbies, and depression. Love is a perfect | | | | too strong or active. |
| prescription for loneliness, and there is no better | | | | |
| delivery device for love than a happy bundle of fur | | | | Active pets can also become a fall risk for a senior |
| also known as a pet. | | | | citizen. A senior should be careful to choose a pet |
| | | | | who does not jump up or get in the way of the |
| The list of the advantages of pet ownership for the | | | | elder's feet. Elders must also be careful of pet toys |
| elderly is quite extensive. From a purely medical | | | | that might be left around the floor. |
| point of view, studies have shown pet ownership to | | | | |
| reduce blood pressure, reduce stress anxiety and to | | | | Some people feel pets reduce their ability to travel. |
| reduce depression. Reduced rehab time after heart | | | | If you have an older person in your family, make |
| attacks has been documented in the pet owning | | | | sure that any pet ownership decision involves them; |
| population; coronary disease and cholesterol issues | | | | never just present them with a pet. |
| are reduced as well. Pet owning seniors also visit | | | | |
| the doctor less often. Muscle strength and flexibility | | | | Pets occasionally carry diseases or cause allergies; |
| are better. Many of these physical benefits are | | | | these may be issues for people with compromised |
| traced to the increased activity, such as walking, that | | | | immune systems. Additionally, when investing in a |
| pet owners undertake with their animals. Walking | | | | pet, make sure an alternate care plan is in place if the |
| also keeps them in touch with the restorative | | | | owner's health changes. Even if the animal needs to |
| aspects of the surrounding community and nature. | | | | reside with someone else, they can still be brought |
| Intangible, psychological benefits have been | | | | for visits and continue their positive therapy. |
| documented as well. Stroking animals relieves | | | | |
| stress, and the presence of non-judgmental, devoted | | | | Lastly, senior citizens need to face the potential of a |
| pets combats loneliness. As a result, depression, | | | | pet's death. Often ownership of a new pet is the |
| often due to loss and isolation, is greatly reduced. | | | | best antidote to the bereavement, but this depends |
| The elderly also regain a sense of self-worth and | | | | on the elderly person's wishes and situation. Many |
| self-confidence when they are responsible for the | | | | older dogs at shelters are a perfect fit for these |
| care and feeding of another life. | | | | situations. They usually don't go through that |
| | | | | lanky overly-active puppy stage, are usually potty |
| Additionally. pet ownership pushes seniors to take | | | | trained and often have already been spayed or |
| better care of themselves. A trip to the grocery | | | | neutered. There are foundations that help the elderly |
| store to stock up on necessities or preparation of a | | | | with the pet adoption cost if the animal is chosen |
| meal may seem burdensome to some older | | | | from a shelter. |
| people. Once they are concerned about having | | | | |
| food on hand for their dog or fixing a meal for their | | | | Although there are disadvantages to the elderly |
| dog or cat, the daily routines become important | | | | owning pets, the benefits far outweigh them. With |
| again. | | | | careful planning, these concerns can be overcome. |
| Pets also stimulate the brain, alleviate boredom and | | | | |