Elderly individuals who live alone or in a facility can greatly benefit from owning a pet. Research has shown that there are many physical and mental health benefits from keeping a pet nearby.
It is important for seniors to keep their minds and bodies active to stay healthy and a pet helps.
For many seniors, their remaining years can be lonely if they do not have family around. The benefits of having a pet can contribute to filling this void and keep them healthy in many ways.
One great benefit of owning a pet for senior citizens is that it can stimulate them mentally, which is an important aspect of keeping the mind healthy.
Research shows that the more the mind is stimulated, the stronger it will stay. According to Katharine Hillestad, a veterinarian, “A new pet can encourage someone to read up on an animal or breed, which can be very mentally stimulating and important at that age,”
Owning a pet can also reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Touching a pet causes healthy levels of oxytocin and endorphin to be produced in our bodies. Believe it or not, Oxytocin is the chemical that mothers produce when they are nursing their babies. This compound allows the mother to become emotionally bonded with their new baby. This same thing happens when people touch their pets, which in turn has many benefits including lowered blood pressure, a sense of relaxation, and increased happiness. It is the same chemical that is produced by exercise, that makes people feel happy and calm.
Keeping a pet also helps to eliminate loneliness.
Many seniors are alone at some point. Having a pet with them allows them to feel that they are not alone. It also enables them to be more social. For example, having an animal often leads to more conversations with new people since it is often a conversation starter when taking a dog for a walk or to a dog park.
Seniors can get pets from their local animal shelter or animal society.
Many places charge a small fee and will neuter/spade the animal before you purchase. It is an excellent way to get a pet as well as help an animal in need.