Benefits of Seniors Owning Pets

Owning a pet can not only provide joy and contentment, but there are also health benefits as well. Many people have grown up with pets as part of their family. For seniors, owning a pet can help them to stay mentally and physically active as they age. There are numerous benefits to having a dog, cat, rabbit, or other companion to care for.

Exercise: Taking a dog for walk can be a great source of exercise. It allows seniors to get out and about and stretch their muscles. They have more motivation to get moving when they see the joy it brings their pet and themselves. Even the act of petting a dog or cat can help with gross and fine motor skills. Throwing a ball, shaking a toy, and brushing your pet’s fur can also stimulate more movement.

Companionship: Many seniors live alone. Having a pet around can provide companionship and a listening ear. It is a distraction during the day and can help to reduce loneliness. When out walking or at the park, dogs can promote social interaction. People young and old enjoy stopping to look at and pet dogs and this can lead to simple conversation and pride in their pet. Seniors can feel more confident in themselves with a pet by their side.

Reduces stress: The simple act of petting an animal can help to alleviate stress. Animals often have a calming effect and the repetitive motion of petting them can help to lower blood pressure and reduce tension. Dogs and cats are also great listeners and very faithful. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to talk to, even if they cannot talk back.

Provides a sense of purpose: Knowing that they have to care for their pet can give seniors a sense of purpose. They must remember to feed and care for it each day. Knowing that their dog is waiting for a walk or to go outside in the morning can motivate them to get up and stay active. Your senior may not have a lot of family or friends around, so the responsibility of owning a pet can help them to stay more mentally active as well. A pet can be a positive in their life and give them something focus on.

Before buying a pet, talk to your senior to see whether or not they would like an animal and what type they would prefer. Keep in mind their mobility, mental state, and health as well to pick a pet that fits well with their lifestyle and abilities. Older animals tend to be a better match for seniors because they are less active than puppies and kittens and are generally housebroken and trained already. Working with an organization that specializes in pet adoption for seniors can help you to determine if your loved one is a good candidate for a pet, and which pet would best fit in their life.