It’s no secret that pets can improve people’s lives, and seniors are no exception. For the elderly who have enjoyed having non-human family members in the past, continuing that connection could make a world of difference.
Seniors and Pets: Health Benefits and Challenges
Emotionally, research shows that companion pets reduce depression and loneliness in older adults. And they help physically as well; the American Heart Association has stated that elderly people who have pets also have lower blood pressure. The University of Michigan poll has assembled seniors and pets statistics that show aging pet owners tend to enjoy life more, stick to routines better, and cope more easily with physical symptoms than those who do not have pets. But that’s just the start!
In addition to the above benefits of having a pet, there are other reasons senior citizens and pets are a good combination:
- Increased activity: Going for walks, playing, or even just spending time in the yard with them can increase how much movement a senior gets in a day.
- Less stress: Older adults who have pets exhibit less stress than those who don’t have them.
- Less isolation: Related to the benefit of increased activity, a pet helps seniors stay less isolated. Not only are walks essential if you have a dog, but things like grooming, veterinary visits, training, and other activities get seniors out into the community.
- Protection and safety: Dogs especially can provide seniors with another level of security, barking to alert them of visitors and scaring off potential troublemakers.
- Sense of purpose: Taking care of someone or something else gives us all a sense of purpose, and that’s just as true of seniors. When the family grows up and is more independent, and they’ve retired from their career, a pet can give seniors the sense of being needed that they may be missing.
- Companionship: If someone has a pet, they’re never truly alone. This is just as true for birds and fish as it is for dogs and cats. Sharing their space with another living thing can provide companionship and comfort.
Susan Kurowski, Executive Director of the Pets for the Elderly Foundation, notes that there are some challenges to keep in mind when considering getting pets for seniors:
- The senior adopter must consider their living conditions. For example, if they are in a condo or senior housing, they must be aware of any covenants or restrictions.
- The senior must be aware of their ability to walk a dog, bend over to fill food and water dishes, and other possible physical limitations.
- Finances may also be an important consideration. Can the person reliably provide food, keep up with vet visits, etc.?
She adds, “None of this is to say that seniors are not capable of keeping up by any means – just a general awareness [of pet ownership].”
Pets for the Elderly
The Pets for the Elderly Foundation is a non-profit created just to connect seniors with lovable pets. Since opening in 2002, the organization has successfully placed 57,000 companion animals with seniors around the country. The foundation helps to pay adoption fees at participating shelters for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a cat or dog.
Companionship Pets for Seniors
A pet is an ideal solution for providing companionship for a senior. However, well-meaning family members should never surprise a senior with a pet as a gift. The senior should be involved in every step of the process. If you’d like to learn more, visit the “participating shelters” page of the Pets for the Elderly Foundation website to see if there is a place in your area to go meet a new furry friend.
But, a pet isn’t the only way to find companionship. The compassionate caregivers at Homewatch CareGivers® provide companion care as often as works for you, and they can help with pet care as well. Contact us online or call 888-404-5191 for a free in-home consultation.
