Pets may help boost health of older people

HAVING a pet can help older people cope with mental and physical health issues.

During a study, more than three-quarters of pet owners said their animals helped reduce stress. Two-thirds of pet owners, and 78% of dog owners said pets helped them stay physically active, and 65% people said having a pet helped them connect with other people.

More than 70% said pets helped them cope with physical or emotional symptoms, and 46% reported it helped take their mind off pain. The study questioned 2 051 people aged 50 to 80 years.

“Relations with pets tend to be less complicated than those with humans, and pets are often a source of great enjoyment,” said Mary Janevic, one of the researchers at the University of Michigan in the US.

“They also provide older people with a sense of being needed and loved.”

Researchers said social connections and activities with friends and family were also key to quality of life. | IANS