Pets are wonderful companions; they are often our best friends and confidants. Pet owners will know firsthand how their relationship with their pets has enriched their lives in many ways. However, do you know that when it comes to benefits of pets for seniors, these benefits become even more evident?
Pets bring many physical and mental health benefits to seniors. They are known to improve cardiovascular health and promote mental and emotional well-being. When pets give their owners unconditional love, they help to improve seniors’ health and their quality of life.
Pets Provide Companionship
Our social network tends to shrink as we move into our golden years, and this can lead to loneliness for some of us. Having a sense of belonging and connection with others is a basic human need. However, because of the necessary social distancing rules and the lack of social interactions since the COVID-19 pandemic began, social isolation and loneliness among people are on the rise. Needless to say, the impact of the pandemic has hit some of us more acutely than others.
In times like this, having a pet by our side can provide the companionship that we crave. Owning a pet gives us an outlet to express ourselves freely and receive affection in return. When our pets rely on us for survival, and come to us for love and attention, the feeling of being needed gives us a sense of purpose and responsibility, and allows us to find meaning in our lives.
Pets Make Us More Active
Having a pet motivates us to move more than we would normally. For instance, a daily walk with our dog is an excellent light exercise that improves mobility. At the same time, while outdoors, our skin gets to make vitamin D that helps to improve mood, bone health and overall well-being. According to a report published by the US National Library of Medicine, being physically active can lower stress levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Pets Give Structure and Purpose to Our Lives
We often feel lonely or purposeless, and may have a tough time getting used to life after retirement. The lifestyle changes and ample time on our hands may cause us to feel lost. We may even begin to see ourselves as a burden who has nothing to contribute to our family or the community. However, if we own a pet, it means that we will have some routines and responsibilities to carry out in our everyday life. Having a routine will help to establish some order in our lives. Having to feed, walk and play with the pets, or bringing them for grooming are daily activities that can keep us active and occupied, and give purpose to our days.
Pets Provide Opportunities for Socialization
Bringing your pets out for a stroll can increase your opportunities for human social interactions. Whether it is walking your dog, or shopping for pet food, being accompanied by a dog often makes it easier for neighbors and passersby to strike up a conversation with you.
Pets Provide Psychological Benefits
Pets have a profound effect on symptoms of depression. Pets, notably dogs and cats, live in the moment and as such, they encourage us to be engaged in the present instead of worrying about the future. Furthermore, when we are caring for our pets, we often derive a feeling of pride and accomplishment, and experience a sense of security in our own abilities. What’s more, the simple act of petting our furry friends can promote the release of serotonin, oxytocin and prolactin, which are hormones that elevate our moods.
A pet can make a huge difference in our lives. If you are thinking of getting a pet, remember to take some time to do some research on what kind of animals, or which dog or cat breed will be more suitable for you.
