Reap the Mental Health Benefits of Pet Ownership as a Senior

Growing old can be a difficult process, physically and mentally. For many, the golden years tend to become less golden as they age, and feelings of loneliness and isolation can be tough to battle. However, studies show that pets can significantly improve the mental, emotional, and physical health of seniors. In this article, Enjoying Aging explores how pets can do much more than just be our furry companions.

Living a Purposeful Life

One of the biggest challenges that seniors face is finding purpose and motivation in their daily activities. Particularly when they are retired, seniors can often feel unsure of how to fill their hours. Many feel uneasy or unfulfilled when they have nothing to do or can't contribute to society anymore. Having a pet can give seniors a sense of purpose, responsibility, and something to care for rather than sitting around feeling useless. By having a pet to care for, seniors can feel they are needed and that their life continues to hold value.

Relief From Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation

Another challenge that seniors often struggle to overcome is loneliness and isolation. When living alone, seniors can often feel that their world is small and insignificant, especially when their family and friends are busy or live far away. Pets provide them with constant companionship and can help to alleviate this feeling of loneliness. A pet's presence helps to create a more engaging home environment and provides seniors with someone to talk to and spend time with.

Encouraging Being Active

It's essential to keep the body and mind active when aging and some seniors lose interest in exercising or find it difficult to maintain a healthy routine. Pets, especially dogs, can help in this regard because they always need to exercise, and going for walks together can benefit both the owner and the pet. Walking a dog can promote physical activity, which is essential in preventing many age-related health issues, such as obesity and diabetes. A brisk morning and evening walk with your four-legged friend will not only provide both of you with much-needed exercise but also offer an opportunity to meet neighbors on a similar quest.

Enhancing Social Interaction

Pets can encourage social interaction with others, which is essential for any age group. They provide an excellent conversation starter and common ground for seniors, creating opportunities for socializing and meeting new people. Moreover, spending time with pets can also improve the mood of seniors, making them more positive

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and happier socially. Another benefit of meeting other like-minded people is finding someone trustworthy to leave your companion with while you go off to take care of much-needed business. Having to worry about your pet while you're gone adds unnecessary stress and having someone you can trust to come and let your dog out at different times of the day can put your mind at ease. It can also give seniors a sense of purpose and responsibility if they are the ones asked for help by someone else in need.

Providing Stress Relief

It may seem odd to some that a retired person would experience stress; they no longer have the worries or pressures of work, right? Believe it or not, stress is just as prevalent in seniors as it is in any other age group. Pets, especially dogs, have been shown to have a healing effect on hospital patients and help speed up the recovery process. A major benefit of owning a pet is the stress-relieving effects a pet provides. Just by petting a dog or cat, seniors can instantly feel calmer and more relaxed.

Pets Require Special Care and the Right Food

We've talked a lot about the amazing benefits seniors receive from pet ownership but what about what they should do for them in return? Pets are an important part of our lives and they deserve special care. One way to show that we care is by purchasing the right food for them. Imagine your furry friend enjoying lip-smacking kibble dog food, it's a simple way to make them happy and healthy. Another thing we advise to have on hand at all times is treats. Find the right kind of treat for your companion and watch how they brighten up the darkest days. They are also an excellent training tool when trying to get them to mind you when you are out with other owners.

Better Immune System

Studies have found that owning pets promotes a better immune system. Seniors are especially susceptible to illness, and pets can provide a way to fight off sickness. Researchers have discovered that children who grew up with dogs and cats had a more robust immune system against allergies, and the same goes for seniors. Pets can expose seniors to different bacteria that can help to bolster their immune systems.

However, this only applies if you are not already suffering from a weakened immune system. The human body has a remarkable way of fighting off viral and bacterial infections but like everything else, if the immune system becomes compromised it may not be able to cope. It is always best to keep your pet and your environment clean. Wash your hands after each time you play with your furry friend and never let your pet lick you on the mouth.

Providing a Sense of Security

Finally, owning a pet can provide a sense of security for seniors who live alone. Pets can act as home security systems or even as a companions during the night-time hours. Pets can have a significant impact on the mental, emotional, and physical health of seniors. They can provide a sense of purpose and responsibility, relieve stress, offer companionship, bolster the immune system, and help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Seniors can greatly benefit from owning a pet, and it's essential to consider the rewards of having these furry companions in their lives.

Visit Enjoying Aging for a wide variety of articles and resources that matter to seniors!

A special thank you to Lydia Chan at alzheimerscaregiver.net for contributing this article.

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