Having pets is good for seniors’ health, happiness
Furry family members can boost your health in surprising ways. Pets can help decrease depression, lower blood pressure, enable a person to handle stress better and help reduce loneliness. This can be a huge benefit, especially for people who live by themselves and maybe have a limited social support system.
Spot and Princess can be calming companions. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute executive director Steve Feldman, when people interact with their pets, positive neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin become elevated in their brains, which produces a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing.
“Our residents can have pets,” said Kristin Malejan, director of resident life at Eagle’s Trace retirement community. “There’s no problem with that.”
Malejan also said they bring animals in for residents in their continued care facility.
“They very much enjoy it. It’s a great therapeutic activity,” she said.
“We do allow our residents to have pets such as cats and dogs and different things,” said Patrick Pheifer, executive director, Clarewood House senior community. “There’s a 25-pound approximate weight limit for the dogs.”
Choose wisely
It’s important to pick the right pet. Some have a lot of energy and require daily walks. Other pets are better for people who don’t have as much energy to give, have a smaller living space such as an apartment, and don’t want to have to do a lot of grooming or exercising their pets.
In general, smaller dogs can make good companions for seniors. They are lightweight, so there are usually no problems with them jumping up on anyone, as can happen with larger dogs. And smaller animals are easier for some seniors to safely handle.
However, some small-breed dogs, like terriers, can be hyperactive, so, it’s important to consider temperament.
Getting an adult pet might also be a good idea. Kittens and puppies are known for their energetic antics, which may be troublesome for some seniors to keep up with.
Short-haired cats can also make great pets for seniors. They are typically very independent, clean themselves and are quieter than dogs. They don’t shed hair everywhere, which needs to be cleaned up.
Many pet owners say the loving companionship their pets offer them is priceless, helping them through a tough day or a rough patch. They can’t imagine life without them.