Your elderly loved ones may be living alone and may have feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may feel as though they do not have a sense of purpose that keeps them going. Companionship and unconditional love are what they need to help them live life to the fullest and pets can offer that!
Pets are commonly known to be members of the family due to the fond attachment that grows between the pet and the owner. The bond between a pet and owner grows stronger as they spend more time together. It is like the great Hachiko who return to the station every day to wait for his owner’s return even though the owner had passed on at work. Pets are loving and loyal to their owners which may be what your loved ones need!
There are special breeds of pets that are more suited for the elderly. There are many different pets for the elderly that can provide life-enriching benefits! If your living community is pet friendly, it is a great idea to consider getting a pet suited for the elderly.
Lower Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that owners with pets often have lower pressure than those who do not have pets. Having lower blood pressure can reduce the chances of heart issues and can potentially prolong your lifespan. The cuteness of your pets also reduces the level of stress you experience and it can provide some comfort from their physical touch. Watching them play and do adorable things also reduces our anxiety and depression. So if you are having a bad day, just look at your pet!
Reduce Loneliness
The main reason for owning a pet is often for the companionship of another. A survey conducted in 2018, states that one in five people who are aged 60 and older experiences mental conditions like dementia and depression. These illnesses are often triggered due to loneliness. Having pets that care and love you just the way you make you feel less alone in this world. Your pets will help lighten your mood and remind you that you are their world.
Active Lifestyle
Having a pet keeps us active and moving a lot. Especially if you decide to have a dog, they often require frequent walks to the park and even it requires social interactions with other dogs and humans. They do need to be walked and engaged daily to ensure that they do not become restless at home. These active dogs will encourage you to live a more active lifestyle as well! Some seniors who have hearing impairment may choose to depend on their dogs to alert them if their doorbell rang or if the phone is ringing. While you are exercising your dog, you are also exercising as well!
Encourage to Loosen Up
Sometimes our loved ones may not be open to having new strangers living in the house. It may be difficult for them to get used to and it will take some time. However, pets will always try to approach you first. They tend to consistently come to you for love and affection. This will then cause us to slowly open up to them as well and we will grow dependent on them as they are dependent on us. This is how a relationship between an owner and a pet blossoms. Eventually, you two will become inseparable! Sometimes pets can also help us ease our pain. In recent research, it suggested that having pet therapy after surgery will help to reduce the need for pain medications while they are in recovery.
