The Importance of Companion Animals For Seniors
The role of pets in the lives of the aged is particularly significant. Numerous studies show pets provide a range of benefits, from reducing heart disease to improving mood and wellbeing.
In America, 68% of households own a pet. This equates to about 90 million dogs and 94 million cats. America even has its own special celebration of pets, with February 20 being National Love Your Pet Day. This initiative encourages pet owners to give their four-legged friends the added care and attention they deserve.
Ways to treat your pet on this day include:
Tasty treats
Pet gifts
Grooming
Extra TLC
Pet protection
Pet day trip
A long walk
THE INHERENT BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP FOR SENIORS
As people get older, reports of a sedentary lifestyle, illness, loneliness, sleeplessness and depression become more common. Having a pet gets people out of the house, meeting new people, exercising more, sleeping better, and reducing stress.
Studies show that the bond between people and their pets can increase physical activity, bring a greater sense of happiness and do so much more. Pet ownership can:
Increase fitness
Researchers have found that dog owners are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking per week than non-dog owners. A study by the Journal of Physical Activity & Health also found that owning a dog promotes health and fitness even after you’ve taken your dog for a stroll, increasing leisure time physical activity by 69%. This increased level of fitness in dog owners reduces the risk of chronic disease.
Lower stress and anxiety
Whether its comfort, cuddles, laughter or physical activity, having a pet leads to a release in calming endorphins - oxytocin. Increased calmness can even be as simple as watching the smooth nature of swimming fish.
Petting an animal has a calming effect and one study found that cat owners were 30% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke because a cat can lower the amount of anxiety in your life.
Reduce cardiovascular risk
Pet ownership increases physical activity and favourable lipid profiles, lowers systemic blood pressure, improves autonomic tone and diminishes sympathetic responses to stress. Despite similar body mass index (BMI), studies show those with pets have less presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Several studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure than non-owners - probably because their pets have a calming effect and because they increase exercise. The power of “touch” also appears to be an important part of the “pet effect.”
Sharpen mindfulness skills
Mindfulness offers a host of benefits including enhanced mental clarity, improved concentration, and the ability to better relate to others. Cats, dogs, rabbits and other pets add so much richness to life that this is one area they can help with.
Pets tend to soothe our worries simply by being there. They play a vital role in life, offering no judgement and providing a listening ear for secrets and emotions that otherwise might go unexpressed. Pets are “Zen Masters,” teaching their owners to “simply be.” Animals aren’t concerned with anything other than what is happening now, and when you interact with them you can’t help but take on that same sense of mindfulness.
Increase social inclusion
When a pet is present, the number of social encounters for seniors is higher. This pattern is reflected in qualitative data carried out in group homes and supported living options and it suggests that a pet can help to break down social norms about speaking to strangers. It also suggests that a dog walking program could encourage convivial encounters, which in the long term could be catalysts for building social connections.
Humans have close relationships with animals and while companion animals have been previously identified as a direct source of companionship and support, their role as a catalyst for friendship formation and social support among humans shouldn’t go unrecognised. Pet ownership facilitates three dimensions of social relatedness: getting to know people, friendship formation and social support.
Offer a sense of purpose
A sense of purpose is important for human beings, as is a need to feel connected, which offsets loneliness and brings happiness. Having a pet to wake up to or come home to, having someone who’s so happy to see you - it does wonders for your sense of purpose.
For veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress (PTSD), adding a pet or service dog has been found to improve mood and reduce depression. People with PTSD often struggle with emotional numbness, night terrors, paranoia and loneliness. A pet can increase a veteran’s social participation and even willingness to leave their homes.
In one study, veterans participating in an owner-trainer program experienced significant reductions in symptoms of perceived stress, isolation and self-judgement.
Give a sense of security
Feelings of physical security are increased through pet ownership, with dogs in particular helping seniors to feel more safe within their home. Dogs let you know when someone is around and provide a sense of protection against crime.
Pet ownership can also offer a source of aid during a time of incapacity, providing assistance during times of danger or distress. There is much evidence of the benefits of pet facilitated therapy and assistance dogs in providing independence for people with impairments.
Help you sleep
More than 40% of seniors report poor sleep on a regular basis. Because pets help seniors stick to a routine, sleep is improved. The time it takes to fall asleep is also improved with the comfort of having a pet nearby easing anxiety.
CHALLENGES OF PET OWNERSHIP FOR SENIORS
For people on a pension, the costs of pet ownership may be prohibitive. Those on a budget may want to consider a rabbit or small pet over a dog. Flemish Giant Rabbit reveal that you can expect to pay $20-$40 for a rabbit from a pet store, and $5-$20 for a rabbit from a rescue, plus annual costs as much lower than cats or dogs. However, it's important to remember that as well as everyday care and products like rabbit hutch, there are costs for each veterinary visit that quickly add up. Other restricting factors include:
Care in your absence
The older you get the more likely you are to experience a stay in hospital, move into an assisted living facility or pass away. Who takes care of your pet in your absence?
Research suggests that some senior pet owners are reluctant to visit a doctor for fear of being separated from their pet. Their pet’s health and wellbeing takes precedence over their own - a frightening concept for friends and family to accept.
Physical demand
That extra exercise that comes with pet ownership does wonders for your overall fitness but it also carries with it some risk. Studies show that bone fractures are commonly related to seniors walking their dogs or falling while interacting with their pet.
Disease
Pets can carry certain bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that could be dangerous for older adults with compromised immune systems. Cats are renowned for the bacteria that causes “cat scratch disease” which can present as mildly infected scratches but can also cause swollen lymph nodes and fever.
WEIGHING UP THE PROS AND CONS
The bottom line is that there are both positives and negatives to pet ownership. Animals require lots of time and energy and if owning a pet is too physically demanding or expensive, pet therapy services that make house calls are also springing up across the country.
