As people age, they may face problems like loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and a loss of cognitive function. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can provide mental support and improve seniors’ health and well-being in several ways. Also, the 24-hour home care team can help them care for the pets if needed.
Keep reading to learn more about mental health and pet ownership.
Companionship and Less Loneliness: Seniors may feel alone and isolated, especially if they live alone or don’t spend much time with others. Having a pet is like having a steady friend. It gives them a sense of purpose and a link to another living thing. Being around a loyal and loving animal can help adults feel less lonely because they have someone to talk to and care for.
Increases Physical Activity: Caring for a pet involves physical activity, like taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat. Regular exercise is good for adults because it improves their physical health, strengthens their hearts, and helps them keep a healthy weight. Also, walking a dog outside can lead to more social contact with other pet owners, which can help people feel like they belong to a group. The 24-hour home care team can also help ensure the animals and seniors get their needs.
Reducing Worry: Interacting with pets has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Petting an animal produces oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” and endorphins, which make seniors feel calm and happy. This means that seniors who spend time with their pets may feel less anxious and have better emotional health generally.
Sense of Responsibility and Routine: Having a pet gives seniors a sense of responsibility and routine. Having a daily routine, like feeding and grooming the pet, can give structure and purpose, which is especially important for seniors who may have gone through big changes in their lives, like retirement or the death of a partner.
Increased Social Interaction: As mentioned above, pets can be great conversation starts and give seniors something in common to talk about. When they take their dog for a walk or go somewhere that allows pets, they might chat with a neighbor, a passerby, or another pet owner. These conversations can help seniors stay connected to their communities and feel less lonely.
Distractions From Health Problems: It can be mentally tiring for seniors to deal with long-term health problems or pain. Having a pet around can be a nice way to take their mind off their health problems and comfort them when things are hard.
It’s important to remember that having a pet may not be right for every senior since caring for an animal takes time, effort, and money. Careful thought must be given to mobility, allergies, and the ability to meet the pet’s wants. If an older person can care for a pet, it can be very good for their mental health and lead to a better, healthier, and more fulfilling life in their golden years. On the other hand, if pets aren’t a good choice for seniors, the 24-hour home care team can help seniors find volunteer opportunities with pets or even encourage seniors to foster pets if possible.
Sources:
https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/pets-and-seniors/
https://www.petsfortheelderly.org/our-work/research.php
https://bluemoonseniorcounseling.com/how-pets-can-benefit-older-adults-mental-health/
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-hour home care in Kalamazoo, MI, please contact the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care today. Call (269) 329-4717.
Fresh Perspective Home Care is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Richland, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Gull Lake, Yorkville and Otsego, Michigan.
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